Page 41 of Follow the Rhythm
“I’m the production manager,” I said icily. I had no idea what my title actually was.
“That’s right, Ursula’s little helper.” He gave me a nasty smile. “You are a cute wee thing, aren’t you?”
Where had they found this guy? I couldn’t believe Kieran worked with someone so slimy. Before I could respond, Kieran himself appeared.
His scent preceded him into the room, like sun-warmed strawberries with a hint of muddled mint. His white t-shirt was damp with sweat and stuck a bit to his skin, showing off the abs I knew were lurking under there. My mouth literally watered.
“You’re done already?” Johnny asked, surprised.
“I’m done,” Kieran said with finality, his eyes dark. “Ellis is enjoying the attention, though.”
Johnny scurried back out of the room. The space seemed to contract as Kieran walked towards us. Our eyes met, and I forgot to breathe.
“Great job tonight,” he said to Grace, finally tearing his gaze from mine.
“Thank you.” Grace hugged him, then cringed away. “Oh god, you’re disgusting. Go take a shower.”
Kieran looked back at me. Silence stretched between us. My heart bucked in my chest. I clamped down on the urge to wrap myself around him.
“Let me just…” Grace said, looking between us with an evil smile, and backing out of the room.
“Did you enjoy the show?” he asked, his voice rumbling.
“Yeah. Yes. It was… good.”
His eyes roved down my body. I wasn’t wearing anything crazy, just a plaid skirt and black t-shirt, but under his gaze I felt naked. “It was very distracting, knowing you were out there.”
“Were you worried another Alpha was going to attack me on sight?” I asked with bravado I didn’t feel.
“No. I know how much the music means to you… I was a bit nervous. I wanted to put on a good show for you.” His cheeks darkened with a slight blush above his beard, but he didn’t look away.
Pleasure rushed through me, touched that he’d remembered. Damn him for completely disarming me.
“It was great,” I said through my embarrassment. “Seeing my illustrations onstage was surreal.”
Kieran had stepped closer without my noticing. His scent surrounded me, and I breathed deeply.
“I’m glad you liked it,” he whispered in my ear, then abruptly stepped away even as tingles danced down the back of my neck.
“Uhhh,” I said.
His lips quirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “I’d better take that shower.”
I stood stupidly and watched him walk through the door in the corner. What would he do if I followed him?
Ellis’s arrival saved me from following through on that insane idea. He was keyed up with the same wild energy I rememberedhim having after every performance back in high school. He was bouncing from foot to foot and beamed when he saw me. His scent was vivid, and my stomach leaped as he stepped closer.
“Jess, darling! Fabulous gig, don’t you think? Your illustrations were perfect, by the way. I’m so glad your talent is finally being properly recognized.” His accent had gotten thicker over his years in England, but it had always been more prominent when he was excited. “Did you enjoy the show?”
I smiled, reluctantly charmed. It was hard not to love him, just a little, after that performance. “It was awesome. The crowd loved you, as usual.”
Ellis grinned. “They do like me, don’t they? But what didyouthink?”
I shook my head, still smiling. Apparently, some things never changed. We’d had this conversation after every performance or show at St. Hildegaard’s. He always insisted on very specific and detailed praise. “I thought your voice sounded especially strong on ‘Poison Petal’, even better than the studio version. And your dancing skills have definitely improved over the last decade.”
He laughed, delighted. “Oh no, I’d forgotten you’ve seen the horrible truth! The label made me get lessons, you know, after they signed us.”
“I can definitely believe that,” I said, laughing too. “Do you remember homecoming my junior year, when the nuns made everyone dance three feet apart after that girl got pregnant?”
