Page 42 of Rocked: The Price of Dreams

“We certainly did.”

“Gemma?” Ewan rushed out of the house and headed over to me. “You came?”

The meter on my heartbeat quickened. “Here in the flesh.”

“What are you two sitting over here for?” He held out his hand. “Come meet my friends. We’ve never met real rock stars before.”

“Well, now you have.” I slid my hand into his. Tingles shot up my arm and pooled at the base of my neck. I’d never been affected by a guy like this before. The shivers I got from Kyle occasionally, didn’t count, right? He was just my friend. This was different.

Sucking in a deep breath, I shoved the spiraling, I’ve-got-no-idea-what-I’m-doing fluster into the pit of my stomach and pasted on a superstar smile. “Let’s go.”

Ewan led us over to a group of guys and girls drinking beer by the end of the pool. “Guys, this is Kyle and Gemma. From Everhide. They’re the band that played tonight.”

“Hi. I’m Nora.” Awe twinkled in the eyes of a girl with shiny brown short hair. “You were ah-mah-zing. I haven’t screamed and danced at a concert like that in ages. The entire show was incredible.”

I stood two inches taller. My chest swelled. This was so fucking cool. I guessed I’d have to get used to praise and compliments as our popularity grew. But ultimately, if we could touch someone with our music, give them a great show and a night of entertainment to remember, playing was worth it. “Thank you. I’m glad you had a great time.”

She looked around the crowd. “Where’s the other guy?”

“Hunter?” Ewan waved his beer toward the house. “Serena’s dancing with him now.”

“Oh, that bitch.” Nora slammed her empty cup down on the high table. “I better go see if he needs a new dance partner.” She winked, then dashed inside.

I pursed my lips to stop laughing. I turned and whispered to Kyle, “Should we warn him?”

“Oh no.” Kyle’s eyes glinted as he shook his head. “Hunt will love the attention.”

“So true.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Mayer.” One of Ewan’s friends with curly black hair raised his cup at Kyle. “Have you guys got an album out?”

“No. Not yet.” Kyle sipped his beer. “We post all our songs on YouTube and Facebook. You can follow us there.”

“Fuck yeah.” He pulled out his cell phone, searched the sites, and followed us. “Can we get a photo? I’ll post on my feed and get everyone to follow you.”

“Absolutely.” That was a no-brainer. I jumped at any chance to attract fans to our music.

As we huddled in a group for Mayer to take a few pictures, Ewan hooked his arm around my waist. He leaned in and smelled my hair. “You smell nice. Like roses”—then he wrinkled his nose—“and sweaty locker room.”

“Sorry.” I grimaced. “I didn’t have time to wash my hair after the show.” I’d just showered and changed. Thank goodness we’d been able to use the arena’s facilities—the coaches’ room—for that. But it was mid-October. It was too cold at night to walk around with wet hair, and I hadn’t planned on coming out to a party.

“No. It’s good.” He glided his hand up and down my side. My skin tingled beneath his touch. “I like it.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

Kyle glanced at Ewan’s hand on my waist and then at Ewan’s face. He bent down and spoke low into my ear so only I could hear. “He wants you.”

Warmth touched my cheeks. “Yeah. Maybe.” Ewan was the first guy who had shown interest in me, and who I’d liked in return. He’d sparked something inside of me. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by.

“You wanna come dance?” Ewan tilted his head toward the living room.

Fear and excitement charged through my veins. Just looking at Ewan heated my blood. I turned to Kyle. “Are you gonna be okay for a while?”

“Yeah. Have fun.” I didn’t miss the sly, sexy innuendo in his voice but loved the warm go-girl smile that curled across his lips. He raised his empty cup. “I’ll have another drink and keep an eye on you.”

“Thanks.” He was the best, always looking out for me.

Ewan entwined his fingers with mine and led me inside. We jostled through the crowd of guys and girls dancing and made our way into the center of the living room. Hunter was surrounded by girls. I knew he could dance, but damn. With his chest flush against Nora’s back, his hands on her hips, and his lips nuzzling against her neck, he gyrated to the music. Nora’s hand gripped his thigh. Her eyes were closed as if she were in a pure state of bliss.

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