Page 140 of The Very Naughty List

As I step onto the stage, I feel almost ready to faint. But then I see all three of the triplets right there at the front of the pub,supporting me. And beside them, my best friend is cheering me on, joined by my sister and Lucas.

I can’t let them down. And more than that, I can’t letmyselfdown.

So when the music starts… I sing.

I sing for Reid, Sebastian, and Nick. I sing for Lucas and my sister. And I sing for my best friend, who came all the way here just to show me that she believes in me.

Letting go, I lose myself in the song as I belt out the tune. It feels good. It feels fuckingamazing. By the second song, I’m really starting to find my footing, and by the third and fourth songs, I’m actually able to look out at the rest of the crowd, my hips swaying to the beat.

By the time I finish the final song, the crowd applauds with wild enthusiasm.

I’m flushed with happiness and excitement as I step down from the stage. The Cooper brothers are waiting, and I run toward them to hug each of them in turn.

“You were so great!” Lorelai says.

Nick rubs at his beard, his eyes gleaming. “You were. Beyond great, even. You were astounding.”

“Like we knew you would be,” Reid adds. “You’re fucking incredible.”

“And just look at the response from this crowd!” Sebastian grins as he waves his hand to motion to the still-clapping audience. “They loved you!”

I’m delirious from the rush of it when someone comes up beside me and taps me on the shoulder. I turn around in surprise, frowning in confusion as a man I don’t recognize smiles at me and gives a little nod.

Normally, the guys tend to get a bit protective and possessive if another man approaches me, but right now, they’re grinning at each other as if they know a secret that I don’t.

What the hell? What’s going on?

“Miss Bennett, my name is Clarence McConnell. I’m an agent with Sky Talent. Your, um, boyfriends invited me here to see you sing this evening.” The tall, middle-aged man chuckles. “They were quite convincing, in fact.”

He holds his hand out for me to shake, but I just gape at him for a moment, floored by his words.

The guys invited a talent scout to this event just for me? Holy shit.

“There’s been some interest in you and your story already,” Clarence continues as I finally snap myself out of my daze and shake his hand. “The viral video and accompanying article about you has made you an internet darling. And once we get your music out there, I think the world is going to fall in love with you.”

“I’m sorry…” I grip Nick’s arm to steady myself, my mouth going dry. “What… what are you saying?”

Clarence chuckles, smoothing his perfectly styled hair. “I’m saying that I’m very glad these men convinced me to come and listen to you sing. You’re quite talented, Miss Bennett. My agency has been looking for smaller artists to represent—undiscovered talent, as it were—and I think you’d be a perfect fit. I’d love to sign you to Sky Talent, if that would be of interest to you.”

He hands me his card, and my fingers shake as I take it.

“I… yes, I’m definitely interested,” I say, my voice shaking.

“Great.” He nods, looking satisfied. “That card has my number. Give me a call on Monday, and we can discuss things. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and tell you more about our agency. We’re based in Los Angeles, and we have a fairly small roster, so you’ll get a lot of personal attention.”

I nod. “Okay. Thank you. I’ll be in touch.”

Clarence shakes my hand again, then does the same with each of the men before heading out. Once he’s gone, I turn to them all in shock.

“You invited a talent agent here tonight to hear me sing?” I blurt. “But what if I froze on stage? What if I didn’t do a good job?”

“Impossible.” Reid smiles at me, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. “We knew you’d fucking kill it, trouble.”

I throw my arms around him and kiss him, melting into his embrace before moving to kiss Sebastian too.

“Thank you,” I whisper as I press my cheek against his chest.

I kiss Nick last and linger in his arms as I try to soak all of this in. But then it hits me in a rush what “this” is, and I draw back suddenly, my smile melting away.

---