Reckless Abandon (November Blue, #2)(54)

“We drove separately because I knew they’d be leaving early. Is it OK if I stick around a while?”

“Sure. I’m going to get a drink. Drive safe, you two.”

Halfway to the bar, Adrian catches up with me.

“That was good, Blue. Real good.” He pushes my hair aside with his nose and kisses my neck.

“Thanks. I’ve been practicing.” I chuckle sarcastically in reference to our earlier argument.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I don’t mean to push you.”

“It’s fine. Things have been stressful the past few weeks. Now that the center’s open, I’ll have less time on the road, and I

won’t be so crazy all the time.”

Monica sneaks up behind me. “Like hell. Your crazy-ass will find something to overwork yourself with.” She smacks my butt and

muscles her way between Adrian and me before hugging me. “You’re skinny, what gives?” She pulls the strap of my dress and lets

it smack against my shoulder blade.”

I shrug. “Stress, I guess.” I haven’t been this thin since finals my junior year.

Her eyes slowly study my bone structure before she rolls them. “This party is gorgeous, you’re an awesome friend. I can’t

believe you went ahead with it despite what a bitch I’ve been to you lately.”

“Don’t mention it. You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m just gonna get a drink and head outside, meet me there.” I shoo tipsy

Monica away before she reveals her total displeasure about us right in front of him.

The regular Saturday night crowd pours into Finnegan’s and, suddenly, cheers and hoots erupt as a gaggle of girls spot Bo sitting

at a table near the bar. One of them, a regular, spots me and runs toward me.

“Is he playing tonight?” She squeals, pointing unabashedly at Bo.

I peer around Adrian’s shoulder and study the three empty glasses in front of Bo. “I don’t think so, he’s just here for Josh

and Monica’s engagement party.”

“I’ll play,” Bo shouts from the table. “Can I borrow your guitar, Ember?”

“Uh...sure.” I can almost hear Adrian’s jaw clenching as I leave the bar.

I walk on stage and pull out my guitar before heading to the mic and announcing a special performance by Bo. The moderately packed

bar goes wild for him as he slides onto the stool next to me. Silently, I’m busy hoping that he, and the crowd, doesn’t ask me to

sing with him. I hurry back to the bar as he warms up for a few minutes.

“Let’s go outside,” Adrian whispers into my ear.

“Just a sec. I want to listen to him. Before you get all territorial, yesterday was the four-year anniversary of his parents’

death. The least I can do is sit through one song.”

“I’m gonna go get some air.” Adrian whips off the stool and charges through the back door.

Despite barely making eye contact with me all night, the second Bo starts singing a song of his that must be new, he locks eyes

with mine through the now-crowded bar. My pulse matches the speed at which goosebumps spread across the surface of my skin. Three

songs later, his eyes haven’t left mine, and I’ve lost track of time. He’s singing to me, I know he is—my body knows he is.

Adrian’s fingers on my shoulder startle me.

“Shit, I didn’t hear you come up behind me.” I gulp my beer.

I engage Adrian in quiet conversation, my back turned to the stage. Suddenly, a familiar nineties tune echoes from the stage and

pulls a lump to my throat.

“Pearl Jam...seriously?” I whisper as I turn around to find Bo looking directly at Adrian and me as he sings “Better Man.”

My jaw drops as I stare at the stage while Bo sings about people convincing themselves they’re in love with someone all wrong for

them. I didn’t notice Josh and Monica reenter the bar, but they hear the song too.

“Oh, holy shit.” Monica shakes her head and tips back her beer with a mocking grin. Adrian’s fists are clenched. I hop down from

the stool, pulling him outside.

“Don’t worry about him, Adrian. He’s had a shitload to drink.” I walk onto the beach, putting as much space between Adrian and

the bar as possible.

“Fuck him, Ember. He sang that song deliberately to piss me off.”

“Like you’ve never tried crazy shit over me before. Recall orchestrating a work merger?” I roll my eyes and walk down the beach.

After a few minutes of strained silence, I can tell Adrian’s calming down. He’s holding my hand, and his breathing has returned

to normal. We turn and take a few minutes to walk back to Finnegan’s. Once we get there, Josh, Monica, and a few of our other

friends are outside drinking under the twinkle lights. Adrian heads inside for a beer and I pull Monica aside.

“Sorry for the almost-drama at your party.”

“It’s fine. That was some crazy shit.” She giggles behind her beer.

“Yeah. Crazy is right. Where is he now?” I try to peer inside, but see no sign of him.

“He left after that last song. He threw his keys at Josh and walked down the road. He’s probably headed for Lost Dog.”