“You are not attracted to musicians. You are going to find a CPA, or a real estate agent or a lawyer, with no tattoos. He will be devoted to you. He does not have women throwing themselves at him. He’s a good guy. Sure, he has a great smile because I have a thing about teeth, but he’s not a cheater. And he doesn’t lie. And he will be proud of you and you will be his priority.
“Granted, he might be a little boring, but boring is good. He’s not a manipulator, and he would kill himself before he would ever hurt you.”
I stand straight and smooth my hands down my leather vest and over my skinny jeans at my hips, then jab my finger at my reflection.
“Jake is not hot. You’re not interested. Get over it.”
I give myself the stink eye before marching out of the bathroom, with my new armor intact.
SEDUCTION IS PRETTY much empty now. Jake’s set went amazingly well, and if he’s willing, we’ll keep him on as the weekend performer for as long as he wants it.
I can hear some movement in the kitchen, most likely the chef prepping for tomorrow. The last of the servers just left, with wide smiles on their faces thanks to tonight’s heavy tippers. Cami, Riley, and Mia left right after Jake finished, and Kat just walked out the door.
“Buy you a drink?”
I spin, surprised to see that Jake is still here.
“I told you no before. Are you senile?”
“It’s just a drink, Addie. I suspect you’ve had a long day.”
I shrug. “I won’t deny that. Okay, I’ll join you.” What the fuck, Addison? This is so not professional! I mentally shake my head, resigned to being an idiot who can’t seem to say no.
I lead him into the bar and walk behind it to pour us each a drink. “What have you been drinking tonight? Jack and Coke?”
“Just the Coke,” he replies. “I don’t need the Jack.”
I pour his drink, surprised to hear that he didn’t drink any alcohol while he played, but I don’t ask him about it. I pour myself a glass of wine, and reach over the bar to clink glasses with him.
“To your first night.”
“Cheers.” His eyes smile at me over the rim of his glass as he takes a sip of his drink. “Come sit with me. Get off those killer heels.”
“I’m used to the heels,” I reply as I circle around the bar and settle into a stool next to him. “But I’ve been on them all day.”
“You worked all day, and stayed tonight too?”
“Of course. It was your first night.”
“My audition,” he says with a nod. “I don’t think I’ve ever auditioned for anything.”
“Well, you passed. You’re welcome to play here for as long as you like.”
His amazing green eyes warm as he smiles at me. “Thank you. I like it. It’s an intimate crowd, and the room has great acoustics. I’d like to bring Max with me sometimes so we can play some of the old songs, sing some harmonies, if that’s okay.”
If that’s okay?
Duh.
“Sounds fine to me.” I taste my wine.
It’s quiet in here now, and the silence is too loud. He’s staring down at his drink, his eyes a deep green in the low light of the bar. A crease forms between his eyebrows in a frown, and then he shakes his head, just a tiny bit. Jake sips his drink, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.
And I’m a woman, so I ask.
Because who ever heeded the whole don’t ask the question if you don’t want the answer warning?
“What are you thinking?” I ask softly.
He chuckles and shakes his head.
“You don’t want to know.”
“I asked.”
He swivels in the stool, facing me, and rests his hand on the arm of my own stool, leaning into me, and it takes everything in me not to back away. His eyes lower to my lips.
I lick them, and watch his eyes dilate.
This is a very bad idea.
I swallow hard as he continues to watch my mouth.
“It’s quiet in here,” he says evenly.
“I was thinking the same.”
“Are you comfortable in the quiet, Addie?”
I frown and feel my nipples pucker when he reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear. His fingers are warm.
And when he’s this close, I can’t help but breathe him in and enjoy the scent of him.
“Why shouldn’t I be?”
“Some aren’t. Some need chaos, noise. The quiet makes them nervous.”
You make me nervous.
I lick my lips again.
“I don’t mind quiet. You?”
“I love the quiet.”
I smirk. “You’re a musician.”
“And I love music too. But the quiet is where the truth lives.”
I blink once, twice.
“Where the truth lives?” I’m whispering now.
He simply nods. “There’s no distraction. No way to deny what is. It’s honest.”
“And you claim to be honest?”
“To a fault,” he confirms. “I’d also love to hear more about this sexcation you’re scheming.”
I feel my cheeks flush and turn away, taking another sip of my wine.
“I was simply being silly with my friends, Jake. Drop it.”
He doesn’t answer. Damn the fucking quiet.
I risk a peek at him, only to find him still watching me, lust heavy in his eyes. “Why are you staring at me?”