Page 86 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

“I don’t know, Christian.” I hesitate. “I’ll have to check with the band. I might be the boss, but it’stheirtour.”

“All right.” He turns to Katrina. “But just out of curiosity, what’s your vote, Lil’ Benton?”

She smiles. “I approve.”

“Excellent,” Christian says, his handsome smile reaching his eyes.

I take a breath, smiling back.

So much for limiting distractions.

27

BRONSON

The vote is unanimous.

Christian Myers has officially joined the Break the Rules Tour.

I voted yes, reluctantly. I wanted to say no, but then I’d be on the hook for explaining why.

Because the bus is too crowded already.True.

Because I don’t want him around.Why not?

Because I don’t like the way he looks at Jordan.Why do you care?

Yeah, Bronson.

Why do you care?

So I raised my hand and voted yes.

Instant regret.

Music echoes through the empty Plaza ballroom. It’s a quick band practice, an extra chance to review our set list before tonight’s show. Knox and Katrina harmonize, their voices blending with Addison’s guitar and Jonah’s bass, while I pound out the beat behind them. It’sMarla’s Song,a track I can literally play in my sleep by now.

Looking forward, I stare at Jordan, but she hasn’t looked at me once this entire practice.

She’s too busy looking at Christian.

Because of course, he joined us. Because of course, Chrissy wants to catch up. Because of course, August is gushing all over him.

And of course, Christian seizes every opportunity to touch Jordan’s hand or graze her knee.

Blood boils in my veins. My heart pounds angrily, briefly throwing off my internal rhythm. I adjust quickly, but not fast enough for the others not to take notice. Addison glances back at me over her shoulder. I stay casual. I focus on my drums, my fingers locked around my sticks with a white-knuckle grip.

Jordan’s laughter sends me off balance again. I look up, spotting her between Knox and Jonah in front of me, her head thrown back.

Christian laughs with her.

He leans in, whispering some other punch line and making her laugh even harder.

I bring my stick down on the drum, and it snaps in my grip.

The pieces dig into my palm before tumbling out of my fingers onto the floor. I curse under my breath, the sudden shift in momentum lurching through my body as well, destroying whatever rhythm I had left.

The others look back at me and the music stops.

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