Page 88 of The Escape Plan

Unhurried and languid and oh-so-sweet.

I don’t know how long we’re tangled there, her in my lap, my hands tracing over the ridges of her spine as I savor every second with her. But when Ezra’s voice booms through the room—“Hey, stop defiling my recording studio, you heathens!”—and we break apart laughing, I realize no amount of time will be enough with Keeley.

I couldn’t get enough of her if I tried.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Keeley

Okay,so Imighthave just thrown myself at Beckett.

Like, literally.

It’s becoming quite the habit for me, apparently—first, when I tripped into the elevator the day we met, and now, because being on the other side of the glass when his song ended felt like way, way too far away.

Ineededto be close to him. And so, the second he sang that last note, I practically catapulted out of the control room, raced down the hallway to the door to access the live room, all while Ezra’s knowing laughter chased me.

Right now, I’m still sitting on top of Becks. But as my brother walks into the live room and I shift in an attempt to slide off his lap, he grins at me cheekily, his dimple popping as his hands tighten on my waist, holding me in place like he doesn’t ever want to let go.

“Stay,” he says softly, under his breath and only for me to hear, and chills erupt over my skin.

“Okay.” Ezra stands in front of us with his hands on his hips. He’s trying to look disgruntled, I can tell, but his lips are twitching like he’s fighting a smile. “I’m just going to breeze right past that make-out session I just had the displeasure of witnessing.”

I smirk at him. “You came back too soon, didn’t give us enough time to wrap it up.”

Becks chuckles, and the vibration of the sound moves through my body.

My big brother, however, rolls his eyes at me. “As I was saying, I’m going to breeze right past all of that, because dude!” His gaze moves to Becks, eyes shining with something akin to awe. “I’ve had a lot of artists come through here, had the honor of watching some of the greats perform right where you’re sitting. And, hand on heart, I have never, ever seen a performance like that. Or seen anyone get everything perfect on the first take.”

Becks ducks his head a little, but I don’t miss the flush rising on his cheekbones. “Ah, thanks for that.”

He takes one of his hands off my waist and rubs the back of his neck, a seemingly subconscious habit he does when he’s bashful or being complimented.

I think it’s endearing that Beckett—who was completely and utterly unabashed that my brother saw us locked in an intensely passionate embrace just a minute ago—is now embarrassed that my brother was impressed by his performance.

Hismusicalperformance, that is. Get your head out of the gutter. Sheesh.

Ezra’s still staring at Becks. “Would you be interested in coming in tomorrow night after-hours to record some more? We could do a whole demo, if you’re up for it. Something you can bring back to Ireland if you were thinking about pursuing this professionally.” He grins. “Which you absolutely should be, in my humble opinion.”

“I don’t know about that,” Beckett says with a laugh. “But as for recording a demo…” He shoots me a look, then smiles. It’s a peaceful, calm smile. “I’d love to.”

In that moment, I get the feeling that he’s recalling the dinner we had at Ezra and Mae’s when I made my request for him to recordthatsong so I could have it with me after he’s gone. And now, he’s going to make sure I have a whole demo’s worth of songs.

I squeal and wrap my arms around his neck, wriggling like an overexcited puppy.

“Can I come tomorrow?” I ask Ezra.

He wags a finger at me jokingly. “Only if you promise to stay in the control room.”

“Fi-ine,” I whine, drawing out the syllable.

But I cross my fingers behind my back.

Beckett snorts with laughter.

We pack up and head outside, then say good night to Ezra before making our way to Beckett’s truck.

“I’m so proud of you,” I tell him as we climb inside. “You were amazing. And I know nothing about music or recording studios, but let me tell you, I’ve never seen Ezra so impressed.”

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