Page 173 of On The Rocks

“You too.”

I heard voices deeper backstage. There were a staggering number of amps, speakers, and black trunks that could fit a whole person in them. They were wide open to show off shiny guitars, both acoustic and electric.

“You gotta put ‘Come Together’ on the setlist for the jam, man,” a voice smooth as whiskey said.

“The jam is going to be longer than our sets the way we’re going.” Baron’s voice was wry.

“And the crowd will lose their collective shit,” the guy added in his whiskey voice.

“We’re going to have to make some cuts.”

I finally got to where they were sitting on amps, both of them with a bottle of Hot Honey cider in hand. Baron had on a sweaty tank and his face was streaked with dust.

The other man was craggier and wore a GNR shirt that had seen better days, but the smile he shot me stopped me in my tracks.

“Well, hello there.”

My heart did a little flip. I’d never really had the rockstar reaction before Griffin, but this man had an energy built for the stage. “Hi. You must be Flynn.”

“Guilty as charged.” Slowly, he straightened and walked over to me. “Unfortunately, I don’t know who you are, but I would love to find out.”

“Oh, brother.” Baron lifted his bottle to his lips, his espresso dark eyes dancing. I was pretty sure that was one of the first times I’d seen him truly happy.

Flynn glanced back at him. “What? Just because you’re a monk doesn’t mean I am.” He turned back to me.

“Lennon Hathaway,” I said and held out a hand. “Thanks for coming to help us out.”

He took mine in his calloused one, gentle and firm at the same time. “You gonna come on stage with us, darlin’?”

“Sorry, my talents lie elsewhere.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’d love to hear all about it.”

“You heard G yammering on about her all afternoon and you already forgot her name?” Baron asked.

“Oh...damn.”

I laughed. “Sorry. Happily taken.”

“There’s no ring on that finger. As far as I’m concerned, you’re still fair game.” He winked at me and went back to the amp he’d been leaning on.

“Far too much testosterone going on back here for me.” I laughed. “I vote for ‘Come Together’ too.”

“Of course, you do, with a name like Lennon.” Flynn held up his bottle. “For you, beautiful, I’ll make sure it stays off his chopping block.”

Baron fell back on the amp, holding up his bottle so it wouldn’t spill. “Save me from this man’s endless pickup lines.”

“You haven’t heard my pickup lines, son.” He gave me a wolfish grin. “And neither has the fair Lennon.”

“Now it’s my turn for the ‘oh brother’. Have you guys seen Griffin?”

“He was on the phone with someone. He headed out on stage.”

“Thanks.” I slid past them, ignoring the low whistle from Flynn as I strode away from them. I couldn’t even be mad.

That was one smooth operator. I’d bet it worked with more than one woman in a night.

I ducked through the curtains and up the three stairs to the main stage. Griffin was pacing the length of the stage as he spoke to someone in hushed tones.

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