Page 15 of Reverb
Stones in her stomach. She took a breath and another, then walked over and held out her hand. David, with resignation written all over his handsome face, passed his phone over. The email was already queued up.
I’m sure you think the way you behave is acceptable, but it’s not. A woman should listen to her man. Obey him. You were brought up wrong. When you choose me, you’ll see.
Fucking hell. Those rocks in her stomach tumbled over and over, and every bit of joy she had from practice bled out through her feet. She handed the phone back. “Thanks.”
“Mish—” He had that look, the same one the guys got when they wanted to protect her.
She waved any further words away. “I’m fine. I’m gonna get dinner, then go home.” She met David’s stare. “Alone.”
“Are you—” Then he caught himself and shook his head, something like a smile gracing those lips for a moment. “Of course you’re sure.”
“Damn straight I am.” She peered over at Ray and Zavier, staring them down, too. “Same shit, different day. I’ll be fine.”
Ray seemed at a loss for words, and did that same head-shake thing David had done. “Practice was perfect today, Mish. You’re fucking awesome.”
A little of the lost warmth came back. “Thanks, hon.”
He smiled at that, and Zavier spoke something into his ear. “Yeah, I guess we should go.”
They said their goodbyes and headed out the door, leaving her and David in the room.
“Hey,” David said, his voice quiet and strangely tentative. “You sounded amazing. Your singing I mean. You always sound fantastic on the bass.”
Even more of the warmth—and some of the joy returned. “Thanks. I’ve sung backup on tour, and I’m always singing, even when I’m not micced up.”
A wry grin. “I’ve noticed.”
“David Altet, are you watching me during our practices?” She couldn’t help the teasing lilt to her voice.
He stood and rolled his shoulders back. “Technically, I’m watching the whole band.”
“Technically?”
His lips quirked, but he didn’t reply.
Oh yes, David was into her. But then again, she was into him, more than she wanted to admit. Not that she thought about him or wondered what that beard would feel like on her skin. Or his hands. Or how soft his lips might be.
She glanced away from that smile, heat blazing through her, and sought her bag. “I should really get going.”
“Yeah, same.” His voice had gravel in it, and he sounded so damn fine. “I’ll see you around, princess.”
She whipped back to stare at him.
“Rock queen,” he amended.
She laughed. “Fuck you, David.” No heat in her words.
He blew her a kiss before heading out the door.
Yeah, a week or so in, and he’d already made himself at home with the band. And damn it all to hell, she liked him. What was going to happen when they were with each other 24/7 on tour?
Holy hell, that was gonna be a nightmare. Or a really good wet dream. She hadn’t decided which yet.
Mish was going to have David’s head if she realized he was following her, but after that last email, he wanted to make sure no one other than DSLR Dude was trailing Mish, and that meant shadowing her as well.
After her usual ritual of greeting fans, she headed toward the subway. But rather than take the steps down, she continued above ground, in the direction of Midtown.
David huffed in frustration. He didn’t mind walking—that would help him spot whether there was anyone following Mish—but damn it, she’dreadthe email. Why wouldn’t she head straight home?
