Chapter 21
I bangthe drums in time with Hailey and Trip as our second-to-last song comes to an end. Sweat rolls down the back of my neck as the space quiets for a pulse-pounding second. A beat later, every patron in Dalton’s claps, whistles or hollers excited expletives.
Exhausted doesn’t remotely cover how I feel after back-to-back shows, but the crowd’s enthusiasm makes every second on this stage worth it.
“How’s everyone doing?” Hailey screams into the mic.
As always, the crowd goes wild in response.
“Before we play our last song of the night, we just wanted to say how much we love you.”
More cheers.
“Our Stone Bay family and those of you visiting us from parts unknown.” She bounces in place. “You mean the fucking world to us. We wouldn’t be on this stage without you.”
The cheers grow impossibly louder.
While Hailey talks to the packed pub and gives us a moment of reprieve, I glance over at the table with Levi and the rest of our friends.
Kirsten, Skylar and Delilah talk animatedly about something. Phoebe appears to be giving Travis and Law a dose of her insight. And Levi… he hasn’t taken his eyes off me. I have no idea if he has struck up a conversation with anyone at the table or if he is content sitting and listening while he gives me all his attention.
Hailey announces our final song and kicks it off with a few chords before Trip and I join in. For the next three and a half minutes, I focus on my drums and get lost in the music. In what feels like seconds, the song ends and we thank everyone for coming out tonight.
After one last wave, we step off the stage and join our friends.
As I near Levi, he reaches for my hand, hauls me between his legs, wraps his arms around my waist, and presses his lips to mine. I moan into his mouth as his tongue caresses the length of mine. Fist his shirt and crush my chest to his. Deepen the kiss as we ignore everyone and everything around us.
Fuck, I love him. So damn much.
Snorts and laughter erupt around us and it’s enough to steal my attention. Reluctantly, I break the kiss and peek over Levi’s shoulder to see several sets of eyes on us.
“What?” I ask with a hint of mock irritation.
The corner of Skylar’s mouth tugs up in a gentle half smile. “Am I not allowed to be happy for you?”
I playfully roll my eyes. “I suppose so.”
Taking the stool next to Levi, I order food and a drink.
Light chatter sparks to life around the table while music from the jukebox plays from overhead speakers. Delilah asks when our next show is since we just played two days in a row. Hailey tells everyone we have a couple weeks off, her enthusiasm evident.
“It’s not that I don’t love being on stage”—Hailey drinks half her glass of water—“but it takes a lot out of you.” She loops her arm with Trip’s and rests her head on his shoulder. “I’m happy for the downtime.”
Plus, all three of us have jobs not involving the band.
I lay a hand on Levi’s thigh beneath the table as I smile at Hailey and Trip. “Same. I’m thinking of locking this one away”—I nudge Levi’s arm with mine—“all weekend.”
“Won’t hear me complain,” Levi says loud enough for the entire table to hear.
The table falls silent for two breaths. Then it’s as though everyone wakes back up. Some laugh while others cover their mouths to hide smiles. Beside me, Levi sits a little taller, uncaring of how his comment is taken.
I love this new brazen Levi.
Levi has always had this addictive air about him. An unwavering self-assurance I gravitate toward. A magnetism that lures me in and holds me captive. I doubt I’m the only one affected by his charms. The difference between Levi and most people is he doesn’t use his charisma as a weapon. Nor does he act as though he is more important than anyone else.
When it comes to his intelligence and what or who he holds close, Levi is unshakable. Some of his truths may take longer to find their voice, but they always find their way to the surface. And if anyone is brave enough to question his stance or intellect, he will argue his side on the matter until the other person sees reason.
Levi’s confidence and intelligence are his sexiest traits. Doesn’t hurt that he is fucking beautiful.
“We should pack up,” Trip says as Hailey yawns.
I glance at the time on my phone—just after eleven—and nod.
Levi nudges my leg with his. “Want help?”
Leaning into him, I press a chaste kiss to his lips. “Sure.”
As we rise from our stools, Kirsten grabs my arm and pulls me into her. “We’re heading out.”
“Us too,” Skylar and Delilah say in unison, then laugh.
