Beat of the Heart (Runaway Train #2)(37)

Brayden stepped forward and offered his hand to Mia. “I’m Brayden.” Once they shook, he smiled and said, “You’ll have to excuse our behavior. We’re not used to seeing AJ with a girl.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully at him. “Really? I’d think you’d be more than used to seeing him with tons of girls.”

With a bob of his head, Bray replied, “Let me rephrase that. We’re not used to seeing AJ quite so serious enough to bring a girl to one of our shows.”

“Ah, I see.” Mia shook Bray’s hand. “Nice meeting you. What do you do in the band?”

“Guitar and back-up vocals.”

“You write the songs, too, right?”

As Bray nodded, I eyed Mia with pride that she had remembered that little tidbit I’d told her before. Rhys stepped forward next. “I’m Rhys. We met the other day at the hospital.” At the mention of the hospital, he had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.

“Ah, yes, I remember you now. You got to witness my rubdown on AJ.”

He grinned at her. “Yep. Sure did.”

Mia laughed. “It’s nice meeting you, again.” She then turned to Jake. “And you’re Mr. Lead Singer.”

He gave her his typical, smoldering grin. “That’s right. Jake Slater.” He shook her hand. “Can I ask you something?”

“Um, sure,” Mia replied.

“Can you tell me what a beautiful and intelligent woman like you is doing with my douchebag of a band mate? I mean, he’s the drummer for f*ck’s sake. Everyone knows the drummer is a lame-ass.”

“Jake,” I growled.

He held up his hands. “I had to ask.” He jerked his chin up at Mia. “So?”

“I guess it would be because he has a huge dick and knows how to use it,” she replied.

At Mia’s response, Jake staggered back like he’d been kicked in the groin. Like Brayden and Rhys, he stared open-mouthed and wide-eyed at her. I mean, damn, I had the same f*cking look on my face at her ballsy response. I knew she could give me hell, but I had no idea she would give it to the guys, too.

After a small eternity, Jake’s lips curved up in a beaming smile. He turned to me. “I like this girl. She reminds me of Abby, so she’s a keeper for sure.”

Mia laughed. “I’m glad you think so.” Stepping closer to Jake, she said, “And your statement about the drummer being a lame-ass isn’t true. If you don’t have a good drummer, your band’s whole rhythm gets shot to shit. I haven’t heard AJ play yet, but I know he has fantastic rhythm.” She patted his cheek. “Just something to remember.”

I fought the urge to grab Mia in a giant bear hug before taking her into the next room to screw her brains out. I’d never had a woman outside of my family stick up for me to the guys—well, except for maybe Abby. It was a hell of a feeling finding a girl like her. The women I interacted with were either so caught up in my fame, or they were absorbed with themselves and the thrill of banging or dating me. Even though she doubted herself, Mia had a lot to give to me emotionally and physically.

Jake grinned. “Yeah, I do know that about drummers. I just have to give AJ shit. I mean, he’s been my best friend since we were twelve. You can ask the other guys, but he’s usually on my ass constantly. I think he’s just trying to be a gentleman tonight because you’re here.”

Rhys and Brayden nodded in agreement. “Total asshat,” Rhys replied.

Mia laughed. “Yeah, I can see that about him.”

I waved my hand to stop their ragging. “Whatever,” I mumbled.

Jeff reappeared in the doorway. “Five minutes.”

Jake nodded before turning to Mia. “Listen, why don’t I have Jeff take you to our VIP table?” His gaze flicked over at me. “That’s where Abby and Lily are. It makes sense she should sit with them.”

Mia’s eyes widened at the realization of who she would be with. “Um, okay. Sure.”

I nodded. “Best table in the house. It’s roped off from the audience and connected to the stage, so I can come over and talk to you during the show.”

“Sounds good.” Without hesitation, she brought her lips to mine. When she pulled back, she gave me a beaming smile. “Good luck out there.”

“Thanks.” When she started for the door, I smacked her ass with one of my drum sticks. She squealed and jumped. When she glared over her shoulder at me, I just winked at her.

“I’ll get you for that one.”

“I certainly hope so.”

She grinned and shook her head before following Jeff out the door. As soon as she was gone, I braced myself for more shit from the guys. After sucking in a deep breath, I turned around to face them.

Bray shook his head. “If you’re looking for a verbal smack down from me, you’re not going to get it. I agree with Jake. She’s a keeper for sure.”

Jake snorted. “Of course you should agree with me. I’m always right.”

We all groaned in unison. “Get over yourself, douchebag,” I replied.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Jake added, “I’m serious. You better not f*ck that one up, bro.”

I grinned. “You were with her all of five minutes, and now you’re all Team Mia?”