Page 6 of No Limits

“So, this band. Tell me about them.”

This is the part Lochlyn loves the most, talking about the music aspect. He doesn’t care about the logistics, the legalese of the job. He loves working with bands.

“They started as a small garage band, like many do. But they kept playing and sending out their tracks. They were picked up eventually by Jenson Records, a smaller record label in the ’Cuse area. But they’re starting to tour outside of just the Central New York area and want new representation since they’re unhappy with their old firm. They play alt rock?”

“Sounds like it’s right up your alley.”

“Ouralley. We live in the same one, my love.”

“Well, if I’ll enjoy the music too, then I’m twice as interested in going. A good band and a night with you…What more could I ask for?”

“I will have to work for a short while, but the rest of the time is yours. We’ll watch them together, make sure they’re actually worth signing. And then it’s at least an hour alone in the car each way. With my undivided attention.” He brushes his lips against mine while cupping my cheek.

“It all sounds amazing.”

And it is, as we drive to Syracuse, laughing and singing like we used to on road trips. He keeps his finger through my belt loop while Play it Louder is on stage. The second they’re off, he gives me a kiss and disappears, leaving me alone at the table with my glass of water.

It’s not until the band changes again that I notice Lochlyn’s been gone a while. I know he’s doing his job, but it’s making anxiety sprawl through me. Every minute he’s gone, the further it spreads.

“Hi there.” A tall, dark-haired man with green eyes steps to the table in front of me, leaning against it as he gives me a once-over, making my skin crawl.

“Hello.” I never know how to handle these situations, but being rude doesn’t seem right, or beneficial.

“It was a really good show tonight. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah, it was great. The band sounded good.”

“Oh, it was one of the best performances I’ve seen of theirs. I make it to a lot of their shows. My buddy’s cousin is dating one of the bandmates’ cousins. Sorry, that’s hard to follow.” He smiles with dazzling white teeth. I might be slightly impressed if I wasn’t engaged. Or in love with Lochlyn.

“You here alone?”

“No, my fia—”

“I’d happily take you to another show, let you see them again.”

“Sorry, she won’t be doing that.” Lochlyn’s deep voice resonates in my ear, and I collapse against him as he wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me into his side.

“And why not?”

“See this ring on her finger? I put it there. So any concerts she goes to will be with me.”

“Well, if she’s your girl, you probably shouldn’t be leaving her alone at a concert when she’s looking like a snack.” At the man’s crass words, I turn away, gripping onto Lochlyn’s shirt.

“Listen, I don’t want any trouble here. You’re upsetting my girl, so why don’t you leave us alone now.” Though Lochlyn’s voice is calm and controlled, I know he feels anything but right now. Knowing him the way I do, he’s ready to pulverize this guy, and I’m certain the only reason he hasn’t is because of me and the fact that he’s here for work.

“Maybe I don’t want to. Maybe I want to be in your business and going after your girl. Not only is she a looker, but she’s here, enjoying the kind of music I do. I think we’re a match made in heaven. Or at least the bedroom?” He snickers, and Lochlyn tenses before putting me behind him.

“Oh, is big man going to fight for his girl? Let’s see it?”

“I’m not going to fight with you, man, but she doesn’t need to be seen by you for a second longer.”

The guy steps closer so he’s almost chest to chest with Lochlyn, who has a good few inches on this guy.

“Maybe I feel like fighting for her. You won’t, so maybe I will.”

Before the guy lifts his fist further than his shoulder, he’s down on the ground. But it isn’t Lochlyn who punched him.

Some random guy standing to the right of Lochlyn is shaking out his hand. I immediately recognize him as the drummer.

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