Page 127 of A Little Broken

“So, I know I'm known for being the dumbass of my band, but this feels like a low point, even for me.”

I laugh. “Whatever, Pax. Now, you’re being ridiculous.”

I go to smack his chest, but he grabs my wrist and tugs me into him, pinning me with his penetrating gaze. “Tell me this isn’t a stupid idea.”

“Is this you not being jealous again?”

“Nah, I’m very jealous, and I have no problem admitting it.”

Pulling back slightly, I take in the heat in his eyes and the tightness in his jaw. It’s a major turn-on. Seeing him like this. Honestly, I’m jealous. How sure he is of himself, including when it comes to showing his insecurities. Without shame or fear of judgment. He said it himself. He’s very jealous and has no problem admitting it. Like,damn.

“Good,” I decide. “Girls like it when guys are jealous.”

His brows lift. “Oh, they do, do they?”

“Not toxically,” I clarify. “But it’s nice knowing you’re wanted.”

“Agreed. So, do you want me?”

Rolling my eyes, I tug my hand from his grasp, ignoring the stupid pitter-patter in my chest. “About this introduction…”

He grumbles something under his breath, but I don’t hear anything specific as he lifts his chin at someone over my head. “Hey, man. What’s up?”

“Not much.” I turn around to find the infamous Cooper Johnson staring down at me. “This your girl?”

Don’t swoon. Don’t swoon. Don’t swoon.

“Not yet,” Pax jokes. “But I’m working on it.”

I smirk up at him, then offer my hand to the infamous Doomsday lead singer. “Hi, I’m Tatum.”

“Nice to meet you, Tatum. How’d you like the performance?”

How’d I like the performance? Is this man serious?

“You guys killed it,” I gush, trying to keep my enthusiasm in check, but seriously. It’s Cooper freaking Johnson. Clearing my throat, I add, “If I’d known I’d be meeting you, I would’ve brought a poster for you to sign or something.”

With a grin, he glances at Pax behind me, then tucks his hands into his pockets, offering, “I mean, I have a sharpie. I could always sign where I usually do?—”

“Not a chance,” Pax interrupts. His fingers brush against my hip as if he wants to pull me into him, but he stops at the last second, dropping his hand back to his side.

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Yeah, I’ve heard the rumors. I know exactly where the infamous Coop likes to sign. “Aw, come on, Pax. It’s just my boobs. I’m sure Coop wouldn’t mind.”

Pax glares down at me. “The only name that’ll be on your skin is mine.”

“Uh-huh, keep dreaming, buddy.” I lift my forearm to Cooper. “Here would be great.”

Retrieving a Sharpie from his back pocket, he bites the lid with his teeth and pulls the cap off, scribbling his name across the inside of my arm. Arms crossed, Pax watches, not even bothering to hide his frustration, and I can’t decide what I likemore. The look on his face, or the fact that my favorite artist of all time is writing his name on me.

Actually, I take it back. Sure, both things are pretty freaking epic, but only one of them is making my pulse vibrate and my knees weak, and that’s terrifying on a whole new level.

Yeah, Pax.

I’m pretty sure you don’t have anything to worry about, which givesmesomething to worry about.

Nibbling my bottom lip, I stare at the thick, bold signature etched onto my arm as Cooper adds “XOXO” above it.

“Coop, you promised me a tour of your tattoos!” a girl calls from my left.

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