Page 36 of Bitter Beats

Jess fucking grins. “Then this is perfect. You can figure them out here while pretending to be Mav’s girlfriend.”

“And you can cut back, or even quit, working at the café.” Levi nods enthusiastically as if this stupid suggestion solves everything. Instead, it’s making everything worse.

“Absolutely,” Jess chimes in again. “All your financial needs will be taken care of if you accept this position.” Her words land hard, matter-of-fact.

Mckenna’s eyes widen, then narrow. She looks like she’s about to be sick. Or black out.

“Obviously,” Levi declares, waving a hand as if financial matters are beneath his consideration.

“And shit, this would really help the band,” Jameson breathes.

Mckenna winces again, and I swear under my breath. Anger toward my brother mounts—fucking Jameson. Why would he put her in this position?

Now, I know Mckenna will agree. Jameson’s hopefulness just solidified her decision and sealed her fate. Because at her core, Mckenna Byrne is an annoyingly good person.

The kind that does stupid shit to help others. Even fuckups like me.

But she shouldn’t have to.

We shouldn’t ask her to. None of us!

“Mckenna—” I say, blocking everyone out but her.

She meets my gaze slowly. The confusion that mars her expression pulls at something in my chest. She plucks one thread, and the whole damn thing starts to unravel. “Mckenna,” I try again.

You don’t have to do this.

This will never work.

I will fuck up a fake relationship like I’d fuck up a real one. Instantly.

You will drive me to fucking drink, and I will ruin you.

You deserve better; I don’t deserve you.

My mind whirls with thoughts. With reasons to shut this idea down. With ways to give Mckenna an out.

“This arrangement will free up your time for your studies,” Aiden says thoughtfully. “Especially if you plan to intern with a firm or an agency next semester.”

Quiet resignation ripples over Mckenna’s face as the spark in her eyes dims.

“Mckenna—” I clear my throat, a warbled sound of pain and frustration. Of fucking regret.

Because while she’s a do-gooder, I’m a taker. And right now, she’s my best option. I shouldn’t ask her to do this. It’s wrong. It’s crossing a line. I know better.

Her text message from last night flickers in my mind.

I’m sorry.

Her words from this morning.

I get what it’s like to screw up. Badly.

Dammit, I need her. She’s too good for me but she could be goodforme.

I work a swallow. Am I selfish enough to ask?

“For fuck’s sake, no wonder he’s never had a girlfriend,” Levi snickers.

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