to the pool hall made a statement to the guys that things were picking up between us."
He rubbed at his brow in a very familiar gesture.
"I didn't have the balls to own up to how I was feeling about you.
I made it about the sex, but that wasn't true."
I lifted my glass and drank, forcing down the lump in my throat.
His hand dropped onto the armrest.
"So I screwed it up with my big mouth.
That's why you bailed that night.
That's why you never went anywhere with me again."
"I was desperate, Brett," I admitted, "but I didn't want to show it."
The waiter brought our food.
I wondered why I'd ordered anything - I was too unsettled to eat.
Brett started cutting into his steak, attacking it really.
Suddenly, he set his knife and fork down.
"I blew it back then, but now everyone knows what was going on in my head at the time.
'Golden' is our biggest single.
It's what got us signed with Vidal."
The idea of closure made me smile.
"It's a beautiful song, and your voice sounds amazing when you sing it.
I'm really glad you came up and saw me again before you head out.
It means a lot to me that we talked through this."
"What if I don't want to just head out and move on?" He took a deep breath and released it in a rush.
"You've been my muse the last few years, Eva.
Because of you, I've written the best material the band's ever had."
"That's very flattering," I began.
"We sizzled together.
Still do.
I know you feel it.
The way you kissed me the other night ."
"That was a mistake."
My hands clenched beneath the table.
I couldn't deal with more drama.
I couldn't go through another night like Friday.
"And you need to think about the fact that Gideon controls your label.
You don't want any friction there."
"Fuck it.
What's he going to do?" His fingertips drummed onto the table.
"I want another shot with you."
I shook my head and reached for my purse.
"That's impossible.
Even if I didn't have a boyfriend, I'm not the right girl for your lifestyle, Brett.
I'm too high-maintenance."
"I remember," he said roughly.
"God, do I remember."
I flushed.
"That's not what I meant."
"And that's not all I want.
I can be here for you.
Look at me now - the band's on the road, but you and I are together.
I can make time.
I want to."
"It's not that easy."
I pulled cash out of my wallet and dropped it on the table.
"You don't know me.
You have no idea what it would mean to have a relationship with me, how much work it would take."
"Try me," he challenged.
"I'm needy and clingy and insanely jealous.
I'd drive you crazy within a week."
"You've always driven me crazy.
I like it."
His smile faded.
"Stop running, Eva.
Give me a chance."
I met his gaze and held it.
"I'm in love with Gideon."
His brows rose.
Even battered, his face was breathtaking.
"I don't believe you."
"I'm sorry.
I have to go."
I pushed to my feet and moved to pass him.
He caught my elbow.
"Eva - " "Please don't make a scene," I whispered, regretting my impetuous decision to eat at a popular place.
"You didn't eat."
"I can't.
I need to leave."
"Fine.
But I'm not giving up."
He released me.
"I make mistakes, but I learn from them."
I bent over and said firmly, "There's no chance.
None."
Brett stabbed his fork into a slice of his steak.
"Prove it."
* * *
The Bentley was waiting at the curb when I stepped out of the restaurant.
Angus climbed out and opened the rear door for me.
"How did you know where I was?" I asked, unsettled by his unexpected appearance.
His answer was to smile kindly and touch the brim of his chauffeur's hat.
"This is creepy, Angus," I complained as I slid into the backseat.
"I don't disagree, Miss Tramell.
I'm just doing my job."
I texted Cary on the ride back to the Crossfire: Had lunch with Brett.
He wants another chance w/me.
Cary replied, When it rains it pours .
Whole day = royally fucked, I typed.
I want a do- over.
My phone rang.
It was Cary.
"Baby girl," he drawled.
"I want to sympathize, I do, but the love triangle thing is just too delicious.
The determined rock star and the possessive billionaire.
Rawr."
"Oh God.
Hanging up now."
"See you tonight?" "Yes.
Please don't make me regret it."
I hung up to the sound of his laughter, secretly thrilled to hear him sounding so happy.
Trey's visit must have worked wonders.
Angus dropped me off at the curb in front of the Crossfire, and I hurried out of the heat into the cool lobby.
I managed to catch an open elevator just before the doors closed.
There were a half dozen other people in the car with me, forming two groups that chatted among