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Once the metal doors slide open, I step into the hallway. As sore and tired as I am, I hustle toward her apartment. Anticipation thrums through me until it’s all I can think about.
I’ve never come home from practice to someone waiting for me.
I like it.
More than that, I like her.
My heart skips a beat as that thought ricochets throughout my brain.
I pause in front of the door before fishing the key she gave me out of my pocket and shoving it in the lock. Just as I’m about to twist the handle, the sound of a guitar drifts from within the apartment.
I pause and press my ear to the door, straining to hear the notes.
After a handful of seconds, her voice accompanies the instrument. A shiver scampers down my spine as I flatten even more against the wood. I’m catapulted back to the Vegas flight.
My eyelids feather shut as both the guitar and her husky voice wash over me.
And here she tried to tell me that she barely played.
Little liar.
It’s obvious from the minute or so I’ve been standing here that she has natural ability.
So why downplay it?
Why not own it?
Britt has never struck me as insecure or a shrinking violet.
I almost snort.
Quite the opposite.
She has confidence in spades, and it’s sexy as hell.
It takes a few moments to realize that she’s singing the same song as before. Now that I’m not freaking out, I’m able to focus on the lyrics and melody. It’s not something I recognize.
Did Britt write it herself?
The question circles around in my brain. It only adds to the growing list where she’s concerned.
I squeeze my eyes closed and refocus on the song. I might not be able to recognize it, but there’s something familiar about her voice. Almost as if I’ve heard her sing something else with a faster beat.
With a frown, I smash myself against the door. Maybe then I’ll be able to?—
“Hi, Colby!”
Startled from my thoughts, I bang my head against the wood.
Fuck.
My teeth sink into my lower lip to keep the string of curse words trapped inside before straightening to my full height and pretending like I wasn’t just standing here, trying to eavesdrop.
Although, it seems much too late for that.
“Hey, Lance. What’s up? How’s everything going?”
He beams in response, the smile overtaking his expression. “You remembered my name. I wasn’t sure if you would.”
I shrug. “Of course I remembered. We hung out and had a good time.”
He glances at the apartment I’m loitering in front of. “So…are you and Britt dating now?”
Dating my wife?
Guess I am.
“Um, yeah. Something like that.”
Here’s hoping he doesn’t ask her the same question, because it’s doubtful our answers would match up.
“That’s cool.” His brows slide together as his nose twitches. “You know…Britt is a good friend of mine.”
I tilt my head, wondering where this conversation is going. “Uh huh.”
His tongue darts out to lick his lips. “And I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
I force a smile. “I have no intention of hurting her.”
He mulls over my answer for a second or two. “But it could happen anyway.”
“You’re right,” I admit. “It could. But I’ll do my best not to cause her any pain. Promise.”
“You’re the first guy I’ve seen her spend time with since she moved in.”
“Oh?” I can’t help but like that.
Even if I’m forcing her to do it.
With a nod, he steps closer and drops his voice. “I was hoping that maybe something would happen between us, but it never did.” There’s a pause. “I think we’re probably better off as friends. You know?”
“Sorry it didn’t work out. She’s lucky to have you in her life, watching out for her.”
His chest puffs up at the compliment. “Nah, I’m the lucky one. There are a lot of girls around here who won’t even give me the time of day, but Britt isn’t like that. She’s cool and down to earth.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “She is.”
His eyes turn serious as they bore into mine. “Which is why you’ll answer to me if you hurt her.” He cracks the knuckles of both hands. “I hope you understand.”
My brows skyrocket. It’s tempting to ask if he’s playing around, but I can see by his stony expression that he’s as serious as a heart attack.
“You have my word,” I say solemnly.
He nods before clapping me on the arm as his face transforms back into a smile. “Good. I’m glad we could have this little chat.”
Ahhh…
“Yeah, me too.”
Just as I’m about to turn the key, he nods toward the apartment. “She’s pretty talented, isn’t she?”
“She really is.” The question shoots out of my mouth before I can stop it. “You’ve heard her play before?”
“A couple times after we finish studying. She’s been working on a new song. I told her that after she finishes it, we should video it so people can take a listen. Who knows, maybe she’d get famous.” He shrugs. “Or, at the very least, find a few followers.”
