Page 88 of Living on the Edge

That makes him smile. “He’s one of my idols.”

“I know. I’ve never been a huge Rush fan, but I’ve been paying more attention to their music now, and I hear a similarity in styles.”

“That’s a huge compliment. Thank you.”

“Now I just have to figure out which one of you I’m going to do next.”

He arches a brow, and I laugh.

“Girls really dig bass players… I’m trying to figure out an angle to feature Mick on Rockin’ with Ryleigh.”

“Tate’s heart will be broken,” he says solemnly.

“I’m going to feature Tate last,” I tease, “just to torture him.”

“You’re a real ball buster, you know that?”

“That’s what you love about me.”

He leans over and gently kisses me. “Congratulations, babe.”

“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

“Do you really think the other guys would be willing?”

“Why not?”

“Tate seemed to be giving you shit last night.” I hesitate. “About us.”

“He wasn’t giving me shit. He was warning me.”

“Warning you?”

“Not to break your heart. I guess I’ve already brought enough drama to the band—he’s worried that you might write a revenge piece if things go south.”

That makes sense, unfortunately.

“Look, I’m a lot of things,” I say slowly, “but unprofessional isn’t one of them. Well, I guess, other than sleeping with someone in the band I’m covering.” I make a face. “Okay, so maybe Iamunprofessional.” Suddenly I’m a little frustrated.

“Hey. Stop.” He tugs me closer. “Babe—this isn’t unprofessional. It’s life. People who work at the same bank date. People at the same law firm. It’s human nature. You date people you meet, and we often meet people at work.”

“Yeah, but this is myfirstassignment. And Rich is already doing me a favor because of my dad.”

“But your dad isn’t here—this is your life and your career. You did an amazing job with the piece you did on Lexi—and look at how excited people are about Rockin’ with Ryleigh. And you’ve been doing that for how long? Three, four years? You’ve accomplished a lot without any help from anyone.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Look, life can be complicated, but we’re not doing anything wrong.”

I want to remind him that it’s easier for him. Not only does he not have to worry about his reputation—he’s a rock star, for fuck’s sake—but he’s also independently wealthy. If Crimson Edge doesn’t work out, he’s still going to be able to pay his bills.

It’s different for me.

But I don’t want to fight with him, not when things are still so new between us.

I start to get out of bed, but he tugs me back.

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