Page 89 of Hollow Heart

“What about you?” I ask, leaning over the veranda railing. The air is hot, humid for this time of night, but I can’t deny it feels nice.

“What about me?” Felix asks, rubbing his hands together. He takes his stance next to me, his arm brushing against mine.

It’s just our proximity, but it feels like more.

Like a private language only we know.

“Would you give a shit if I left?” I ask.

Felix glances at me from beneath my lashes. “Maybe.”

I shake my head, smirking at his petulance.

He is such a fuckingbrat.

“Well, it is a school night, so I probably should get home. My kid was just suspended, so staying out partying probably won’t get me father of the year.”

Felix nods, understanding befalling his face. “I’ll, uh... walk you to your car?” He says the words as if he doesn’t understand them, as if they are brand new.

And maybe to him, they are.

“Sure,” I reply, watching as a nearby photographer takes our picture.

Felix leads us off the property to the parking garage.

Because of course, these assholes have a full on hanger for all their pricey cars.

My truck sticks out like a sore thumb, but a part of me is proud of that.

In a sea of Bentleys and Porsches, my baby looks like damn Godzilla.

Felix stops in front of my car, sliding his hands in his pockets. “I, uh... guess I’m going to head home, too. Call it a night.”

I give him a soft smile. “Good choice.”

Felix’s lips twist with the ghost of a smile and he grunts, “Yeah, I guess.”

Before I can say my goodbyes, he nods. “See you at rehearsal, McKay.”

I know we’re in public and anyone can see us, as well as hear us if they are close enough, but damn if I don’t want to kiss him right now.

To give him the assurance he craves because it’s clear to me he never got it. From anyone.

But the last thing I want to do is draw more attention to Felix, in a negative way.

Despite his sexual antics, it’s clear that the truth isn’t well known. Not to mention, I have barely grasped my own freaking awakening, so I know kissing Felix right now is a terrible idea.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to.

Instead, I pull him in for a hug. Hugs are normal, those can’t be dissected, right? Bandmates hug each other all the time.

Felix’s body stiffens, as if he’s surprised by the motion, but within seconds, his entire body relaxes as he brings up his arms, his hands slapping me on the shoulder like we’re nothing more than bros.

I feel his body tremble against mine and I squeeze him a little tighter before letting go, hoping it’s enough.

Because for now, it’s going to have to be.

CHAPTER 20

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