Page 11 of Forbidden Intent

6

It’s been a week since we were last in the studio, but it’s only been about five minutes since I last thought about Tamsin.The longest I managed to go without thinking about her this week was maybe an hour when I went to the gym in some desperate attempt to push my body so hard there was no way that Icouldthink about her.But even that endeavor was unsuccessful.I swear I’ve been semi-hard since the moment I heard her voice, and there doesn’t seem to be a damn thing I can do about it.Playing drums didn’t help either.Usually, I get so hyperfocused on the music that nothing else exists.But when it comes to Tamsin, any attempt to get her out of my head becomes as effective as attempting to sedate a bear with a melatonin pill.

Needless to say, I’m practically jumping out of my skin at the idea that I’ll finally get to lay my eyes on her for the first time in a week.I’ve told myself over and over again throughout the week that it’s a bad idea.

She’s barely legal.

She’s the daughter of the man who can make or break our career.

She’s likely nowhere near as experienced in the bedroom as I am, and I’d probably freak her out.

But then there’s all the good reasons the devil on my shoulder whispered in my ear.

She’s in college and likely feeling adventurous.

She might be ten years younger than I am, but she’s still an adult.And I’d be a hypocrite if I said her age was a major factor since I’ve had sex with women much older than I am.

Most importantly, whenever our gazes met at our last studio session, she got a look in her eyes that said she’s curious about me too.

I twirl my drumsticks in my fingers before tapping a gentle beat on my thighs while I wait for the other guys to tune their instruments.Decker is in the booth, but Tamsin hasn’t arrived yet.I know she’s coming though because Robbie asked if she’d be here—thank God for that man.

I’m antsy with anticipation, but soon the rest of the guys are ready to play and Decker gives us the cue to start.My mind focuses on the music, the beat thrumming through me like it’s second nature.We’ve been practicing a lot this past week so that we could nail these as quickly as possible.Studio time is expensive, and we still feel like we have to prove to our label that we’re worth the money they’ve been throwing at us since we hit it big.

We’re halfway through the song when the hairs on the back of my neck rise and that feeling like I’m being watched washes over me.My gaze moves up to the window separating our space from the sound booth and locks on Tamsin’s.She averts her gaze almost immediately, turning to talk to her dad, and my heart drops a little.

Did I imagine everything from a week ago?

The way her gaze felt as she watched me play.

The way her eyes sparkled whenever I looked up and made eye contact.

The way she nibbled on her pink pen as she watched me, like she was hungry for my hands to be doing something else completely.

I swallow hard as a heaviness settles over my body, making my limbs slow to respond and messing up my rhythm, so I end up a beat behind.The guys stop playing and turn back to me.Trent’s brows draw together as he stares me down, a silent question in his gaze.

You good?

I push my hand through my hair and give him a subtle nod.“Sorry,” I say, not willing to elaborate on why I messed up.I’m usually steady and sure when I’m behind my drum kit.So it’s rare that I’m the one throwing us off.

“It’s cool,” Trent says before turning back toward Decker.“Want us to start from the chorus?”

“Actually, let’s start from the top.Tristan, can you try that opening again, but slightly slower, then we’ll pick up the beat when Miles joins in,” Decker suggests.

Tristan nods, and we reset.I avoid looking at the booth throughout the next few takes.Whenever Decker provides feedback or suggestions, I keep my eyes focused on my drum kit.I don’t trust myself not to search out Tamsin’s hazel gaze.I need to keep my head clear and if I look at her, I know I’ll only wonder what she’s thinking and if I completely misread what I thought was chemistry last week.

After another two takes, Decker says he wants to focus on vocals for a bit, so Kasen, Tristan, and I leave Trent to it and take seats on the couches outside the sound booth.I see Kasen going for the chair that just so happens to be next to where Tamsin is sitting today, so I make a beeline for it, cutting him off in the process.

Smooth.

He shoots me a look like he thinks I’ve lost my mind—not out of the realm of possibility at this point since I’m pretty sure I’m about to actively start pursuing the one woman who’s forbidden.

Tamsin is writing notes with her pink pen, and I can’t help but lean over and ask, “Why pink?”

She doesn’t look at me when she responds.“Why not pink?”

I smile.“That’s not really an answer.”

She tips her head just enough for her eyes to meet mine, and I don’t miss the exasperation or the playfulness in her gaze.“I like pink.Do I really need another reason why?”

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