Page 6 of Sing Your Heart Out

“You’re rude,” I tell Autumn. “Bless your heart, no one must’ve taught you better.”

Dee and Dwayne both repress giggles. Dwayne moves the circle on. “Smith tell us your story.”

I turn toward Smith, who looks annoyed at the attention from the whole room. I feel a pull towards him, a magnetism that I can’t explain.

The last time I felt that way was when I met Martin. I swallow, my heart leaping into my throat.

“Like he said, I’m Smith. I’ve lived in LA for ten years. I’m the lead singer and songwriter for my band Mystic Spiral. I’ve been a songwriter since I was a kid, I think.”

After a second, it becomes clear that Smith is done talking. So the circle goes on, finishing a few people later.

Taking the opportunity to check Smith out while he is turned toward his other side, I try to figure out what it is about him that has so captured my attention.

Is it his height? I would guess that he’s at least six foot four inches.

Is it just that he’s hot? His dark hair and amber eyes do somehow make his rugged jawline even more attractive…

But somehow, I think it’s more than that. I just don’t know what.

After we go through the rules and sign yet another form, we’re released for the night. Everyone breaks up into little groups, chatting amongst themselves.

Marco appears at my side and I pale. I thought I made my feelings perfectly clear, but apparently not.

While I’m panicking and trying to think of how to tell him to mind his own business, Smith steps in.

“Do you maybe want to see the plants outside?” he suggests, standing up. “They are… um… nice.”

I jump at the chance. “Yes! I love plants.”

Another lie. I have a black thumb. But Smith smiles and does a funny little bow.

“After you.”

He escorts me outside, ignoring an obviously pouting Marco. Once we are out there, Smith is pretty closemouthed.

For the life of me, I cannot think of what I should say to the brooding giant as he walks beside me.

How tall are you?

Have your eyes always been so smoldering?

Do you just make all women weak in the knees?

I swallow, biting my lip. None of that will do. So, I just look up at him, touching his arm briefly.

“Thanks,” I say, offering him a smile.

He looks extremely surprised. “Oh! Uhhh… you’re welcome, I guess. I’m just doing what’s right.”

“You didn’t have to, though. None of the other guys did.”

His gaze shifts, taking in all the other guys. “Yeah, I guess not.” He pauses, looking around. “I think Marco is gone. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to head upstairs now. I need some down time.”

He nods at me, heading back into the house.

And I’m left staring after him, wondering just what I should make of all that.

3

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