Page 15 of More Than a Spark

“Sure, that sounds good. Then you and I can hang out for a bit before I meet him.” He exhaled a long breath. “I’ll uh, see you soon.” He mumbled. “I have to spot this guy, so I gotta go.”

“Sure, see you soon.” I hung up the phone and stared at it. He didn’t care about meeting Archer. Maybe Cash had it all wrong and it was the same old wishful thinking on my part. Like the time I’d gotten my signals mixed up and kissed him at a high school party. He’d kissed back, but then laughed it off like it was nothing. No, Ryder was a nice guy and comfortable with his very straight sexuality.

* * *

We’d unpacked allthe gear and had just finished the sound check when I picked my phone up from my keyboard and checked the time. Seven on the dot. We had two hours to eat before the gig started.

Axel, wearing his signature Sex Pistols t-shirt and skinny jeans with a bullet belt slung low across his hips, patted me on the back. “Bro, nice duds. This is a sexy look for you.” After shaking his black bangs off his forehead, he beamed at me, his deep blue eyes friendly, and snapped the side of my exposed lace underwear. “You’re going to give Devin a run for his money.”

Devin stepped to us, his black, short mini-skirt hugging his narrow hips under a black mesh top. “Damn right he is.” He slid his red bangs aside and whistled. “You almost have as much eyeliner on as me tonight. Who’s the guy?”

Silas strummed a chord on his black guitar, then strode to us. “A fireman named Ryder.”

“A fireman?” Axel chortled. “Dude, you been holding out on us? When did you snag a firefighter?”

I slowly shook my head. “He’s an old friend of mine that’s been working up in Flag. He just took a job back here, so he could be closer to his dad and twin sister.” I flicked at look at the door to the posh bar in the casino, past the white leather booths and marble tables.

The band wives all strolled in together, chatting with one another and laughing.

“Here they come.” If only I could have a boyfriend like one of them someday.

“Oh, good.” Axel hopped on his toes, then jumped off the stage and ran off. Grabbing Remy around the neck, he placed a long, deep kiss over his lips.

Remy’s arms flew out, then draped around Axel.

As Silas unwound his guitar strap from his shoulder, he smirked. “Axel is such a showoff.” He set his guitar in a stand, then hopped off the stage toward Cash, and Devin followed him.

I lightly ran my fingers over the keys of my board. Ryder was straight, but I knew he’d fit in with everyone. The guy was so easy going and charming. It probably made him a good firefighter, too.

Gabe tapped a few hits on his snares, then stood up and set his sticks on a drum and strolled to me. Planting a hand on my shoulder, he said, “When is Ryder getting here?”

“Any minute.” I leaned against Gabe’s side. I probably should have confided more in him. He’d been a good friend over the years. “I’m sorry I never said much about him to you.”

“It’s cool. My life was a shitshow the last six months. I don’t blame you for turning to Cash.” He dipped his head and toed my keyboard stand. “Cash is a good guy.” He stepped away from me and took me in from head to toe. “And you look hot tonight. Are you going home with Archer after the gig?” He eyed me.

“Uh…don’t know.” I snuck my lower lip between my teeth. I couldn’t lie about this to Gabe anymore. Or any of the guys. “I do sort of like um?—”

“Ryder. I know. I can see it.” He tapped the end of my nose. “He’s definitely your type.”

My gaze snagged on Ryder ambling into the casino, his black, button-down shirt open to midway on his wide chest and his jeans hugging his muscled thighs. He pulled his long bangs off his forehead and scanned the room.

My pulse flickered in a wild rhythm. “Shit, he’s here.” I sucked in a breath. “I should go introduce him to everyone.” I jumped off the stage and strode his way, past the long bar with the blue glow underneath it and white leather stools.

Ryder’s eyes widened and his lips parted as his gaze ran over me from head to toe. He adjusted his jeans and raked his teeth over his bottom lip.

“Hey, Ryder.” I gave him a quick hug, then looked him over a second time and heat shivered over my skin. He was so fucking hot. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to seeing him so often.

“Uh, Milo. I um…” He grabbed my hand and held it out, turning me around. “Holy shit, look at you.” He freed my hand and touched the lace of my thong riding up over my hipbone. “What is that?”

My face heated. “It’s uh…” I dipped my head. “Shit, it’s lace underwear. Cash told me to?—”

“Fuck, that’s hot.” He fanned his shirt. “I had no idea guys could, I mean, you wore…” He held his hands over his groin and said, “I need a drink.”

“Yeah, sure. Let’s go get some beers, then I’ll introduce you to everyone.” I followed him to the bar.

Simone, Jeremy’s sister, set bottles of champagne into a cooler under the back bar, then flung a lock of her wavy black hair behind her shoulder. “Hey, Milo. You’re looking especially good tonight. I love the outfit.” She smiled at me and stood up, her black cocktail dress clinging to her curves.

“Thanks.” I laid my hands on the smooth, marble bar top.

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