Page 140 of Debts and Desires
“‘Cause.”
“Can one of you love birds just tell me what songs we’re doin’?” Ty asked with a chuckle. Carter pulled something out and handed it to me. I recognized it as my song book and my face flushed. He looked at Ty. There was a piece of paper sticking out with a list of songs scrawled out in Carter’s handwriting. I didn’t get a chance to look it over when Ty swooped in and took it. I looked at Carter, my face red, realizing he went through my book. Probably the whole book.
Oh, no. Please don’t have seen it…
“Some you know, some are Emmy’s,” Carter said, his voice calm. But there was a hint of something, something mischievous.
Please.
“Good, I love your songs, Em,” Ty said, looking it over.
“They ain’t too hard to figure out, but Em will have to tell you what kind of beats she wants.” He paused, a grin appearing. “We’re debutin’ a new song tonight, called, ‘A Lullaby of Ache’.”
Fucking. Damn. It.
“You went over it?” I asked, my voice weak. Carter gave a nod.
“Looked it over, played it some. I just need you to tell me howyouwant me doin’ it.” Ty was too busy looking over the music, tapping on his thigh while his foot tapped the floor. “Though I wish you’d get that other one done. The one in the back. May I suggest callin’ that one ‘Carter’?”
“You’re such an asshole.”
“An asshole with those—what was it? Whiskey eyes that make you wanna fornicate?”
“Carter!” I hissed, wrapping my arms around myself. Grumbling, I added, “It’smake me want to sin.” He only laughed, then stepped forward, his hand running down my arm.
“I really liked the part aboutlove.Though it was crossed out a few times and I wasn’t too sure about the question marks.”
“That was before I admitted it to myself,” I said.
“So, no second thoughts?” I knew he was joking, but I could see that insecurity in his eyes, needing the reassurance.
“None,” I said, my smile growing. I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Carter.” I let my hands rest on his shoulders and looked up at him through my lashes. “Although, I may start calling youLeviticus,since you want to act like a brat and snoop through my stuff.” I gave a fake gasp, my hand coming to cover my mouth. “Maybe I should call the song that instead of Carter!”
“Emogen,” he warned.
“Leviticus.” Carter’s jaw ticked as Ty stifled a laugh, handing me my notebook.
“Looks pretty simple,” Ty said, taking Carter’s piercing gaze from my direction.
We started with the basics and the different ways we couldapproach each song. By the time we were done, the bar had filled up, but the crowd was still small, paying no real attention to us.
“So why here?” I asked when we got backstage to finish getting ready. Carter had also brought my makeup bag in case I wanted to freshen up.
“This is Macon, baby. The birthplace of Southern Rock,” Ty chuckled, his arms up in the air as if to showcase the area.
“I thought that was Jacksonville,” I said. Ty shushed me.
“Still, this is perfect for you. Even though your sound is more dark-indie-folk-alternative.”
“That’s a mouthful,” I laughed.
“Ty’s used to mouthfuls, ain’t ya, Ty?” Carter teased.
“Fuck off, Black,” Ty said as he rolled his eyes. “Let me go get us some water and see what’s goin’ on.” He went off. I looked back at Carter. I knew I was anxious, but if he was, he hid it well. I wished I could be as relaxed and unbothered as him. I went ahead and touched up my makeup a little.
“No fights tonight,” I said, blotting my lips. His gaze met mine in the mirror.
“As long as no one comes near you, sure.” This time, I rolled my eyes.
