Page 86 of Caught Stealing

“What else am I supposed to tell him?” I whisper.

But I don’t even need to ask. Just like I don’t have to look at his face to know exactly what he thinks I should have told Kason.

The truth.

“I stand corrected,” Holden says from beside me, knocking his shoulder against mine as we stand at the barricade between the last opener and the headlining sets.

“About?”

“Nowyou’re a kid in a candy store.”

I grin over at him, too high on the music to argue differently. Both of the opening acts killed their sets, and the energy radiating through the crowd as we’re waiting for the headliners to take the stage is top-notch. The VIP meet and greet was also cool, despite having already met the band when they first got signed. Add in how the vibe between Holden and I is still playful and fun—even after Kason’s momentary interruption—and the night has been nothing short of exhilarating.

And though it’s nowhere close to over, I think this is probably the best date I’ve ever been on.

As if reading my mind, Holden leans in closer to murmur, “Pretty good first date, right?”

“You honestly need me to boost your ego?”

He lets out a low chuckle, the decadent sound floating over my skin like satin. “I just want to know you’re having fun.”

“Oh, I can assure you, I am.” I lift a brow. “The question is, are you?”

“Yeah, it’s been great,” he responds, though it comes out a little too quickly. Then a frown forms on his lips before he adds, “Why would you think I’m not?”

I turn his way. “Because you’ve been antsy as shit the entire time.”

An embarrassed grin takes over his face, telling me he was aware of it as well, but probably hoping I wouldn’t notice. It becomes even more evident when his cheeks take on a pink tint I know isn’t from the heat of all these bodies jam-packed together like sardines.

“You’re about to judge me so hard for what I’m about to say,” he starts, a wry smile still in place. “I normally like to be in the pit for the heavier songs.”

“Black sheep,” I mutter immediately.

Some mixture of a sigh and laugh leaves him, and he shakes his head. “See. Judgment.”

“It’s not, and even if it was, don’t pretend you don’t enjoy it.” I tilt my head to the side, studying him. “So, why haven’t you gone back there yet?”

One brow hitches up as he looks at me, his tone is laced with sarcasm when he replies, “Probably because I didn’t wanna be that asshole who leaves you on the first date to go get thrown around by other dudes.”

“Hey, if that’s what gets you going…”

“You’re right, it could be a fun form of foreplay.”

A bark of laughter leaves me. “You’re unbelievable.”

The crowd erupts as the band members take the stage one at a time in the darkness. First is the bassist, Saint,and then the lead guitarist,Bishop, and the drummer, Rio, comes out next. I swear the anticipation is palpable; shouts and chants echo through the venue, bouncing off the walls in a chorus as we wait for the final member to take the stage.

And the second Nash Kaelin appears at the microphone at center stage, the whole place detonates all at once in a singular, feral scream.

The heavy drums and bass kick into their first song, and the crowd only gets wilder. The initial push forward from the pit presses the middle of my torso against the rail, and I instinctually grab for Holden so the bodies cramming together don’t separate us.

He must have the same idea, because I don’t have the chance to make contact with him before his hand is at the small of my back and fisting into my shirt.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he shouts in my ear, and when I glance over at him, I find a devious smile painted on his expression. One that looks a lot more devilish than any demon in the song Nash is currently screaming into the mic.

The first two songs they play showcase not only the entire band’s artistry but also the vocal range Nash was seriously gifted with. From hitting high notes most opera singers would be jealous of, to letting his demonic scream rip from his chest, the man can do it all.

And he does it with ease, stepping onto the riser and showing the crowd why he was born to perform.

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