Page 43 of Undeniable Temptation

Mason focused on him, scrutinizing, making the curve of his lips kick higher. Then it was Blake, the bass guitarist frowning in confusion.

“Tonight’s show is sold out, along with tomorrow,” Leah continued. “The only problem we’re currently facing is the lack of sales for Slicker. Their social media presence is increasing, but we’re not getting the necessary traction on downloads. So if you’re online, please think about retweeting or sharing to keep this ball rolling.”

“Can do,” Mitch offered, always the brown-noser.

“Everything else is on schedule… Oh, except—” She held up a finger and pinned him with a chastising look. “—Please be aware of the age demographic of your fans. Lurid simulations of sex shouldn’t be part of the show.”

He still couldn’t quit the grin. Nope. It was cemented in place. Every show was filled with some form of perversion unsuitable for teens. That wasn’t new. But this was—her jealousy. Her insecurity.

“Speaking of sex,” Mason drawled, “are you going to fill us in on what happened earlier?”

“Earlier?”

He noticed the heavy contraction of her throat and couldn’t help enjoying her panic.

“You got your panties in a twist and stormed off. I wanted a follow up on how Ryan may have untwisted them.”

“My panties were fine, Mason. But thank you for your concern.”

“We talked,” Ryan added. “We’re good.”

“Seems you’re more than good.” Blake was still frowning. “What’s with the joker grin?”

Leah shot him another for-god’s-sake glare.

“Looks like a sex high to me,” Mitch added.

“Bullshit.” Sean started to scrutinize him. “I don’t believe it.”

“Could we all please focus?” Leah clapped her hands together. “Where’s Sidney? Didn’t you say she was flying in earlier?”

“Sidney, shmidney,” Blake muttered. “I want to know why Ryan looks like he’s just blown his load.”

Damn. The guys were determined for answers. One sniff of gossip and they were ravenous. His neck started to burn from their inspection.

“Focus.” Leah failed to get their attention.

“He does, doesn’t he?” Sean’s eyes narrowed. “You either got laid, or spent some time with your favorite porn site.”

“I didn’t get laid.” He glanced to Leah for approval, for help, for any damn thing to get these assholes off their scent, but she just stood there, eyes wide, lips parted, face pale.

“I think we’re wearing him down.” Mason snickered. “Did you get a knob job off the boss lady?”

Leah responded with an unhealthy gasp in the lead singer’s direction. “Do I look like the type to get on my knees for any of you?”

Mason dropped his gaze to the body parts in question. “Normally, I’d say no…”

“Keep your voice down,” she seethed. “You’ll start rumors.”

“You’re awfully testy.” Mitch switched his focus to Leah. “Panicked, even.”

“The crew are waiting for you to do your job.” Her foot tapped against the temporary outdoor flooring, only adding evidence to her nervousness. “Can we save the inquisition for later?”

There was a chorus of rejections— “No.” “I don’t think so.” “Not until we have answers.”

“Come on, guys.” Ryan placed a comforting hand on her back and she startled.

“We kissed, OK?Jesus Christ.” Her voice was viciously low. “Fuck the paparazzi, you guys are the real vultures.”

---