Page 24 of Reckless

“They went back to the hotel to clean up,” Poppy told him as she caught up. “I’ve got the van already waiting so once you and the others are ready, we’ll go.”

He gave her a questioning look.

“She’s fine.”

“Thanks,” he told her.

“I said I’d be useful on this tour, and I think we can agree I’ve already been that and more.”

“You’re right. You’re doing a great job.” He slung an arm around her shoulders and hugged her to his side as she tried to push him away.

“You’re sweaty and gross! Ew.”

“Felt good out there tonight.”

He nodded at the people who’d found ways to line the hall leading to their dressing rooms. Most he recognized as crew but there were others there, he knew searching for a good time to be had with a famous person.

He wanted a good time too. So he’d get himself cleaned up and head over to the bar they were holding their afterparty at and find a way to get himself alone with Harlow.

At the party things were already in full swing and he was swallowed up by well-wishers, a drink put in his hand and refreshed each time he emptied it.

Music—thankfully not theirs because it would have felt masturbatory—pumped out of speakers. Local musicians filled the room, and he didn’t fail to notice the way Harlow always seemed to be surrounded by people trying to get her attention.

But this was part of the business and Above Me could use all the connections they could get. Those connections were what often helped a band get to the next level. It didn’t hurt that she was tall, drop dead beautiful, and projected a confidence nearly as sexy as the rest of her. But she was charming too. Had an ease with people.

He liked the way Brian and Nora stood with her, each contributing to the whole. Harlow wasn’t going to be the type who’d abandon them if she got a better opportunity, and the comfort they had with one another was a sign they all knew it. And wanted onlookers to know it too.

She tipped her head back, laughing and Miles felt the tug in his gut at the sight.

“Easy there,” Maddie said quietly. “The whole room is going to see the way you look at her.”

Poppy snorted.

He shrugged. “Not a problem. Who’d be embarrassed to look at her this way?”

Maddie rolled her eyes. “It’s cute that you conveniently forgetshe’sgot to prove she’s more than the pretty face and the famous dad. For someone who has the same struggles, that’s sort of ridiculous coming from you.”

Oh. Yeah.

Miles sighed. “Okay, you have a point. But I don’t want to hide it like she’s a secret or something to be embarrassed about.”

“Fair. And I’d have thrown my drink in your face if you were embarrassed because she’s, well, she’s above your weight class.”

That made him laugh. “I thought you were wary about me starting anything with her while on tour.”

“You’re an artist, she’s an artist. Lots of passion between and around you. I just don’t want to see either of you get hurt. This business can be hard on your heart. That’s all,” Maddie told him.

“If this is about Sophie, I already told you, this is different,” he said of his ex.

“Well sure. Anyone who knows you understands that. I was there during the whole thing, remember. I said today that you were acting reckless, but with Sophie you weren’t reckless. You were out of control.”

That was actually a really good distinction.

Maddie continued as they both watched the room, “The crash with you and whatserface was inevitable. And it was also inevitable she was going to blow it out of proportion and use it to build her own social media base. She never lied about what she was.”

“I hate that none of you told me how you felt about her,” Miles said.

“Fuck off, Miles. I could have told you in detail and you’d have continued to put your dick in her and do too many drugs and drink yourself into a stupor. It’s the path you chose for a while. Put it on like a coat until you realized it didn’t fit. My dad was the same. Lots of pretty boy musicians are. You grew up.”

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