Lick (Stage Dive, #1)(86)

They talked for a moment, then the singer brought the guitarist into it. Sure enough, the man gave his six string over to David’s waiting hands. I could see the look of surprise on both their faces as David’s identity finally sunk in. Jimmy gave the singer a nod and stepped up onto the platform. Behind him, Mal was already high-fiving the drummer and stealing his sticks. Even grim Ben smiled as he accepted the bass guitar from its original owner. The Divers took to the stage. Few in the bar seemed to realize quite what was going on yet.

“Hi. Sorry to interrupt, folks. My name’s David Ferris and I’d like to play a song for my wife, Evelyn. Hope you don’t mind.”

Stunned silence broke out into thunderous applause. David stared at me across the sea of people as everyone swamped the dance floor to get closer.

“She’s a Portland girl. So I guess that makes us in-laws. Be gentle with me, yeah?”

The crowd went batshit crazy in response. His hands moved over the strings, making the sweetest mix of rock and country music possible. Then he started to sing. Jimmy joined him for the chorus, their voices melding beautifully.

I thought I could let you go

I thought that you could leave and know

The time we took would fade

But I’m colder than the bed where we lay



You let go if you like, I’ll hold on

Say no all you want, I’m not done

Baby, I promise you



Did you think I’d let you go?

That’s never happening and now you know

Take your time, I’ll wait

Regretting every last thing I said





The song was simple, sweet, and perfect. And the noise when they finished was deafening. People shouted and stamped their feet. It sounded like the roof was coming down on us. Security helped David and the guys move through the crush of people. More had arrived as they performed, alerted to the show by texts and calls and each and every sort of social media. A tidal wave of fans swamped them as they pressed through. A hand wrapped around my arm. I looked up to find Sam beside me with a grin on his face. We got our asses out of there pronto.

Sam and the security men cleared a path for us to the door and the waiting limousine outside. They were well prepared. We all bundled into the back of the limo. Immediately, David pulled me onto his lap. “Sam’s going to make sure your friends are okay.”

“Thank you. I think Portland knows you’re here now.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

“Davie, you are a f*cking show pony,” Mal said, shaking his head. “I knew you were going to pull something like this. Guitarists are such a bunch of posers. If you had an ounce of sense, young lady, you’d have married a drummer.”

I laughed and wiped the tears from my face.

“Why the f*ck is she crying, what did you say to her?” David pulled me in closer. Outside people banged on the windows as the car slowly started moving forward.

“Are you okay?”

“I told her the truth, that she should have married a drummer. Impromptu f*cking performances!” said Mal.

“Shut up.”

“Like you’ve never gone all-out to impress a girl,” scoffed Ben.

“What happened in Tokyo?” asked Jimmy, reclining in the corner. “Remind me again about, ah … what was her name?”

“Oh shit, yeah. The chick from the restaurant,” said Ben. “How much did they charge you for the damages, again?”

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about. Davie said to shut up,” shouted Mal above the pair’s raucous laughter. “Have some respect for his touching moment with Evelyn, you *s.”

“Ignore them.” David cupped my face in the palm of his hand. “Why were you crying, hmm?”

“Because this is ten. If one was us being miserable and apart then ten is your song. It’s beautiful.”

“You really liked it? ’Cause I can take it if you didn’t, you don’t have—”

I grabbed his face and kissed him, ignoring the noise and heckling around us. And I didn’t stop kissing him until my lips were numb and swollen and so were his.

“Baby.” He smiled, wiping away the last of my tears. “You say the best f*cking things.”





Acknowledgements

First up, all lyrics (with the exception of the final song) come courtesy of Soviet X-Ray Record Club. You can learn more about the band here: www.sovietxrayrecordclub.com. The term “Topless Cuddles” comes courtesy of the writer Daniel Dalton.

Much love to my family who suffered as always while I wandered around in a story daze working on this. Your patience is legendary, thank you so much. To my invaluable friends who give me feedback and support (in no particular order because you are all Queens in my eyes): Tracey O’Hara, Kendall Ryan, Mel Teshco, Joanna Wylde, Kylie Griffin and Babette. A big thank-you to all book bloggers for doing what you do, especially my friends Angie from Twinsie Talk, Cath from Book Chatter Cath, Maryse from Maryse’s Book Blog, and Katrina from Page Flipperz. Thanks to Joel, Anne and Mark at Momentum for being so supportive. And special thanks to my editor, Sarah JH Fletcher.

Last but not least, to the lovely folk who chat with me on Twitter and Facebook, and send me emails saying kind things about my books. To the people who enjoy my stories and take the time to write a review, THANK YOU.