Page 69 of Give Me a Reason

Gia’s team was quick and efficient, easily able to pivot when there was an issue. It was why their reputation had grown. The couple could relax, knowing their day would be taken care of.

It was impressive, even if I didn’t want to do what they did. I liked my part. I played a few songs, made people happy, and went home without the cleanup.

This bride had provided a list of what she wanted in the order it was supposed to be played. There hadn’t been a discussion. It was a little boring, but it was what they wanted. I’d written a few songs on my own, and occasionally I’d bring one out and play it. But not tonight. An unknown musician’s song was not on the approved list.

I watched Aria work on the girl’s dress for a few minutes, and then she went to the kitchen to grab something to eat. I was aware of the space, cataloging any areas I could use to get Aria alone later.

We’d have to be careful because Gia was here, but there was something about the sneaking and hiding that was exciting. As much as I wanted to get Aria into a bed, I knew she was resistant. I needed to take what I could get until I could convince her to take me seriously.

There was a voice in my head that liked to remind me that she’d never take me seriously if we were only stolen moments during weddings. I wasn’t sure how else to get her alone. I’d invited her along on our last Sunday family day. Maybe I could do that again, but then Ireland would be there.

I didn’t have a plan when it came to Aria, other than to go with the flow and take whatever she’d give me. It wasn’t satisfying because I wanted more.

I played my set, going through the list of approved songs.

On my first break, Aria gave me a drink, and we leaned against the wall at the back of the tent. “Sorry, you don’t get a long break this time.”

I shrugged. “I don’t need much of one. I’m looking forward to the end of the night.”

We both knew that was our sweet spot. When the wedding festivities were done and it was just a party. The guests let loose, and there was usually music playing over a speaker. Sometimes, Gia would go home and leave the cleanup to the assistants.

That was our time. Aria’s gaze met mine, and I knew that she was thinking the same thing.

“You know, we can’t keep doing this,” she said in a low voice as my stomach sank.

“Why not?” I shifted closer to her, wanting to hear every word.

“It’s not right.”

“You mean, it’s not enough. You want more time with me. Time so we can explore each other’s bodies.”

Her face flushed. “That’s not what I meant.”

“But it’s what you want.” She couldn’t deny that our connection was explosive. We couldn’t control ourselves around each other.

“Just because I want something doesn’t mean it’s good for me.”

I grinned. “When you put it like that, it makes me think of that one indulgence you have—say, maybe for chocolate—and no matter what, you let yourself have a little each day, but it’s never enough. You take another bite, then another, until you’re satisfied. But you aren’t, not really. You still need more.”

Her cheeks were flaming at this point. “I can’t believe you compared me to chocolate.”

I’d come up with the analogy on the fly, but it was true. “I love chocolate.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

I leaned closer until my words ghosted over the shell of her ear. “Meet up with me after my last set.”

It wasn’t a question. I wanted her, and I knew she wanted me. We couldn’t resist each other if we tried.

“Gia—”

“You and I both know she’ll leave after the cake is cut, leaving you and Harper in charge of closing. She always tells you to take a break.”

“It doesn’t mean I should take my break with you.”

“Come on, you know you want to.”

“I can’t resist you, Finn, and you know it.”

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