in experience she made up for in enthusiasm and they’d been great in bed.
But that night at the roadhouse, and later at her place, had left him stunned. Tash had been a confident, wanton woman who had seduced him with her mouth and her hands and he’d been blown away. They’d always had sparks, and whether it was due to maturity or time spent apart or their bodies recognising each other on some visceral level, that night with Tash had been memorable. And he couldn’t get it out of his head no matter how hard he tried.
He hoped to talk to her tonight, to have a chat after the gig, maybe get a lift home with her. Though if the last few days were any indication she’d call him a taxi rather than be holed up in the car with him for fifteen minutes.
‘Ready to start?’ Ruby slid into the chair opposite, her eyes glittering with excitement. ‘I can’t believe the Kody Lansdowne is playing here tonight.’ She puffed out a breath that ended in a pout. ‘Damned annoying I couldn’t publicise it though. It would put this place on the map.’
He laughed. ‘You can plaster it on every social media app in the universe once I leave town but for now, secrecy is paramount.’
She nodded, suddenly serious. ‘For Isla and Tash, I get it.’
‘Thanks.’
She stood and he experienced a flash of fear like he’d been kicked in the chest. Dumb, because he’d already been on stage here. He could do this.
‘Where’s Tash?’
‘Right here,’ she said from behind him, and Ruby gave a brief nod.
‘I’ll give you a few minutes before introducing you,’ Ruby said, then slipped away.
‘You ready to do this?’ Tash took the seat Ruby had vacated. She wore her hair snagged in a high ponytail, a tight navy T-shirt and denim jeans. The place obviously didn’t have a dress code, but he preferred this laid-back look. Tash had slicked pink gloss on her lips and mascara darkened her lashes. She looked beautiful and his heart gave an almighty leap that left him breathless.
Concern creased her brow. ‘You don’t look so good.’
If she only knew his fear of performing had been replaced by a greater fear: losing her. The last time they spoke he’d acted like a jackass, belittling what they’d shared to just sex. He’d panicked because they couldn’t have a meaningful relationship, but damned if he didn’t want to try.
Clearing his throat, he said, ‘I’m fine. Just jitters.’
‘Anything I can do?’
‘You’ve done enough.’ Before he could reconsider the decision to touch her, he reached across the table and snagged her hand. ‘Honestly, Tash, I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You gave me a much-needed kick up the bum by pushing me out of my comfort zone to seek help, you’ve listened when I needed you to and you were here for me when I confronted my fear of performing.’ He raised her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss on the back of it. ‘Thank you.’
She blushed and he wished he were bringing colour to her cheeks by other means. Man, he needed to get his mind out of his pants and focus.
‘You’re welcome,’ she said. ‘And I’m sorry about freaking out over the custody papers. They’re a necessity. I get it. It’s just tough for me, when Isla’s been my world for so long.’
She’d always spoken her mind and he loved that about her. No game playing like some other women he’d dated. Tash owned up to her feelings and moved on. He could learn a lot from her.
‘I understand.’
Sliding her hand out of his, she pointed at the stage. ‘I think you’re on.’
He glanced up to see Ruby stepping behind the microphone. Wolf-whistles and cheers broke out as she grinned and held up her hands.
Tash stood and moved around the table to lean down, her lips an inch from his ear. ‘I’d tell you to break a leg but knowing you, it’d be your good one.’
He laughed and quickly turned his head, snatching a kiss before she knew what was happening. To his surprise, she lingered, pressing her lips to his, sending his libido skyrocketing, before easing away and melding into the crowd.
Ruby glanced at him and he gave a slight nod. That good-luck kiss had buoyed him but it didn’t settle his nerves completely. His gut churned with trepidation though his hands were steady as he flexed and unfurled his fingers, limbering them up.
Ruby picked up the mic and