Page 22 of On The Rocks

“You just going to stand there or help me?”

I glanced over my shoulder. “Sorry. Was just thinking.”

“I know, I saw the smoke.”

“Har.” I crossed the room and skidded around the low-slung couch and jogged up the three stairs to where he stood by the window. I hopped up on the windowseat we’d built earlier that morning to grab the massive silver air duct piece he’d cut off.

I could take apart a guitar and clean it and replace every piece, but retrofitting an air conditioner unit was way above my paygrade. But I could hold shit and solder if needed.

Moving slowly, I set the extra piece with the parts littering the floor. “What else can I do?”

“Almost done, just need to make sure there’s no leaks.” He glanced down at me with a grin, his scarred eyebrow arching wickedly. “Wouldn’t want to poison you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Kain barked out a laugh then shook his long hair behind his shoulder. “Glad we did this now before it is a bazillion degrees. It was bitch cold, so I bet we’re going to get roasted.”

“Thinking the same, son.”

Kain dropped his tools in the bucket beside his foot, then hopped down beside me. “The place is coming together. Sure you’re not moving in permanently?”

I slipped my fingers under my baseball cap and pushed at the overlong strands. “I didn’t plan to, but it’s quiet here. I like it.”

“These buildings weren’t an option when I first came to town. You’re lucky I’m building my girl a house or I’d boot you out.”

“It’s a good space. I would probably fight you for it.”

Kain stepped forward, his work boots butting up to the toes of mine. “Is that right?”

I lifted my chin. “Afraid so.”

Kain put his big hand on the side of my face and gave me a friendly-ish tap. “I wouldn’t want to break that nose of yours again.”

I snorted. “You’re all heart.”

“I try.” He put his hands on his hips and looked around. “There’s not much left to do. What are you going to do with that upper deck?” He gestured upward with his chin.

“Think I’m going to put my music stuff up there.”

Kain’s eyebrows rose. “I haven’t seen you touch a guitar here.”

I shoved my hands into my pockets. “No. I haven’t wanted to play, but I’ve been itchy. I think working on the stage upgrade is making me restless. I’m going to check out a local guy first weekend in April if you want in. The brothers like to work with local talent.”

Kain crossed his arms over his massive chest. “I have an appointment in San Fran, unfortunately.”

I nodded. “Sure, just a thought.”

He dropped his arms. “I’d go if I wasn’t busy.”

I hated that the disappointment still hit me like a punch. I went over to the fridge and grabbed a can of water for each of us to shake it off. Returning, I handed him one. “There will be other shows.”

“Good. Give me a heads-up, and I’ll clear my schedule.”

I swallowed against the simple offer.

It was rare to get one from him, but I didn’t want to make it weird. “You got it. There’s one up north in April, but I need to do a bit more research before I make the decision. It’s a girl group—The Madisons. They have a bit of social media play, but I need to make sure they’re not just a one song kind of deal.”

“Lots of those these days.”

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