Hearts the Last Beat (Angel Fire #6) - Ellie Masters Page 0,47

Angel, but would jeopardize Lucy and Trevor’s anonymity.

The one thing I love about them is they know what I do, who I am, but don’t care about any of it. It keeps me grounded, and it’s nice to be treated like a regular guy. As for that baby gift, special doesn’t mean expensive; quite the opposite. It needs to be out of this world, knock your socks off, unique.

Maybe I can ask Skye what her favorite baby gift was when she was pregnant with little Zach?

Noodles and I shoot the shit for a while, steering the conversation clear of kids, chicks, and the rest. He’s excited for our next tour. I am too. I settle in and close my eyes as I soak up the warm rays shining down on me.

Just as I get comfortable, I feel her. One minute, I’m soaking up the California sun, working on my tan. The next, my senses are on full alert. That crazy energy crackles in the air, alerting me to her presence.

But I play it cool, aware Noodles sits right beside me.

“Hey, Spike?” Angel’s soft voice floats on the morning air. It rolls over me like a warm embrace.

I wait a beat, playing the bored rock star before answering. “What?” I don’t look in her direction. I make no move I care she’s here at all.

Noodles does. He flips around in his seat. “Hey, baby girl, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing much,” she says.

I stir and turn in time to watch her sweep her amazing curls off her face. Her hair floats around her heart-shaped face. Those hazel-green eyes of hers sparkle. The way the sun shines down on her hair makes it look like an ethereal halo floating over her head.

My angel.

“You still upset about your dad?” Noodles jumps to soothe Angel while I bite my tongue. He’s always been the peacemaker of the group. But the thing is, that’s my place, not his, but then he’s not supposed to know that yet.

“Yes and no.” Her attention sweeps back to me. “Bash said you could help me with my driving. What do you think?”

“What’s the status of your license?”

“I didn’t lose it. He took it, but I still have it.”

“Proof’s in the pudding.” I hold out my hand and flick my fingers. “You got a license, I’ll take you out. If you don’t, that’s a no-go on my end.”

“I don’t have it on me.” She gives a little snort of indignation, but I hope she’s not getting mad at me. This is the game we need to play, at least until we can get everyone on board about us being a couple.

“Well, if you wanna drive, I suggest you find it.” I pray she gets I’m just playing at being a jerk.

“You have time now?” Her lids flutter as she peeks at me. No need to worry. She’s playing her part too damn well. I know she’s just as anxious as me to be alone together.

“Do I look like I’m busy?” I make a shooing gesture. “Grab your purse, make damn sure you have your license, and I’ll take you out.”

“Gee, thanks.” She practically jumps up and down, a little too eager for my taste.

Acutely aware of Noodles watching the whole exchange, I grit my teeth. He’s my best friend in the band. If I can’t keep our relationship secret from him, we’re fucked.

Angel disappears, practically skipping inside the house while I take a deep breath and brace for comments from Noodles.

“You know…”

Here it comes. I brace for what he says next.

“What?”

“You shouldn’t be so sharp with her.”

“How so?”

“You’re prickly by nature, but positively bristle when she’s near. Makes your aura do that spikey thing again, and just when you were so chill.”

“I don’t believe in that shit.”

“Don’t have to believe in it to make it true. Whatever issue you’ve got with Bash’s kid, bury it. That girl isn’t going anywhere. She’s a part of our crazy family. Might as well get used to her. Would it kill you to be nice?”

“Didn’t think I was being an ass.”

“She withers when you’re around. All her bright pinks and pastel yellows dim when you’re around. The girl’s been through a lot. Doesn’t need you making her feel unwelcome.”

“It’s been well over a year. Don’t think me welcoming her matters.”

“Everything matters. Try to be a little nicer.”

“I’m taking her driving. How is that me not being nice?”

“Doing something under duress is one thing.”

“Actually, I remember making the offer. If that’s not me being nice, don’t know what