“Um, Zoey. You’re barely eighteen!” I looked at her quizzically.
“We both know it.” She sighed. “I don’t know how to explain. It’s like he’s my other half.”
“Huh.” I didn’t want to burst her bubble that it wouldn’t likely last. Plus, I thought I was her other half.
“I know, it sounds nuts.” She looked at me earnestly, almost for approval.
“It does.” I wanted to be supportive. “But hell, he’s a very pretty man.”
“Even better, he’s strong, loyal, and kind.” She sighed again dreamily. “And, yes. Soooo easy on the eyes.”
“He treats you well.” I put my arm around her.
“Yes. So respectful. So loving.” Zoey was watching Ty now, and he beamed at her with the same moony expression.
“And he has a big dick.” I nudged her.
“Yep. I can’t wait.” She stuck out her tongue.
The band played a new song Rise and worked through a bunch of iterations, which was fascinating to watch. Connor would play with different rhythms, eyes locked with Jace in silent communication. Zane effortlessly experimented with different licks to complement Ty’s earth-shattering vocals. I’d never witnessed the process of making music or working through a new song, and before long an hour had gone by. When the guys took a break, Jace left the room and returned with a black-haired girl named Fiona and a few other dudes who sat around with us on various amps watching them practice.
During breaks, Ty made no secret about his affection for Zoey. Holding her tight, stroking her hair, gazing at her like she was a queen and giving her soulful kisses. They were both so head-over-heels for each other my heart couldn’t help but melt. Zoey was in love and deserved to be. Despite how I had hoped the summer would turn out, I realized that I couldn’t and wouldn’t begrudge her experience.
Plus, now I was in LTZ’s inner circle and hopefully, Zoey would keep me here.
When things wrapped up, Connor, Zane, Fiona, and the other guys disappeared into the house. Ty and Zoey followed close behind. It had been a long day and I was ready to drive myself home.
“Alex, hold up.” A shirtless Jace stepped from behind his kit, mopping his shoulders and six-pack with a towel.
“Um, okay.” I had no problem stopping to admire, um, his tattoos.
“I’ve gotta go.” Zoey scrunched her nose. “I still have a curfew.”
“It’s cool, Z. Go ahead. I’ll walk Alex out.” Jace shooed them on.
Zoey cocked an eyebrow and smirked at me over her shoulder as she turned and walked out with her hand once again fused together with Ty’s.
“What’s up?” I turned to Jace and tried to act nonchalant.
“How’s project Instagram?” He shook out his damp hair and wrapped it up into a knot at the back of his head.
“I’m going to launch it when I’m on the plane, only six more weeks!” I smoothed my skirt and rocked on my heels, trying not to stare into the depths of his eyes, which were actually a mix of green, gold, and a bit of aqua, truth be told. Not that I noticed or anything.
Jace pulled on a vintage Nirvana T-shirt, picked up some of the beer bottles, and put them in the empty boxes. Silently, I helped him. Within minutes the room was cleared up.
“Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.” Jace stacked up the boxes by the door. “The guys are fucking heathens; I’m going to lose my mind on a bus with them.”
“Why, are you a neat freak?” I placed the last box on top of his pile.
“A bit.” He stopped to look at me, his expression was hard to read. “I’m still looking forward to it.”
“Well . . .” Despite the small talk, I was no clearer as to why Jace kept me behind. Was he into me? Unfortunately, my women’s intuition wasn’t developed enough to trust the signs. If these were actually signs. Maybe they weren’t. Gawd.
“Did you have fun?” His husky voice was so sexy, his eyes so twinkly. He embodied effortless confidence and cool. I could barely respond.
“Yeah. Of course. You guys are great,” I finally answered, hoping my voice didn’t sound weird.
“You can come by anytime, you know.” He took a step toward me, looking directly into my eyes and grinning. This man had all of the game that Ty lacked, that was for sure.
“To Zane’s house?” I babbled while trying to maintain eye contact.
“Well sure, but to LTZ band stuff.” The dimples in his smile were crazy. The cleft in his chin dreamy. No man should have both dimples and a cleft, it was unfair to all the other men. “I mean, it looks like Zoey is here to stay so you’re welcome to keep her company.”
“Oh. Okay, thanks.” Inadvertently, I crossed my arms and then quickly dropped them to my side—like a spaz—as he stopped right in front of me.
“So, Alex.” Jace tucked my hair behind my ear.
Zing. Fucking. Zing. It felt like two batteries were sparking against each other. My heart started beating superfast. He leaned in closer until we were nearly nose to nose. Holy shit, was he actually going to kiss me?
“Dude!” Connor burst through the door, causing Jace to blink and step away from me quickly. “Oops. Sorry—Hey, Alex, I thought you left with Zoey and Ty. Jesus. This room is really getting a workout today.”
“No, dude, not the case. I was just walking her out.” Poof. The moment was gone in an instant. Jace turned and beckoned me to follow.
“Yeah, I was just heading out.” I murmured, following his lead.
“Right. Sure.” Connor growled, giving Jace a pointed look and dismissing me. “J, we’re out by the firepit. Jen, Jess, and Cassie are here waiting for you. Catch ya later, Alex.”
“Yeah, okay.” Jace actually winked at me as Connor departed. Fucking winked.
“Well, I should really get going.” I recognized the name Cassie and abruptly I turned my back to him and followed after the big ginger bassist.
Jace’s strong drummer hand grazed my lower back just slightly, sending another zing up my spine.
