Page 32 of Follow the Rhythm
Kieran didn’t speak again until we reached my door. “I know this might be a bit forward, but I’d like to take you out.”
“Out?” I repeated.
“A date,” Kieran said and blushed. It made his eyes seem greener in the warm light of the hallway.
I almost felt bad turning him down. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t date, and I especially don’t date Alphas. I only do casual.” This was not exactly true, because my only attempt at a casual arrangement with Charlie had ended before it began, but Kieran didn’t need to know that.
“That’s a shame,” he said roughly. “I’m not interested in something casual, especially not with you.”
My inner Omegareallyliked that. I clenched my thighs together and tried to compose myself.
“That is too bad. Guess I’ll see you around the office. Oh, and you owe me a phone.”
I unlocked my door and turned back to face him.
“Goodnight, Jess,” he said, and I tried not to show how much I liked hearing him say my name.
“Goodnight.” I darted inside before I’d be tempted to drag him in with me.
I stood in my dark kitchen, catching my breath, half hoping he’d knock on my door. I waited a full thirty seconds until I heard his footsteps retreat.
Chapter 10 - Kieran
After giving Jess a new phone and a sincere apology, I vowed to keep my distance. She’d made it clear she wasn’t interested, and I would have to live with that.
But she was everywhere. Anytime we met with her and Ursula over the following two weeks, Jess studiously ignored Ellis and me. Charlie, the tour manager, was also given the cold shoulder as far as I could tell. It felt like being back in year eleven, knowing I’d see the girl I had a crush on in our music composition class, but not having the balls to talk to her.
Even worse, her perfume had sunk into the seats of my car, so I made more and more excuses to drive it and torture myself.
Worst of all, she’d invaded my dreams.
My flat had always been a sanctuary, but I didn’t even have that anymore. I carried her with me everywhere, and I woke most mornings hard and aching for her.
Rehearsal should have been a welcome distraction, especially when we’d had a string of great ones, but Ellis was up to his old tricks.
“Grace, I swear to god, if you don’t stop fucking crashing those cymbals on the two, I’m going to throttle you,” Ellis snarled.
“Relax,” I said warningly, a hint of bark in my voice. I’d never truly used my bark against Ellis, but I was fairly certain I could bring him to heel if I needed to. I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
“I’m sorry,” Grace said. “It’s a habit; I’m doing my best to break it.”
“This isn’t your shitty punk girlie group or whatever you call it.” Ellis started pacing.
“Fuck you, man. At least I can admit when I’m wrong. You’ve forgotten half the fucking words to your songs.”
“Enough,” I growled. Since when had I become the de facto peacekeeper?
“No, let’s hear what Riot Grrrl Barbie has to say. I’m sure it’s riveting,” Ellis said venomously.
Grace stood up, irate. “That’s rich, coming from the walking stereotype. Sorry, but you’re not talented enough for this whole temperamental genius act.”
Ellis laughed derisively. “And you think you are? The only reason you’re here is because of the label. You are utterly replaceable in every way.”
“Then replace me, asshole.” Grace stormed off the stage.
