The thought of taking her someplace private is driving me insane. I pull back and grab her hand. "Come with me, beautiful girl."
She smiles wickedly and I lead her to the back of the bar. We're only halfway there when my sister taps me on the shoulder. "Hey, there you are."
"Hi, Bell. What's up?"
Dahlia rests her chin on my shoulder and wraps her arms around my waist. "Hi, Bell."
Bell's eyes shift to Dahlia. "Dahlia, I need some advice. Can we talk?"
"Sure. I'll see what I can do." Dahlia steps around me to stand next to my sister.
Bell motions her head over to one of the couches. "In private."
I shoot her an amused look. "Is that a hint? Should I get lost?"
Dahlia tries not to laugh but giggles anyway. "Why don't you grab us some drinks?" Bell starts over to the seating area. Dahlia rubs her nose on mine, moves to kiss me, but bites down on my lower lip instead, and then whispers in my ear, "I think I just won."
Her beautiful eyes are boring into mine and there's a huge grin on her face. I hate to disappoint her, but I have to disagree. "Ummm . . . that would be a giant negative. I haven't said anything I'm not supposed to and as far as I can see, we're still dressed," I whisper to her.
"Okay Loverboy, you want to play it that way? I know where you were headed and so do you, but since you didn't actually say anything I'll let it slide. How about you grab a few rounds of shots?" she says and then turns around to follow Bell.
I have to laugh because I know she thinks if I have another drink, I won't be able to control myself and she'll win. Funny, since I'm not drinking tonight and she hasn't even noticed. I have to stay on my game, plus I want to drive home and not cab it, and last and most importantly I want to make sure she has a blast. Tomorrow is the anniversary of her parents' death so I've made it my mission to make tonight as bright as it can be for her.
I'm heading to the bar when I hear the band doing a sound check. Okay, so maybe it will be a little weird to hear them. When I stop to watch them onstage, I see that Garrett is already sitting behind the drums, sticks in hand. Nix is in the corner throwing the finger at someone. I missed who it was, but I can only guess it was Xander since Nix is now walking onstage with his bass guitar and not his Fender Stratocaster. I know I'm right when Zane hits the stage holding his twelve-string in the air. Fuck, Nix is going to be hating life if he plays that at every gig.
I look around the bar as the audience migrates toward the stage. When Zane slings his guitar over his shoulder and picks up the microphone, some of the girls start screaming. "Hello, everyone. Nice to meet you!" he says and the girls go crazy. He walks to the edge of the stage and grabs some of the girls' hands. I grin because he seems to really be enjoying the attention.
"I'm not sure if all of you know this yet, but I am the lucky-or maybe it's unlucky-son of a bitch who took the spot for the irreplaceable River Wilde." I'm a little shocked that he mentions me.
"Hey, you okay?" I feel Dahlia's arms go around my waist and she rests her chin on my shoulder in a familiar stance that makes me smile.
I nod to her as the crowd cheers and Zane moves back from the edge of the stage. "We're going to start with a few covers tonight, if that's okay with you?" he asks the audience. They yell and he smiles. He flicks his wrist behind him and Nix starts to play. I know the song immediately and understand why he chose the twelve-string. "So I picked this song because I think this is how I am going to be feeling by the time the upcoming tour is over." Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" blasts through the speakers as the band starts to play together. I'm actually impressed with his performance.
Everyone sings along, including my girl, and as the song ends the crowd rushes toward the stage, waving their hands in the air. He's a hit. I look around for Xander but don't see him. Dahlia hugs me tighter.
Zane raises his hand over his eyes and scans the audience as Garrett and Nix start playing another song I know well. His eyes land on me and he points his finger. "There he is! Hey man, this is for you! And we want you up here now." Xander appears out of nowhere and Dahlia releases me from her embrace. I put my hands out in a no-thank-you motion, but Dahlia whispers in my ear, "One last time, baby-do it one last time for them, and for me." Shit.
I turn to look at her and her face is so bright there is no way I can say no. She gives me a quick kiss and Xander shoves me forward.