Page 104 of Need You Now

It’s easy to see why Luke has a problem with the guy. In the music business, they’ve known too many musicians like Beau. Desperate party guys from hell, trying to work their way into the right band when they’ve been at the grind for years. Only, instead of working hard for it, they treat the music like a frat party.

Griff’s languid drawl has Seth glancing over. “He hit on Alabama too, you know.”

Seth gapes. “You’re married.”

“Yeah. And he knows it.”

“Fuckin’ asshole,” Seth says, wrapping a hand around his beer. He never thought he and Greyson would be here, bonding in their shared annoyance of Beau. The guy keeps taking asshole of the year every time he opens his mouth.

“You’re doin’ an awful job,” Griff says, leaning in to rest his tattooed forearms on the table. His expression amused. “You and Lacey—pretendin’ you hate each other.”

Seth groans, smearing a hand down his face. He’s two for two here. “You know?”

“It ain’t hard.” Griff swallows his beer and grins. “Me and Al ... we did the same thing, tryin’ to hide it.”

“And how’d that work out?”

“It’s workin’ itself out,” Griff says with a soft glance at Alabama. “Goddamn perfect. Every damn day.”

Seth cuts his eyes toward Lacey, at her beautiful face and laughing smile, the very sight of her soaring through his heart like a song.

“When you find it, hold it tight.” Griff gives him a pointed look. “Like real damn tight.”

Lacey palms the drink the bartender slides her way, a tequila soda, and shifts her attention to Sal. Her sister stands with arms crossed, her eyes bright with irritation.

It’s both amusing and concerning to see her sister so riled up. Sal’s usually calm. Lacey’s always the basket case.

“Sal?” Lacey wraps an arm around her shoulders. “You okay?”

“That guy is an ass,” Sal says, lifting her drink to her lips and taking a big gulp. No doubt wishing it was alcohol.

“Oh, sugar, you’re tellin’ me.” Emmy Lou presses a hand to her heart, her big brown eyes wide. “That was all kinds of awkward.”

“Try awful,” Alabama adds. She peers closely at Sal’s shaking hands. “Don’t let him upset you, Sal.”

Alabama’s fierce worry on her sister’s behalf has Lacey’s icy heart thawing. It’s real—their friendship. She truly cares about Sal, and to Lacey that’s all that matters.

Lacey nods. “Alabama’s right. That little baby in there needs rest and relaxation.”

“I’m fine.” Sal lets out a great sigh and places a hand on her stomach. “Beau’s not ruining this vacation. I won’t let him.”

Throughout the bar, the sound of strings and Luke’s warm voice ring out. Lacey watches her sister’s face soften, the sight of her husband like a balm.

Emmy Lou glances over at Seth and Griff, surprisingly in deep conversation. “Well, look at them, behavin’ like civilized adults.”

“Good.” Alabama plucks the olive out of her martini and eats it. “Let ’em talk. God knows they need it.”

The women settle onto barstools as the Brothers Kincaid kick off their first song, “Holy Roller.” Lacey’s eyes drift to Seth, not wanting him to feel left out of his band, but the easy smile on his face tells her otherwise.

Not even Beau’s jackass antics can get her down. She’s having a great time, finally fitting in, having fun. For once in her life, letting her guard down and enjoying. And today, she spent the day with her sister. Just the two of them, shopping in town, having lunch. Not to mention she found the perfect Christmas gift for Seth at a small bookshop. She hopes he loves it.

“Whoo, look at Luke, y’all,” Emmy Lou drawls. “Playin’ angry.”

“Think he’s imaginin’ that guitar’s Beau’s neck,” Alabama murmurs.

Sal snorts. “If only.”

They all watch for a beat.

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