Snared(11)

The hotel door slammed behind me, and I threw the tie as far as I could, kicking off the uncomfortable dress shoes. Within moments, I was changed and headed back out the door, leaving a note on the table for Natalie. I didn’t want to take my phone, but if I disappeared, she would worry. I hated that she was always worried about me, but it was par for the course. I’d accepted it a long time ago.

I stepped back into the elevator, holding two cold sodas from our refrigerator in our room. I pressed the button to the rooftop deck and laid my head against the cool metal of the wall. What a day. At least tomorrow I could be in my element, behind my drums, banging the hell out of my frustrations. While I was still rather quiet on the stage, nowhere near some of the other rock drummers we knew, I was able to be a little more open while playing. As long as they never made me go up and talk to the audience. It was nice that I was more hidden than everyone else. If I concentrated hard, I could almost imagine I was alone on the stage.

I opened the door to the rooftop deck and noticed it was empty. Thank God. I didn’t want to have to make small talk with anyone or be recognized and end up signing things. I settled on an outdoor couch and propped my feet on the wicker ottoman in front of it. A slight breeze ruffled my shirt despite the warm and humid Florida night. It was so peaceful out here.

I popped open the tab to my soda and took a long pull. I didn’t drink alcohol; it just wasn’t a good idea with the meds I took. Unlike the rest of my band, which could put away drink after drink, I had to be careful.

I hadn’t been there long when I heard the door open behind me. I closed my eyes, hoping whoever it was would see they weren’t alone and leave. When I heard footsteps approaching, I knew I wasn’t that lucky. Okay, at least make it be someone who doesn’t recognize me.

If someone was a rock fan, I was very recognizable without trying to cover up. That’s what happened when you had tattoos as far as the eye could see and gauges in your ears. I didn’t do it for attention, though that was the assumption. Every one of my tattoos meant something to me. They helped me remember who I had been, who I was, and who I never wanted to be. Covering my skin in ink helped me keep my identity and not take on the one of my parents. I’d started getting ink right after meeting Robyn, and just got my latest one a few weeks ago. The gauges? Well, those were just because I thought they were fucking cool.

Natalie didn’t. She’d wrinkled her nose at me when I’d gotten my starter one. The size I had them at now was where they were staying. They weren’t tiny, but they weren’t huge, either.

“Beau?” A voice came from behind me, and I cringed. I turned my head and my eyes connected with April’s. Fucking hell. She had changed also, now wearing a pair of form-fitting jeans and a low cut tank top that accentuated her full breasts and ample cleavage. Her hair was down in soft curls around her shoulders and the light from the doorway shone around her. She looked like an angel. Didn’t that fucking figure because I was the devil.

“Hey, April.” My face burned like it was on fire. Could she tell? Hopefully, it was dark enough so I didn’t appear like a fool.

“Sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know you were here. I just wanted some air.”

“Me too,” I said. “Want a soda?” I indicated the unopened can on the table in front of me, and she smiled. What the hell are you doing, Beau?

“Sure. Thanks so much. Are you sure I’m not bothering you?”

Yes, you’re bothering me. Go away. I don’t like where my head goes when you’re around me. “Of course not. Please, have a seat.” I moved over so she could sit.

When she settled next to me, I smelled that floral scent again. I wanted to bottle it up and take it with me, as well as the vision of her wearing those skin tight jeans, and take care of myself in the shower. Yeah, good plan.

“You ready for your show tomorrow?” April asked, making small talk.

“Always.” Talking about playing was easy. I could do that.

“Thanks again for doing this,” she said. “It means the world to me.”

I nodded, not having anything to say. This was all Bex. I took a long pull of my drink, trying to settle the nerves attacking my stomach. I was completely out of my element here. I had no business being on this deck with her by myself.

“You’re nervous,” April said, breaking the silence. I snapped my eyes to hers but didn’t speak. “You don’t have to be nervous around me.”

I wanted to laugh at her ludicrous statement. I had every reason to be nervous around her. I chose to ignore her comment and tip the soda up to my lips. I knew her eyes were on me, and it made my mind race with possibility. What did she want from me? She didn’t seem like the groupie type. Lord knew I had enough bras and lewd comments thrown at me during our shows. I usually just kicked the bras over to Tanner and let him figure out what he wanted to do with them. That wasn’t me, and it never would be.