All four of them stand up and clap heartily. I feel a heat suffuse my cheeks, and I cower against Nick’s chest.
“No way, nuh-uh. You’re gonna take your applause like a champ, babe. That was fan-fucking-tastic. I knew you were good, but that’s a whole new level. Tell her, Atlas!” He gestures to his friend.
“Seriously, Honor, do you want to sing professionally?” His wild hair flops into his eyes, and he pushes a lock back. It stubbornly falls into his face again.
I shake my head, feeling a little dizzy with all of the attention on me.
Silas McKnight, a hunky black man whom I found out owns Knight & Day Productions, stands up. “Girl, you’ve got a true gift. Not something we see every day, and believe me, we’re always lookin’.”
“Thank you.” I nudge Nick and gesture to my empty glass.
He whistles, lifts his arm above his above his head, and waves two fingers to Jack, who’s behind the bar. She dismisses the line of people standing in front of her, pours a fresh glass of champagne, and taps a new beer for Nick before hustling over.
“Really amazing. Feel free to clean those pipes out whenever you get a bee stinging your ass.” She hands us the drinks. “Girl, with your face, that body, killer voice…hell yeah. It’s good for business. This is on the house.” She buses the table, winks at me, and then takes her leave.
“So she’s into women, then?” I ask the group, and all of them dissolve in a fit of laughter.
Nick shakes his head. “My dove, so innocent. Yeah, babe. She’s into chicks not dicks.”
“Cool.” I sip my champagne and let the chilly bubbles slide down my parched throat. Nick lets me go so he can visit the bathroom while Silas makes his way over to me.
“You really do have a beautiful voice. I’d sign you in a minute if you’re thinking about going pro.”
I cross my arms around my body. “Not really a stage and lights kind of girl. Singing is something I do for stress release, but I don’t feel that calling.”
“What do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?”
I glance toward the bathrooms to check if Nick’s still gone. “I’ve been helping Nick manage his gym, and the work is rewarding. Plus, I get to help Nick, which makes me happy.”
He nods and takes a pull from his beer.
“And I’m working on another secret project now that’s keeping me busy.”
Silas smiles and looks at the stage as if he’s gauging the talent, his hazel eyes a stunning contrast against his mocha-colored skin. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s probably not a hundred percent African American. The other half could very well be Caucasian. Whatever it is, his mother and father did well in the genetics department, because he’s extremely attractive in that smooth and suave GQ way. I prefer my men brute-like, bossy, and Italian, but I know a lot of women would not turn down a date with him.
As I’m about to ask him if he’s seeing anyone, Dara Jackson from Lotus House makes an appearance, pushing through the crowd. Her dress is a tight, shimmery blue number that barely covers her booty. And this woman has a whole lot of booty. Long, dark waves of streaked brown and blonde hair trails down her back in big curls. Once she’s given hugs and says hello to Dash, Amber, Atlas, and Nick as he returns right on cue from the bathroom, Nick hooks her arm and brings her over to where Silas and I stand.
I glance at Silas, and I swear his tongue is hanging out of his mouth. His eyes are all over the sexy newcomer.
I nudge his shoulder. “Hot, huh?”
“So hot,” he whispers back, and I laugh at his obvious discomfort.
Dara is all big smiles, pouty lips, and giant Caribbean-blue eyes. They are so intense, I wonder if the color is real, or maybe she wears contacts for fun or to mess with peoples’ heads.
Nick lets Dara go and loops an arm around me. “Hey, babe, you know Dara Jackson from Lotus House.”
I smile. “I do. Good to see you again.”
She glances at Nick and his possessive hold on me. “Glad you scooped up your man. I’m sure there are yogis everywhere crying into their soy chai latte over the resident hottie being off the market.”
“Absolutely off the market,” Nick confirms and then curves his head toward mine and kisses me. “We’re living together now too.” He says this with pride and another kiss. The man is definitely not concerned about public displays of affection. I’m getting used to it, but for Nick, I’ll manage any discomfort.
“Righteous. And who is this tall, dark drink of heaven?” Her hand extends toward Silas.
He takes hold of her hand, brings it up to his lips, and kisses her knuckles. I swoon right along with Dara, who sways closer toward him.
“I’m Silas McKnight. I work with Atlas.”
Right then, Atlas clasps Silas on the back. “Don’t let him fool you, Dara. He’s my boss. The dude is rich, available, and a hard worker.” He clocks Silas on the arm. “Don’t say I never did nuthin’ for ya, buddy, but I’ve got to get home. Mila says Aria is awake with a fever and calling for her daddy. My girls call, I’m out. Bye, guys. Great job tonight, Honor. Really killer voice. Hope to hear it again soon.”
Silas ruffles Atlas’s hair. “Catch ya Monday. Don’t be late…again!”
Atlas chuckles, lifts a hand above his head, and waves as he exits. Dash and Amber are quick to follow.
“We’ve, um, got plans tomorrow. We should, uh…” Amber twists her lips in a pensive gesture.
Dash chuckles and hooks her around his waist. “I promised my wife a handful of orgasms tonight. It’s been a long week for her. So we’re headed out.”
Amber’s eyes widen. “My goodness. I can’t believe you just said that! Dash!”
“Little bird, everyone here tonight is going to go home
