Reflected in You(83)

How could I forget that?" He bit his lower lip, clearly recalling how I'd f*cked his brains out in the back of his car, determined to be the best lay he'd ever had so he wouldn't bother with other girls.


"I thought we were getting to the point where we'd start seeing each other outside the bar, but you ditched me the minute we got inside."


"I went to the bathroom," I said quietly, remembering the pain and embarrassment as if the incident had just happened, "and when I came out you and Darrin were at the change machine getting quarters for the tables.


Your back was to me so you didn't see me.


I heard you guys talking .


and laughing."


I pulled in a deep breath and tugged my hand away from him.


To his credit, Brett shifted in obvious embarrassment.


"I can't remember exactly what was said, but .


Shit, Eva.


I was twenty-one years old.


The band was just starting to get popular.


The chicks were everywhere."


"I know," I said dryly.


"I was one of them."


"I'd been with you a few times by then.


Bringing you along to the pool hall made a statement to the guys that things were picking up between us."


He rubbed at his brow in a very familiar gesture.


"I didn't have the balls to own up to how I was feeling about you.


I made it about the sex, but that wasn't true."


I lifted my glass and drank, forcing down the lump in my throat.


His hand dropped onto the armrest.


"So I screwed it up with my big mouth.


That's why you bailed that night.


That's why you never went anywhere with me again."


"I was desperate, Brett," I admitted, "but I didn't want to show it."


The waiter brought our food.


I wondered why I'd ordered anything - I was too unsettled to eat.


Brett started cutting into his steak, attacking it really.


Suddenly, he set his knife and fork down.


"I blew it back then, but now everyone knows what was going on in my head at the time.


'Golden' is our biggest single.


It's what got us signed with Vidal."


The idea of closure made me smile.


"It's a beautiful song, and your voice sounds amazing when you sing it.


I'm really glad you came up and saw me again before you head out.


It means a lot to me that we talked through this."


"What if I don't want to just head out and move on?" He took a deep breath and released it in a rush.


"You've been my muse the last few years, Eva.


Because of you, I've written the best material the band's ever had."


"That's very flattering," I began.


"We sizzled together.


Still do.


I know you feel it.


The way you kissed me the other night ."


"That was a mistake."


My hands clenched beneath the table.


I couldn't deal with more drama.


I couldn't go through another night like Friday.


"And you need to think about the fact that Gideon controls your label.


You don't want any friction there."


"Fuck it.


What's he going to do?" His fingertips drummed onto the table.


"I want another shot with you."


I shook my head and reached for my purse.


"That's impossible.


Even if I didn't have a boyfriend, I'm not the right girl for your lifestyle, Brett.


I'm too high-maintenance."


"I remember," he said roughly.


"God, do I remember."


I flushed.


"That's not what I meant."


"And that's not all I want.


I can be here for you.


Look at me now - the band's on the road, but you and I are together.


I can make time.


I want to."


"It's not that easy."


I pulled cash out of my wallet and dropped it on the table.


"You don't know me.


You have no idea what it would mean to have a relationship with me, how much work it would take."


"Try me," he challenged.


"I'm needy and clingy and insanely jealous.


I'd drive you crazy within a week."


"You've always driven me crazy.


I like it."


His smile faded.


"Stop running, Eva.


Give me a chance."


I met his gaze and held it.


"I'm in love with Gideon."


His brows rose.


Even battered, his face was breathtaking.