Instantly, I recognized the tall beauty as the girl who I chatted with at The Mission when I was trying to round up Ty. She and Zoey were clinging to each other, jumping up and down with utter delight at the fact that we were playing their graduation party. Zoey and Alex ran up to where we were playing and danced. The rest of their friends surrounded them.
Ty was a lovestruck puppy, emoting each song for his girlfriend, causing the rest of us to give each other side looks and secret gag-me grins. Still, I couldn’t help but notice that Alex was pointedly trying to get my attention and it was working. Watching her gyrate with her hands thrown high in the air revealed her taut, sexy stomach. And a jeweled belly-ring. The sight caused my traitorous dick to swell despite my attempts to avoid looking directly at her.
Jokes aside, nothing would convince me that getting involved with a barely-out-of-high-school girl was the right thing to do for a nearly twenty-three-year-old man.
The girls kept whispering and giggling as they watched us, and although I had grumbled about doing this favor for Ty, playing the party was actually kind of fun. I laughed to myself when Zoey kept making kissy faces at Ty, causing him to blush. After seeing the two of them together, I changed my mind. How could any of us be pissed when Ty was finally so frickin’ happy?
After we played all the songs we knew, we continued for over an hour by jamming through a few old-school covers from the eighties and nineties. By this point, all of us—even Connor—were having a blast. Everyone at the party was dancing and celebrating.
When we finally wrapped things up, Ty introduced Zoey and Alex to all of us and a few of their friends. A couple of older dudes walked up.
“Gentlemen, thank you so much for putting on an amazing show. We really appreciate it.” Zoey’s dad, Mike approached us and handed Zane a thick envelope.
“Oh, no, Mr. Pearson, we can’t accept anything. We were glad to play.” Zane tried to hand it back.
“We insist.” A tall, gray-haired, suave guy wearing a navy sweater and gray slacks stepped up and put out his hand. “I’m Allen LeRoux, Alexandria’s father.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. LeRoux.” I shook his hand and introduced myself. Connor and Zane followed my lead.
“You guys will be on tour and every little bit will help.” Mike Pearson smiled.
“Wow, thank you so much. We had a great time.” Connor spoke up, surprising both Zane and me.
After the dads left, the three of us looked around aimlessly, wondering whether we should stay, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Hey.” Alex smiled shyly and clasped her hands behind her.
“Oh, hey.” I gave her a small wave. “I remember you from the club.”
“You do?” She looked surprised.
“Of course. What’s up?” I was genuinely curious.
“Well, Zoey thought—Um. Here’s the thing. I was wondering if I could talk to you about the social media stuff you’re working on for the band. I have an idea for a project I want to start, but I’m not sure how to get going.” Alex wrinkled her nose. “But, if you need to go.”
“I have dinner at my parents’ house, but I could chat for a few. No problem.” I pointed to the catering spread. “I’m parched and really could use something to drink.”
“Dude, I gotta get home.” Connor interrupted, tapping an imaginary watch.
“Can you grab an Uber?” I asked. “Zane and I can take the stuff with us later.”
“No can do. I’m going to The Mission, remember?” Zane backed away from the conversation, so he didn’t get stuck loading out with me. “Maybe Ty can help you if you want to stay longer.”
“Fine, you guys take the van and the gear, and I’ll take an Uber.” I planned to outsmart my band brothers, I always had to load out.
“Fine. We’ll load, you unload. Make Ty help you. It’s only right. Happy graduation, Alex.” Zane gave her a huge hug, and Alex’s expression was wide-eyed.
“Happy graduation.” Connor saluted and my bandmates headed toward the side gate with the remaining gear.
“Thanks, guys!” She waved enthusiastically; her smile was radiant. Pure light.
“Please tell me there are beers here.” Without thinking, I ripped off my sweaty T-shirt and grabbed a replacement LTZ shirt out of my bag.
“Um, yeah. Over there.” Alex’s eyes were transfixed at my bare torso as she pointed toward the deck.
“Great. Well, let’s go.” I gestured, flexing my biceps. She quickly looked away, embarrassed at being caught ogling me.
Externally, I kept a neutral face but internally I was secretly pleased that she liked what she saw. Having a hot, young woman like Alex find you attractive wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Even if I’d never do anything about it.
We headed toward the makeshift bar on the deck. I grabbed a Manny’s and she grabbed a Coke.
“Sucks that me and Zoey can’t drink in front of all of the parents.” Alex pouted. “God, I can’t wait to be twenty-one. Or to be somewhere it doesn’t matter.”
“Ah, it’s not all that different.” I laughed.
“How old are you?” Alex asked.
“Twenty-three.” I smiled. “Too old for you.”
God, her eyes were the most amazing combination of blue with dark flecks. Her skin a smooth, caramel-colored tan with the slightest pink tinge on her cheeks. With only a hint of mascara and lip gloss, she was quite possibly the most naturally gorgeous woman I’d ever seen. Girl. Not that I’d ever, ever, ever do anything about it.
“True, you’re an old man.” Alex’s eyes crinkled when she laughed. “You’re practically retirement age.”
“Ha ha.”
