Page 19 of Lucas

Once I’ve finished, Trevor hands me a cold bottle of water out of the mini fridge before asking, “Wow, when did you come up with that song and how long have you been here?”

I take a long swallow and let the cold liquid quench my thirst before answering. “I had the lyrics written for a few days now, but I just started working on the music when I got here this morning. Not bad, huh?”

“Not bad? Hell, it’s fucking fantastic! I can’t wait until the other guys get here so we can jam with them. It’s going to sound mind-blowing.” We run through it a few more times and once we’re finished, Jet and Willow come strutting in. Timing is everything.

We spend the next few hours perfecting the song, and then once we’re happy with the way it all comes together, we take a break. “Hey, anyone want to run to Java Joe’s to get us a caffeine fix?” All heads turn towards me at the mention of the coffee joint I frequent daily. The place where I vowed to avoid like the plague, today of all days.

“I’m good,” I answer way too fast, and now I have three pairs of eyes drilling a hole in the back of my head. So I just turn around and stare right back at them. They don’t back down. I mumble, “You don’t want to know,” and go about my business.

“Lucas, I’m not touching that one. I’m going upstairs to make us a strong pot of coffee. I have a gut feeling we’re going to need it. Willow, want to help me slap something together so we have the strength to go on?”

“Sure thing. Now you boys get your second wind, because after the break we need to seriously get our practice on.” We all salute the queen bee and crack up laughing once she leaves huffing and puffing, leaving Jet and me alone in the quiet room.

“So, inquiring minds would like to know why you don’t want to get the coffee.” Fuck, I just know Jet will not let this one go. He’s like a pit bull with a bone.

“If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I swear I’ll deny it.” Jet holds up his fingers. Boy Scout’s honor. And I know for a fact he wasn’t a fucking Boy Scout, but I just tell him to get it over with. “I kinda hooked up with my favorite barista, and it was more intense than I ever thought it could be. End of story.”

He slaps his leg and whistles through his teeth. For some reason this pisses me off. I rarely share my sexcapades with the band since they called me a sex addict and wanted me to go see a shrink. Hell, I’m only twenty-three years old and at the prime of my life! While others are consumed with playing Minecraft all day, I’d rather be playing with the opposite sex.

“That sucks since you love going there, and it’s the closest one to your house. You best hope she gets fired so you can continue going there.” You have to forgive him, his reasoning makes little sense on any day.

Our conversation is interrupted by Jet and Willow carrying two trays full of sandwiches, pickles, chips, and a steaming pot of coffee. Just what we all needed to carry us through the rest of the day.

We call it a wrap, as the sun dips below the horizon. After putting all of our equipment in its rightful place, we all pitch in and clean up the mess we made in the kitchen. After we worked off our first feast, we made nachos, sliders, and cheese fries. Not the healthiest, but so damn good.

By the time we’re finished, I’m exhausted since I’ve been here since first light. So, when Willow offers to give me a ride home, I can’t find it in me to refuse. We say goodbye, get a warm hug from Mrs. C—I think we woke her up with all our banging around—and head out. By the time Willow pulls up to my front door, I’m so done.

“Thanks for the lift, Willow. I don’t think I would have made it home, I’m so tired.” She takes me by surprise when she gives me a one-armed hug.

“Anytime, Lucas. Get some rest. We have a lot going on in the next few days.”

“Don’t remind me. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. See ya tomorrow.” I close the door behind me and wave as she drives away. All I can think about is thank fuck I can use the elevator since I won’t make it up four flights of stairs.

Sliding the door closed, I kick off my shoes, drop my backpack, and collapse on the bed. Where Abby’s scent cradles me in her arms and I fall into the deepest sleep I’ve had in a very long time.

***

Abby

I goabout my day in some kind of daze. While his scent lingers on my skin from last night. Whether or not he wants to admit it, we have a connection. It’s vibrant and beautiful when we’re together and it’s not just about the sex. It’s there when we’re talking, texting, or just messing around in the coffee shop. It’s provocative and all-consuming. Neither of us wants to verbalize it for fear of ruining the intensity we feel. But I wouldn’t be pursuing him like I am if I didn’t think he felt the same way.

I’m driving home when my phone rings. I accept it on Bluetooth. I don’t even get a chance to say hello when Beth screams in my ear.

“Have you been holding out on us, Abby Cadabby? Spill your guts right now.” What the ever-loving hell is she talking about?

“I just got off my shift at the shop and I don’t have time to play games. I’ve never been good at guessing, so you tell me what I’m so secretive about.”

“How long have you and Lucas been hooking up?” Um, I didn’t see that one coming at all. Not in a million years.

“I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about. Lucas? I wish. Look, I’m just about to go under the tunnel and I won’t have service. Talk later.” She’s screaming in my ear when I click off. How the hell does she know?

I thought for sure she was going to grill me about the hottie from the club the other night. Of course they didn’t believe me when I told them I didn’t know his name. Blaming me for holding out so I could keep him all to myself. Yeah, right. This came out of left field and might be the reason why I feel like I’m having a heart attack. Seriously.

I’m stressed and dazed when I pull into my parking spot. They’re already here, flagging me down with a million questions. I get out of my car, slam my door, and ignore them. To say I’m pissed would be an understatement. Nothing like feeling cornered after you’ve had a long ass day.

“What the hell, you guys? I just had the day from hell and all I want to do is shower, put on my comfy clothes, and go to bed!”

“After you answer all of our burning questions, we’ll grant you whatever you want.” They have the nerve to follow me inside without an invitation. Wonderful.

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