Hugs, back slaps and good nights are exchanged. Law mentions covering our tab. Levi takes money from his wallet and presses it to Law’s chest until he accepts it. Amused by the whole situation, I linger in the background with a shit-eating grin on my face and a loose fist pressed to my mouth.
“Relentless,” Levi mutters as we walk toward the stage.
“Indeed.” I chuckle. “So are you.”
He scoffs as we start breaking down my drum kit. “Am not.”
I pin him with a glare.
“Okay, fine,” he huffs out. “Maybe a little.” He lifts his hand and pinches his thumb and finger together. “But you love it.”
I soften at his words and shrug. “I love you.”
He leans in and presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “Love you, too.”
With the instruments and equipment packed up, we carry it out to Trip and Hailey’s van. Once everything is secure, we exchange more hugs and goodbyes.
Levi slips his hand around mine and guides us back inside Dalton’s. “It’s been a while since I’ve beaten your ass in pool,” Levi states with cool arrogance. “We should play a few games.”
I steer us toward the bar and we order drinks.
“Last I checked, we’re tied for wins.”
Levi leans into my side. The tip of his nose glides along the line of my jaw until he reaches my ear. “Are you sure?” he whisper-asks, his breath warm on my skin. “My tally says otherwise.”
My fingers tighten in his as he nips the lobe of my ear. I close my eyes as a shiver rolls up my spine.
I swallow and will my erection away. “I’d like to see this tally,” I say, voice raspy.
The bartender sets our drinks in front of us. Levi hands him cash and tells him to keep the rest.
With our drinks in hand, we weave through the pub to the billiard tables. We sit off to the side as we wait for a table to become available. Within minutes, Levi stands at one end of a pool table and racks the balls. I chalk our cues and taunt him with innuendos centered around sticks, balls, and holes.
He smiles and laughs. Both are a balm for my soul.
One game blends into another. We tease each other when either of us misses or fails to drop a ball. We brag about our wins until the other slaps a hand over the other’s mouth.
This night, this moment, his endless smiles and laughter… they will live rent-free in my memories and heart for as long as air fills my lungs.
Hours pass by in what feels like minutes and it isn’t long before last call is announced.
We down the last of our drinks and finish our fourth game. Levi wins the final game, evening out tonight’s tally. He blathers on about still being in the lead overall. I let him have the small victory.
Pool table back to rights, we carry our glasses to the bar and say good night to the woman wiping down the counter. Levi reaches for my hand and weaves our fingers together as we exit the pub.
“When we get home, Mr. Billiard Aficionado, you can show me all the ways you know how to use your stick.”
Levi snort-laughs. “Happy to share my expertise.”
I press the button on the fob as we approach my car.
Levi jerks us to a stop near the trunk, spins me to face him and walks me backward until I bump the car. His hands frame my face as he invades my space and presses his lips to mine. I snake an arm around his waist and drag my other hand up the length of his spine until my fingers curl around the nape of his neck.
Shamelessly, he mouth-fucks me in the low-lit parking lot. Grinds his steel-hard cock against my length. Slips his fingers into my hair and all but rips my clothes off in public.
Reaching between us, I stroke him through his shorts. He rips his mouth away and drops his forehead to mine.
“Fuck, that feels good,” he says, words breathy and gruff.
I release him and he groans.
“I’ll make it better at home,” I promise.
Inhaling deeply, he steps back and meets my gaze. “Then take me the fuck home.”
I laugh as we go to either side of the car. As I reach for the door handle and glance at Levi across the car roof, all the air leaves my lungs. His eyes widen as he stares back at me.
On fast feet, a stocky man approaches Levi from behind. I open my mouth to say something, to warn him, but I don’t get the chance. As the words surface, dark fabric is shoved over my head and I’m dragged backward. I fight against the person’s hold.
Nearby, Levi curses and fights with whoever grabbed him. His words turn garbled and quieter. And then, I hear nothing.
“Levi!” I thrash harder and manage to break free. “Levi!” I repeat his name as I reach for the fabric over my head.
A fragment of the parking lot comes into view as debilitating pain lances my temple. I collapse on the ground as warm liquid coats my face. I try to open my eyes, needing to see if Levi is okay, but can’t muster the strength. Pain explodes through my body as one kick after another is delivered to my gut, my ribs, my head.
Lifeless on the ground, I hear one of them say, “Let’s go.”
Then the world fades to black.