Page 27 of Living on the Edge

Fuck, that was intense.

The crowd must think so too because they’re still on their feet, whooping and cheering, calling my name.

“I love you, Angus!” I don’t know who yelled it, but the voice is female so I lift a drumstick to salute her.

Then I settle into a light back beat, giving Mick some rhythm for his bass solo.

I’ll get a little break when Sam does his solo, but I’m on top of the world right now.

It never gets old.

It’s not my first drum solo but it feels different than any I’ve ever done before.

This one rocked an entirearena.

I try not to toot my own horn too much, but I know when magic happens.

And that’s exactly what that was.

Finally, as Sam starts his solo, I leave the stage for a quick break. Bobby is waiting with a towel and a bottle of water, which I chug down in four or five deep gulps.

“Three minutes,” Bobby tells me.

I nod, rubbing the towel over my head and face.

I’m still buzzing with adrenaline from the show, trying to stay in the zone as I wait to go back out there.

In my peripheral vision, I see a pair of long, shapely legs.

Normally, the groupies don’t get back here until after the show.

I lift my head and find Ryleigh watching me intently.

My body reacts like she touched me.

What is it about this woman that twists me up inside?

I’ve never had reactions like this to anyone.

And it’s starting to piss me off.

Chapter8

Ryleigh

I hadn’t meantto stand there staring, but his drum solo was…mesmerizing.

That’s the only way I can describe how it felt.

I’d been sucked in the moment it started, and my feet moved of their own volition. My all-access pass gives me the ability to go almost anywhere, for any reason, and I couldn’t seem to stop myself from getting as close as possible.

It was that compelling.

I knew he was talented, but tonight’s solo was next level.

I’d been rooted to the spot, watching, drinking in every movement. His hands moved so fast I couldn’t even see what he was doing. Water dancing up around his face every time he hit the drumheads, his long hair flying in every direction—it was spectacular.

This is one of many reasons I’m infatuated with this band.

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