Page 51 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

I stopped, my mouth dropping open as I realized that sitting a few feet from me was Shadows of Mayhem.

“You’re Aspen, you’re Jett, and you’re Zion.” I looked around, pointing them out like an idiot. When I got to the end, there was another guy I didn’t know. “Where’s Roscoe?” I asked as they all watched me, grins on most of their faces.

“Hey babe, you do have fans,” the redhead said, nudging her shoulder into Aspen. He threw his head back, letting out a loud uproarious laugh, and I stumbled forward more as Zane pushed me. Jett smirked at me, looking me over, but then went back to talking to Zion.

“Sorry, when I first met Penny, she wasn’t impressed at all by me being in a band,” Aspen said, reaching out across the table to shake my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Lennox.”

I shook his hand, looking at everyone. “Wait, I know you as well. You’re part of LiveIt’s reality show. You’re the DIY girl. Wow. I think I’m going to faint.”

Penny blushed, but nodded. “Wow, it’s still weird to have people know me.”

“Have a seat, Peach,” Slade said, pushing a chair under me. He sat beside me, spreading his legs wide as he took in the group. I glanced back at the band, not sure what to say. Thankfully, Zane was there to lead the way.

“Shannon said that you might be interested in having Lennox join you?” he asked, sitting next to me. I glanced over, finding that Simon was sitting on Slade’s other side.

“Yes, actually. She sent us a video of you singing one of our songs,” Jett said, searing me with his eyes. The man had a magnetism that made me hot around the collar. Slade scooted closer to me, grunting as he placed his arm around me.

“Oh, I hope I didn’t embarrass myself.” My cheeks heated, and I began to fiddle with my hands.

“On the contrary. We loved what you did with it. You have an amazing voice, and it's magic when you and Slade sing together,” Aspen said, smiling warmly at me.

I looked up at my surly boyfriend, grinning at him. He watched me, ignoring the others. I glanced back, finding Penny observing me, a soft smile on her face.

“I agree. He’s not one for singing a lot, though. So, what are you suggesting, exactly?”

“Well, our opening act had to back out of this new tour we’re about to start. There was an issue with Roscoe and their lead singer, so not only are we looking for a new opener, but we just auditioned new drummers.”

“Oh wow, that’s stressful.”

“Tell me about it,” Jett sighed, wiping his face.

“Shannon said you don’t have a lot of original material, but you could sing some songs with us. I’ve been playing around with adding female vocals, and I think your voice would pair well with Jett’s,” Aspen said. I felt Slade’s arm tighten on the chair, but I ignored him. “I’ve also been writing some new original songs and working with another songwriter on things that are a little different from our brand that I think would be perfect for your range. We can discuss all of that if you’re interested.”

I looked at my guys, knowing I couldn’t make this without them. “Well, it’s not just me. These three are kind of a package deal.”

“So Shannon said. I believe you’re the manager,” Aspen said, looking to Zane, “the stylist,” to Simon, and “the bodyguard?” to Slade.

Giggling, I patted Slade’s leg. “Something like that.”

“Well, it so happens that we’re also in an untraditional relationship,” Aspen said, pointing at himself, Penny, the blonde guy, and the other dark-haired guy. “So, we understand unique situations.”

I looked at them with a new understanding. Penny had a carefree spirit about her, making me instantly like her.

“It would be nice to have another female on tour,” she whispered. “Especially one who also has three boyfriends. Perhaps we could trade tips.” She giggled, and I smiled, nodding.

“Just so we’re clear on the terms,” Zane began, “she opens for you and occasionally might sing with you. You’ll help her find some original songs.”

“Sounds about right. The rest of the stuff you’ll iron out with the tour company. But yes, we’d love for you to join us if you’re interested. We have to go and meet our new drummer, Griffin, or we’d hang out longer. We’ll be here until tomorrow, and then we’re heading to practice for a week before the tour starts.”

“Oh wow, that’s soon.” I swallowed, nerves beginning to envelop me. “What if I get stage fright?” I asked.

“You’re a natural. You’ll be fine once you get out there,” Aspen said, making me believe it.

“Here’s my number. Text or call when you decide, and we’ll get things squared away with the Songbird,” the dark-haired guy said. “I’m Rafe, and the blonde is Cooper,” he said when I looked at him with a question.

“Simon, Slade, Zane, I mean Thane,” I said, pointing at the guys in order.

Zane reached his hand out, taking the card. “We’ll be in touch.” We stood so they could get out, shaking hands as they passed. Penny pulled me into a hug, surprising me.

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