Page 50 of Hollow Heart

I shift my gaze back to Felix and his charged performance.

How could someone be so many different things?

An idiot, a pain in the ass, a musician, and dare I say... friend?

My thoughts wander to the way he’d stepped in when Joe asked me such personal questions.

The way his gaze lit on fire, the way his fingertips stroked my backgently,as if he was trying to literally soothe my nerves.

The way he’ddefendedme, on air of all things.

I couldn’t remember the last time anyone jumped in to protect me, or my peace like that.

Not since my wife had been alive.

She was always tough, looking out for me and her friends. I was always content not to rock the boat, because I hated conflict, but Marci never let things go, especially if someone was being an asshole, and I get the feeling that Felix is like that, too.

He might be an asshole to most, but underneath all the bratty attitude and tattoos, he could be quite commanding.

And damn, if that isn’t fucking hot.

My cheeks flush and I immediately jump up off the couch, not wanting Lou to see my sudden rush of blood. Instead, I walk closer to the TV, watching Felix belt out his heart. He opens his eyes, looking right at the camera, right at me.

I’m sure he doesn’t know I’m watching him, though. He can’t.

He’s just channeling Felix Heart, the showstopper.

The rockstar.

But for a moment, I wish it wasn’t just for show.

For a moment, I wish he’d look at me like that.

Lou gets up from his own spot on the couch, just as Felix takes his bow.

“All right then, looks like it’s time for all of us to head the fuck out,” he mutters, typing out a text faster than someone our age should be capable of.

“Your transport is out front. See you tomorrow morning,” he grumbles as he heads out the door.

Tonight was a damn disaster.

As I decide to not wallow in regurgitated bullshit, Felix comes traipsing in, looking like he’s just won the fucking lottery, but he stops the moment he sees me.

There is practically a canyon between us and I don’t miss how his gaze flashes from my own, down to my groin, then back again.

He shifts his stance, giving me an ample exit, and I don’t hesitate to take it.

Tonight’s been too much of a curveball for me, not to mention I am tired as hell, and I know I need to get home, if only to make sure Bobby is actually sleeping and not waiting up for me.

Isn’t this supposed to be the other way around?

Shouldn’t I be up in bed waiting for my sixteen year old to stumble through the door on a school night?

“You, uh... you were great out there,” I say awkwardly, trying to clear the tension out of the air. My words are double edged like a sword, and I don’t mean them to sound as harsh as they do.

Felix’s lips twist just the slightest as he slides his hands in his pockets, taking a step forward. He nods for me to step closer, and I hate that instinctively, I do.

I take one step at a time until I am only inches away from him. Again.

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