Page 64 of Broken Bridges

“And you were perfect on audio. Thank you.”

The crowd hovered around the guys, vying for their attention, but I clutched onto Lewis’s arms for balance. “I was so nervous, but I did it.”

“Look at you.” Holding my hands, he stepped back. “That smile on your face is so good to see.”

Warmth touched my cheeks. It felt good too. “You guys rocked. The single is going to be a huge hit. Congratulations.” I leaned in to kiss his cheek, but he turned, and our lips connected. Fire shot through my veins and coiled up my spine. My heart pounded against my ribs. No. Stop. It took every ounce of my strength not to grab him and continue the kiss.

He drew back and pasted on a stunning smile as people jostled around us. But his darkening eyes told a different story. Heat and want simmered in their depths. Oh...crap. That isn’t good.

He stepped in close and spoke into my ear. “I made it through thanks to your tips. I focused on a spot toward the back of the room. That just happened to be you.”

I winced and pulled away. He was killing me. “Lewis, you’re not making this easy.”

“Neither are you.” He waved toward the nearby bar where Cole and the guys were grabbing drinks. “Not sure if it will help, but would you like a bourbon?”

“Yes. Probably a whole bottle.” But as I glanced over his shoulder, ice shot through my veins. My stomach cinched. “Oh shit.” This was a surefire way to fuck up the night.

“What is it?” Lewis asked.

“Hopefully nothing. That reporter from the press conference has her eyes set on us.” The Halle Berry lookalike stared in our direction as she sipped on her champagne.

Lewis arched an eyebrow. “And that’s a bad thing?”

“Yes. We’ve caused enough headlines this week. It’s best we’re not seen alone together so we don’t cause further speculation.”

He lowered his chin and nodded. “I’m sorry, and I hate that you’re right.”

I play-punched his arm. “We can behave for one night.”

“Speak for yourself.” He winked.

Heat touched my cheeks as I lowered my hand. Oh, I so didn’t want to behave. If he didn’t stop teasing, we would be on the front page tomorrow. I didn’t need drugs, alcohol, or a dance floor to cause a scene.

Cole broke through the crowd and handed us each a glass of bourbon. “Here you go. Get these into you.”

“Thank you.” I took the drink and had a sip.

“Let’s go meet some more fans.” A glint flickered in Cole’s eyes as he tilted his head toward a table surrounded by a group of hot college-aged guys and girls drinking. Oh yeah. He was looking for a hookup. My bet was on the dark-haired Mediterranean-looking chick in the short green dress. Totally his tall, leggy model-type. “You coming, Tee?”

“Sure am.” The quicker the better.

Following Cole and Lewis, I made all of two steps before someone caught my arm. I spun around, coming face to face with the reporter. Damn it. So close to escaping.

“Excuse me, Tia? Do you have a moment?” Her smile was warm and friendly, but I’d dealt with these types before. They buttered you up before they went in for the kill. “I’d like to ask you about the show.”

You mean, Lewis.

Be nice. Be nice. Be nice.

I smeared on a honey-coated smile. “Sure.”

Lewis and Cole had stopped as well and stepped in beside me.

“Everything okay?” Wariness hovered in Cole’s tone as he eyed the reporter.

“Yes.” I placed my hand on his arm and gave it a gentle tap. “I got this. You and Lewis go ahead. I’ll catch up with you soon.”

“You sure?” Cole rubbed my back.

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