a cutesy teenager singing about ponies and boy troubles.”
“Of course. You’re right. I’m—”
“But if it happens to piss Glenna off at the same time, I ain’t mad about it. God’s honest truth.” He raises his left hand, then shrugs. “I’m only human.”
Dang. That’s a bummer.
But I respect his honesty. At least he didn’t try gaslighting me for asking the question.
He slaps his hands against his knees. “Good. You know ‘Friends in Low Places?’ Everyone knows it. We’ll do that tonight. That all right with you?”
“Uh, sure. I’ll let the guys know.”
“Don’t cut your set. Just add it in after your last song.”
“Okay.”
“Thanks, darlin’. Good seein’ ya, Logan.” He waves at us over his shoulder and leaves.
I blink and stare at the door. After a few seconds, I glance down and pinch my arm. “Did that just happen?”
When Rooster doesn’t answer, I peer up at him. He’s watching the door.
“I can’t believe I asked him that.”
“What?” He turns his attention to me.
“About his ex. Oh my gosh. Here he is doing me a huge favor. That wasn’t polite.”
A scowl slashes across Rooster’s forehead. “Fuck polite. I woulda asked the same thing. Is that even normal?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen a few shows where the bands mix it up like that. Usually if they’re friendly or whatever. Cindy and I were talking the other day.” I lower my voice. “And it hit me that the only reason he was asking me to come out and sing with him was to get back at his ex.”
“I don’t think that’s the only reason. But it seems to be a bonus. Least he admits it.” He squeezes my leg. “It’s good you spoke up. He’ll respect you more for not kissing his ass. And respect goes all around. You gotta respect yourself. Don’t let anyone bullshit you.”
I turn that over in my head for a bit. “I’m so new at the business. I’ve never even met Glenna Wilson, and now I’m making an enemy out of her. Feels kinda anti-girl-power to be singing with her ex.”
Being VP of a motorcycle club—not exactly all about female empowerment—I almost expect Rooster to laugh. But he tilts his head, studying me for a few seconds. “You said it yourself. Never even met her. You don’t owe her shit. Besides, this is business. Nothing personal.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “You already have a man,” he says against my ear. “You don’t need hers.”
Warmth sweeps over my skin, chasing away the unsettling sensation lingering in my belly from the talk with Dawson. “I sure do.”
And I can’t stop falling head over boots for him either.
Chapter Forty-One
Rooster
Watching Shelby and Dawson belt out ‘Friends in Low Places’ is a thousand times better than the ‘let’s fuck all night’ song they’ve been performing.
So fucking proud of the way she handled it too. I bit the inside of my cheek so hard I drew blood trying not to laugh when she asked him about his ex.
The arena’s so damn big, it’s hard to find a good spot to take my video of their duet. Lynn’s gonna be getting a side-stage view. It’s the best I can manage.
The song winds down and Dawson wraps an arm around Shelby’s shoulders. “Shelby Morgan, everyone. I’ll see y’all later.”
The building shakes from the screams of the fans as he walks offstage. Fucking brilliant move, honestly. I bet all the seats will be filled for Shelby’s show tomorrow.
Kinda pissed I’ll miss it.
Shelby says a few more words, then the lights blink out and a curtain drops.
“What’d you think?” Dawson asks me.
Not sure why he gives a shit about my opinion. I hit stop on my phone, shut off the screen and jam it in my pocket. “Sounded good. Recorded it to send to her mom.”
“Ah.” He slaps my shoulder. “You two have fun. Take her someplace nice.”
“Thanks.”
Shelby runs straight for me, bright-eyed and breathless. “What’d you think?”
“You were amazing.” I pick her up for a quick kiss but she loops her arms over my head and her legs around my waist, hanging on tight. “Easy,” I groan into her mouth. “People around.”
“I don’t care,” she whispers against my lips.
Next to us, someone clears their throat.
I growl at the intrusion. Shelby unwinds her body from me and I set her down.
Greg’s exasperated scowl pulls a laugh from me.
“I suppose you’re taking off?” he says to Shelby.
“If that’s all right, yeah.” She slips her hand into mine. “I’m done, right?”