“Like you’re looking at me?” he questions.
My heart does a flip. So, he knows. He can tell I’m looking at him differently, but didn’t he just admit to looking at me the same way? Does that mean. . .
I decide not to say anything, I only lean forward. Inch by tiny inch, we close the gap between us as slowly as possible. I’m waiting for him to ask what the fuck I’m doing. I wait for him to stand up and rush into the house, but he keeps coming closer.
His lips dance across mine softly and hesitantly, like he’s afraid too. After a couple pecks, he cradles my face in his hand and plunges his tongue into my mouth. I moan, loving the taste of him. I’ve wondered how this would feel, but nothing I ever dreamt up can compare to reality. His lips were meant to kiss mine. His tongue was meant to dance with mine.
Merrick kicks up the intensity a bit, and then we can’t keep our hands to ourselves.
It’s in this moment, as his large hands hold my face and our lips and tongues connect in a passionate first kiss that I think I might love my best friend.
A half minute goes by and he eases away just slightly, keeping his hands on my face while mine continue to touch his body.
“Ali.” My name falls from his lips in a soft, breathy tone.
Our eyes connect, and a realization passes between us.
Yep. I’m in love with my best friend.
46
Merrick
Present Day
I disconnect the call and slide the phone back into my pocket, raising my head to look at Sky.
“You’re sure?” he asks.
“Yep. Are you sure?” I question. “This affects you and the guys too.”
He twists his mouth up while rolling his eyes. “Don’t be stupid.”
I laugh and slap him on the shoulder. “I really appreciate you guys. I’ve loved being in this band with you.”
“Oh no, are we getting emotional over here?” Jay says as he and Carlos walk up.
“I’m just saying how much I’ve enjoyed all our years together.”
Jay rests his hand on my back. “We support you. Always.”
“Are you ready to make this announcement and break some hearts?” Carlos questions.
I take a deep breath and straighten my back. “I am.”
“Okay, let’s do it then,” Sky says.
We make our way into King’s Tavern through the back entrance, and when the guys veer off to go to the table Royce reserved for us, I go straight to the door that leads to the apartment Royce has upstairs.
He used to use this as his bachelor pad when he didn’t want to take girls to his house, or when Cill or Elijah needed it after drinking too much. Now that they’ve all settled down, it rarely gets used, but I need the space and quiet right now.
I plop onto the small loveseat in the living room area and rub my palms over my knees, trying to settle my nerves.
It’s been two weeks since Ali walked away from me, and though it hurts like a sonofabitch, I’m not even mad that he did it. I can’t blame him for making that decision, but I wish he would’ve given me time to explain what happened that day. I don’t want him thinking I just chickened out.
I’ve taken this time apart to really think about what I want to do and how I hope things play out, but it’s not all on me. Ali has to make a decision too, but I don’t know when or if he’ll give me the time of day.
Fifteen minutes later, my phone buzzes with a text from Sky, letting me know we have five minutes.
Before we made it big, King’s Tavern on a Saturday night was our spot. We played through our songs and garnered local fans. Since we’ve been gone, Royce has tried karaoke nights, which he hated, but now he filters through other local talent. Tonight, we’re back, and Royce has promoted this special little concert to all of his customers, so we should be playing to a pretty packed house.
I take another deep breath before I push up from the couch and head to the stairs. When I open the door and enter the bar, the guys are waiting for me.
“You good?” Carlos asks.
“Yep.”
“Your brother is about to announce us now,” Jay says.
“All right, all right,” Royce says into the mic. “I know I’ve been talking about this non-stop for the last week, but it’s finally here. The Unwanted—Gaspar’s very own home grown rock stars and future musical legends are back! Please don’t act up. No rushing the stage, no harassing the guys, just enjoy the show. I have a couple security guys here ready to kick you out if you do anything crazy, but let’s not get to that point.” Royce smiles. “Okay, come on guys.”
The four of us head onto the small stage posed in front of a red brick wall and get into position.
Sky takes the mic and greets the room as I sling the guitar strap over my head and smile at a few familiar faces in the crowd.
Royce and London are standing behind the bar, and Cillian, Midge, Elijah, and Nova are sitting in the stools in front of them. My eyes scan the room as Sky continues to talk to the audience, recognizing a few people, but the person I’m looking for isn’t anywhere to be seen.
We start playing, beginning with our latest single, and go through two more popular songs before we pause and allow Sky to talk about the next song we’re about to perform.
Jay steals my attention by saying, “Hey.”
I spin to the side, gripping the neck of the guitar as I raise my brows at him. He juts his chin out to the crowd, so I turn and look. After several seconds, I spot him.
Ali leans
