Scott. I don’t want to pass up this chance with him. He’ll be here in 30 minutes.”
“Cancel it,” Zack growls at him. “I already have a keyboarder in mind.” His voice is firm. I’ve never seen him take the ‘I’m the boss’ attitude before. It’s totally hot. I almost want to throw him down on the floor and have my way with him. Until I remember what he wants from me. “I am not playing.”
“You can totally play,” Garrett says excitedly.
“No.” My stare doesn’t move from Zack. But he isn’t backing down either. He looks like a predator hunting for dinner. I can see the gears turning his mind trying to figure out how to convince me to do this. His gaze flickers momentarily from mine to the other guys. They’ve all heard me play, but surely they have to be smarter than this.
I play for fun, and at one time wanted to teach Music. I’m not a professional, even if it was fun pretending that night on tour.
“You’re the boss, Zack. Technically we work for you so if you want it, it’s all good.” Chase says it, but he’s looking at me. Probably trying to figure out why I’m still glaring at Zack. I’m still willing my laser beam super power to manifest. No such luck.
“Good, then it’s settled. Nic, let’s go play.” He stands up acting like we have just calmly discussed where we’re headed for dinner. Cocky son of a –
“No.” I cross my arms and lean further back into my egg. He simply stalks closer to me, enjoying the hunt. I want to run away and hop on the first flight home just to spite him.
“Just one song. For me. You don’t have to do the album, just practice with us until I can find someone else, then.” There is a soft pleading in his tone. It’s his sexy voice that makes me want to do whatever he asks, and he knows it. Damn him.
“Liar. You’re trying to trick me.” I am not joining a rock band. Not gonna happen. Ever. The whole idea he is mulling around is ridiculous. However, my resolve weakens when Zack crouches in front of me on his knees, his hands on my thighs.
“One song. Play with me, love. Please?”
Usually when he says please, it’s with a tone that I find totally endearing and it makes me want to please him, just to see him smile. Right now, I want to wipe the smile off his face. I’m a mix of emotions of remembering the rush I got when I played with them on the tour, and fear of even considering doing something so completely out of my league. I’m annoyed he’s putting me on the spot like this in front of everyone who has heard me play before, and I’m thrilled at the thought of doing this. I also know even if I am annoyed with him, I still can’t say no to him. I sigh in acquiescence and hold up one finger.
“One song. Just for fun. But I am not joining your stupid band.”
“You’re cute when you’re pouty, you know that?”
I huff out a loud breath and flip my hair walking away. “I hate you for this, you know.”
“Liar. You love me and you know it.” His smirk is back along with that damn twinkling in his eyes. This goes way beyond one silly song for him and I know it. I just can’t resist him.
It takes a few minutes to get settled in the recording area. But once I’m in the little room, enclosed only with Zack and the other instruments, I feel completely at home and protected in the little space with a keyboard under my fingers. I don’t want to let on, though, that this is even up for consideration. Because it’s absolutely not.
“Okay, I’m ready.” I let out another loud exhale still showing I’m completely opposed to this idea.
“Just one song. Remember?”
“Don’t think I’m not fooled by this. I know what you want and it’s not gonna happen.”
“Whatever you say, love.” He winks at me. “We’re playing a new song I just wrote.”
Nerves suddenly bubble in my stomach and almost overflow. “Zack…I can’t…”
“Yes, you can.” He comes over and puts a hand on my cheek. “I’ve seen you figure it out on the fly. I’ll play. You join in whenever you’re ready.”
I mutter something undecipherable, and exhale again. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”