love with the new rhythm of the song. I listen to his music fill the small room soaking it in, capturing the chords and pauses and deciding when I can come in. But then he adds the words and I freeze. I open my eyes to see Zack staring at me. Singing right to me.
Awake from your slumber and open your eyes
Can’t you see what your love does to me
Drowning in the ocean the deep pit so blue
Can’t you see what your love does to me
I’m on my knees begging you please
Your love rescued me
Can’t you see what your love does to me
The song is for me. About me. His eyes pierce into my soul. I can feel his love burning through me. I close my eyes again and listen to the song as he continues to sing and repeat. My fingers start playing in harmony to his guitar without any effort. It’s like they just know exactly what they’re supposed to do as I let myself feel his love and answer it with my own response. It’s a musical battle. His music demanding me to see him and his love, and me answering him. Showing him how much I love him. How much I do see. I’m so lost in playing, sensing his love and passion for me I don’t realize it when he first stops .
Zack’s gaze is fixated on me when I finally open them. His breath is heavy like we’d just – you know. I look out at the band. Their looks almost mirror Zack’s with a little less lust.
I feel bare, completely exposed.
Chapter Twenty
“Thanks for the song.” I take a deep breath to regain my own control. I look at Chase on my way out. He is still staring, un-blinking, at the empty keyboard.
“You guys were…wow….you can play.”
I roll my eyes at him. “You’ve heard me before.”
“You two practically melted the glass. I felt like a voyeur watching you have musical sex.” Zack’s hand smacks Garret’s head before I can.
“Garrett! Eww!” I look at Chloe who simply laughs, obviously not embarrassed by her boyfriend.
“Chloe? Seriously. Talk some sense into these guys.”
“You have to do this album. Garrett told me how great you were that night in Philly, but that was just...” She stops as if searching for the right word and shakes her head. “I can’t even describe how incredible that was.”
I glare at her. That was no help, whatsoever.
Zack’s arms wrap around my waist from behind and pulls me back to his chest. His voice lowers so only I can hear him. “That was the hottest moment of my life. Ever. You have to play more.”
“No. No no no! Get real Zack. I’m a girl. You are four guys in a rock band. I’m a mom – or …. whatever. I don’t play on stage anymore.” My tantrum is having zero effect so I change tactics and take a calming breath. “Nobody wants to come to a concert and watch the amazing Zack Walters play with his girlfriend.”
“So we don’t tell anyone you’re on the album.”
“Not you, too, Jake,” I groan and then turn back Zack. “And when you go on tour? What then?”
“You come with us.” He says this like it is just the easiest solution in the entire world.
“I already have a job that I love. I don’t want to do this.” I place my hands firmly on my hips. Except even as I say it, I’m not entirely sure I believe myself. It was fun, and intense playing in that little room. And I did love the thrill I got in Philly thinking of how it would feel to actually be playing in front of that many people. I can only imagine the adrenaline rush. And I always loved making music. But that was years ago, and now, I can’t even put my finger on what’s stopping me, except that I really don’t think it’s a good idea.
Jake stands next to Zack. “Seriously? We’d be stupid to pass this up. That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Chase stands on the other side of Zack. I even watch as Garrett and Chloe come stand close to them.
“I think this could be good for our fan base, actually. With you on stage playing like that, guys will be drooling all over themselves.”
“Gross. That’s just what I want.” I can’t believe I’m getting quadruple-teamed by a pack of horny rock stars. And Chloe too!