Page 15 of On The Rocks

I sighed. “Reversal of Fortune.”

“Jesus.” Kain tipped back his head.

“Is that a good Jesus, or…”

“Fishing for compliments?”

I shrugged. “I’m a damn good guitar player.”

“And yet, you’re here instead of playing on a stage somewhere.”

“Didn’t say I could sing.”

Kain barked out a laugh. “I’ve seen you guys play. A number of times. And you’re right, you’re a damn good musician.”

My chest warmed. It shouldn’t matter, but it did. Knowing he listened to my work before he knew me meant more than if he went to dig out one of my albums.

“And we imploded. Too much talent, too many vices, too much passion—all of it torpedoed us.”

“Not what I heard.”

“You probably heard the standard line from Trident. Hiatus. Like we’re that boy band from England. Never say that it’s forever. Always leave a door open.”

“Are you talking about One Direction?”

I grinned. “Good songs.”

“Fuck, yeah, they do have some great ones.”

We both laughed and the air seemed a bit lighter.

“So, that’s why you and Justin have been giggling like teenagers?”

“We have not.” Offended, I turned to him.

“You have.”

“Just because we like music? You like it just as much. Hell, you keep stealing my records. Don’t think I notice?”

He shrugged. “You got some old shit. I don’t know where you found that Otis Redding album.”

“And I better get it back.”

“Maybe.”

“Kain? Where the hell is your phone?” A shout came from the taproom.

We both turned with a smile.

“Heya, Red,” I called out.

Kain jabbed me in the ribs with his elbow enough to shove me a foot over. “Don’t call my fiancée Red.”

I rubbed at the pain, but I couldn’t stop the grin.

“Sorry,kaimoni. I left it in the truck.” He skidded down the hill to the patio and back up the stairs to the taproom. He stopped a few stairs down from her and hauled her in for a kiss that no one should be watching.

I followed a little more slowly. Ronan and Kira had returned from their family nap in the office. Kain had finally stopped making out with his woman, to all our endless relief.

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