Life In Reverse(91)

“Jesus,” Troy mutters as we exit the taxi. “Every time I visit you, I remember how you seriously take your life into your hands in those things. I’d prefer to walk next time and keep my balls intact.”

“Ha.” Avery barks out a laugh, glancing up at the neon blue sign. “So are you going to tell us what we’re doing at Blue Monday on a Tuesday?”

“Ba da bum,” Troy adds in and Avery pokes him.

We link elbows, making our way into the bar. We’re barely in the door when I hear Vance’s voice. It floats around us and a rush of goose bumps cascade down my arms. My eyes drift toward the sound, pulse picking up when I catch my first glimpse of him on stage. His eyes are closed, lips parted, deft fingers that left a mark on my skin strumming the guitar. He sends the lyrics into the air and I have to steady myself with a deep breath. He looks beautiful like that, as if he is one with the music.

“And I didn’t know about this, why?” Avery stares me down, clearly as affected by his performance as I am. Well, not quite.

“Ditto, and holy shit.” Troy echoes my sister as they gang up against me… again. Round aqua lights hanging overhead drape the bar and their smug faces in a shadowy blue haze.

“It’s not like I’ve been holding back. I just found out myself.”

Mesmerized, our attention travels to the band. Next to Vance, Chris plays a pretty impressive bass guitar. Toward the back, another guy plays keyboard and someone else is on drums.

Mainly though, my gaze is glued to Vance. The way his upper body sways to the music, his soul on display. My spine tingles with tiny jolts of electricity. As if he knows, he opens his eyes. Somehow in the near darkness, I sense he spotted me—because a grin sweeps clear across his face, spreading warmth over my skin like a blanket. I smile right back, my lips not leaving me any other choice. That’s the only thing they want to do when he’s around.

“We’re gonna go get some drinks,” Avery shouts. “What do you want?”

“Huh?” I snap out of my daze. “Oh, just a glass of wine.”

She grimaces like I didn’t quite understand her question. “This isn’t a wine kind of a place, Em. I’ll get you something else.”

As soon as they walk away, my attention goes back to the stage. I might not read books, but I’ve watched enough movies to know this feels a lot like one of those scenes—where two people catch each other’s eyes across the room—where everything around them disappears and all that exists is a crazy, out of control heartbeat that makes you want to run into their arms.

Fortunately, the song comes to a close. Vance sets his guitar down, stepping off the stage and stalking toward me. People clap him on the back and utter various praises but his eyes never leave mine. My cheeks feel flush, body overheating from the attention.

I want him to move faster.

When he finally reaches me, I lick my dry lips and try to swallow. Sweat clings to his t-shirt, his face, his neck—but I’m the one who might melt. Thoughts of tasting the salt from his skin make my knees weak.

He searches my face. “You’re here.”

“I am.”

He lifts his hand as if to reach for me, but then lets it drop. “I’m surprised. I didn’t expect to see you.”

I shrug. All the words I planned to say disappear and I’m left with the wrong ones. “I wanted to hear you sing.”

He glances around the bar then back to me. “Are you alone?”

“No.” His expression falls and I’m quick to clarify. “I’m here with Avery and Troy. Troy surprised me by coming in tonight.”

His smile returns and he exhales, warm breath feathering across my cheek. A body comes out of nowhere and crashes into me, nearly spilling a drink all over my shirt. Vance grips my shoulders and pulls me close. Blue eyes full of everything I’ve missed blaze into mine. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

My mouth is unable to form an immediate response. The way he’s looking at me traps the words in my throat. “You… were… amazing out there.” I try not to stare at the wisps of hair wet against his forehead, his feverish skin, damp lips.

“Thanks. I—”

“Well, well.” Avery comes up behind him. “If it isn’t Vance Davenport.” He turns and Avery throws her arms around his neck, winking at me over his shoulder. She draws back after a minute. “You were hot shit up there.”

“Thanks.” Vance offers his hand to Troy. “Good to see you again, man.”

“Likewise.” Troy shakes it then lifts his drink. “You want to head to the bar? I’ll buy you a beer.”

Vance flicks his gaze to me, eyes roaming my face. “No thanks. I’m good right here.” Controlling my grin isn’t an option, so I don’t bother trying. Nor do I bother covering up the blush spreading over my cheeks like wildfire.

“Hey, Ember.” Chris appears beside Vance and slaps him on the shoulder. “N-nice to see you again.”

“You too.” I point a finger toward my partners in crime. “This is my sister, Avery, and my best friend, Troy. This is Chris.”

The rest of the band follows behind and after all the introductions are made, we head to a table. Vance sticks close to me as if he’s afraid I might disappear. Little does he know, I’m not going anywhere.