Risky Rockstar: A Hero Club Novel, стр. 22

Kevin leans in. “You might wanna close your mouth there. I’m concerned you’ll get sunburn on your tongue.”

I laugh and shove him with my shoulder.

“Hey, I don’t blame you, I’m over here salivating myself.”

I smile and shake my head. “Would you like to go meet them?”

Kevin’s face twists in confusion. “The band?”

“Yeah, I’d like to meet them. Plus I’m heading out in a couple of days to start the second part of the tour, so if I’m going to collaborate with these guys, I should get the ball rolling before that.”

Kevin nods. “Makes sense. I’m in.”

After the encore, we make our way to the big beefy guy who looks like he’d be more at home on a WWE set than at the side of the stage, fighting our way through throngs of women trying to cajole him to let them in. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he has a firm “don’t even try it look” on his face. I know I’m pushing my luck here, but I have to try. Sam is going to kill me for this. Setting up negotiations with a band without her is a definite no-no and is not going to go over well.

The security gives me a look that says I’m about to land on the I-tried-but-failed pile, but I lift my sunglasses and beam at him anyway. Recognition turns his face from intensely annoyed to mild tolerance.

“Hi, I’m Hayley Stephens, and this is Kevin Peyton.” His gaze flicks to Kevin’s, and the beefy guy stands a little taller if at all possible. I can’t believe I’ve just name-dropped my own name. “Is there any way you could let the band know we’re here and would like to speak with them?”

“Hang fire,” the security guy says as he calls over one of his colleagues to take his spot.

“Smooth move using my name to get us in there,” Kevin jokes.

“Pshht, it was totally mine that got the ball rolling.”

“I disagree but will let you have this one. You could use the win.” He bumps my shoulder to tell me he’s teasing, and I can’t believe how easy it is being with him. He doesn’t take himself seriously, and neither do I, so it goes a long way to creating a safe space where I can totally be me.

About fifteen minutes later, the security comes back and opens the rope leading to the stage steps. We climb the stairs and head along a long hallway until we get to the last door on the left. Our escort knocks on the door, and suddenly I’m really nervous. I remove my hand from Kevin’s so I can wipe my sweaty palms on my shorts. Kevin smiles down at me and gives me a reassuring smile. He leans in and whispers in my ear, “I bet they are all just as nervous.”

I shoot him a skeptical look.

“I’m serious. I was nervous as all hell before you got to the diner.”

“You were? How can anyone be nervous of me?”

He doesn’t get to answer because the door is swung open, and a petite girl with luscious blonde hair and hazel eyes beams at us before calling over her shoulder, “Told ya it wasn’t a prank.”

Keller comes over and wraps a protective arm around the girl. “What have I told you about opening the door? It could’ve been anyone.”

“Baby, it wasn’t just anyone. It was Samuel with Hayley Stephens and Kevin Peyton. Like he said it would be.”

“Madison.” His tone is playfully warning as he looks indulgently at her.

Madison looks at me. She raises an eyebrow and cocks her head. “He’s Maddisoning me again.” She turns to Keller, her teeth grazing over her bottom lip, and winks. “We back to not being friends again? I love it when we’re not friends.”

Keller pulls her in tight and whispers in her ear. She throws her head back and laughs and smacks him on the chest. “You better make good on that promise, Keller Cannon.”

We’re still standing on the threshold, waiting out this private moment between Keller and his girlfriend…no, wait, she’s his fiancée now, as of a few months ago. The moment should be awkward, but it’s not. Madison is treating us like we’re just average people and not celebrities, and it’s refreshing.

Madison turns back to us. “Balls! I’m being so rude. Come in.” She steps back, opening the door wider.

“When aren’t you two rude when you’re together.” Jeff stands from where he is seated next to Josh on the teal-colored couch.

Keller flips Jeff the bird and holds out a hand. “Keller. Pleased to meet you.”

I take his hand. “Likewise. This is Kevin Peyton.”

Jeff and Josh come over, and we spend the next few moments sharing pleasantries. I wonder where Kade is, but I’m trying my best not to make it obvious. Just then, I hear a toilet flush and a few minutes later, Kade walks out of the bathroom. He’s checking to see if his zipper is up, and the sight makes me want to laugh.

“Dude, you wanna get that fly sorted, we’ve got company,” Jeff states.

Kade looks up, and his eyebrows quirk in surprise. He runs a hand through his hair. “Fuck, you guys, a little heads-up would’ve been nice.”

“I have a ‘heads up’ situation happening right now if anyone cares.” Josh cups himself through his pants in a lewd gesture.

“Fucking hell, Josh!” This comes from everyone else in the room including Madison, who I’ve been told to call Maddie.

Kade walks over and I realize that the way he saunters on stage isn’t for effect; it’s his natural prowl. I use all my skills as a singer to control my breathing because I’m bordering on panting right now. Our palms touch and heat transfers from our connected hands to my lady bits. Goddammit, I’m becoming a cliché. One touch from Kade Tennick and I’m thinking very inappropriate thoughts. Instalust much?

Kade’s gaze travels from my face, over my white