Page 11 of Madden

“I’m here to write an article about the band and your rise to stardom,” I say.

He swallows hard. “I guess what I’m trying to say is a lot of bullshit gossip has been printed around me and my bandmates as of late. Some things are untrue, and others have been taken out of context. I’d like to squash this and leave it in the past.”

“I have no intention of spreading misinformation or painting you in a bad light.”

He claps his hands and rubs them together. “I appreciate it.”

I force a smile and step away. “I should probably head outside and help Davis set up.”

I notice the guys standing in a group out of the corner of my eye, watching us intently. When they catch me glancing in their direction, they duck their heads and turn away in unison.

My mouth goes dry when I turn to Madden, catching his eyes trailing down my body before they meet mine. The butterflies in my stomach return.

“Hey, um… before you go, we have a show tonight at Whiskey Barrel. It’s the bar we started out at that we mentioned in the interview.”

I nod, recalling them talking about their rise to the top and how Whiskey Barrel gave them a stage every weekend to play for their hometown crowd.

“We’ll be introducing some of our new music. We like to get on stage and play our newer songs to thank them for getting us to where we are today. Anyway, I’m not sure how long you’ll be sticking around, but you guys are welcome to come.”

I hesitate for a minute. The voice in my head practically screams it’s not a good idea. On the one hand, there’s a chance it could give me more content and behind-the-scenes material to use in the article.

On the other, I’m apprehensive about putting myself in the position to be close to Madden again. The trip here is strictly business for me, but the fact he’s inviting me to join them feels like we’re at risk of mixing the two.

I can’t let myself get close to him.

“We actually have an early flight to catch tomorrow…” I trail off.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun. Take the chance, let your hair down and live a little.”

He smirks, and I resist urge to tell him to fuck off. He has no right to be so goddamn sexy and tempting. It’s almost infuriating.

“I’m sorry, I’ll have to pass this time, but I appreciate the invite.”

“It’s your loss.” He shrugs. “I was thinkin’ you may want more photos for your article and a chance to tease what’s to come, but I understand. You have more exciting things to do tonight and have to be up early.”

I grit my teeth. He has a point about the photos. I may not want to join them. I’m not a big rock fan, and I’ve never been one to listen to their music, either. This is for my job, though. With it being my first submission at Limelight, I want to knock it out of the park.

This could give me a different side of the guys—a chance to get to know them on a deeper level they haven’t shared before.

Or it could turn out to be a big mistake and a waste of my time.

Madden smirks as if he knows he’s got me right where he wants me.

“I guess you sold me. Let me know what time, and we’ll be there.”

He grins. “I promise to make it worth your while.”

I’m not sure what he means exactly, and that’s what I’m afraid of.

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