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"Later, Memphis," Cash says, sliding an arm around Riley's waist. "Nice to meet you, Kylie."
"You too," I murmur.
"It was good to meet you, Kylie. I hope I see you again soon," Riley says, smiling at me as if she means it. There's something about her that just feels…genuine. I like her.
"See ya," Priest says.
Memphis and I watch quietly as the three of them head toward the door. When I glance back at Memphis, he's staring blankly at the bottles lined up behind the bar, looking like he's a million miles away.
"Is everything okay?" I ask quietly, worried that I might be the reason he's stressed and distracted.
He startles, glancing at me. "What?"
"Is everything okay?" I repeat.
He hesitates for a moment before shrugging. "It's fine, princess. Just a lot on my mind."
"You were fine until she mentioned the tour," I point out, biting my lip. "And then you didn't seem thrilled. Is something wrong with it?"
He runs his hands through his hair, avoiding my gaze. "Nah, it's not that. I was excited about it. But lately…I don't know, it just doesn't feel the same."
His answer sends a pang through my chest. Knowing I might be the reason for his change of heart is…a lot. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I don't want to take anything from him. I never wanted that. Swallowing hard, I try to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"How'd you get into music in the first place?" I ask, wiping down the counter. "Topless biker bar owner and world-famous musician don't usually go hand-in-hand."
Memphis chuckles, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Riley gave my sorry ass a second chance when nobody else would."
"Second chance?" I probe. This is as close as we've ever come to talking about the past.
He hesitates, breaking eye contact briefly before looking straight into my eyes. An endless well of grief and guilt rage in the depths, so much torment it takes my breath away.
"Memphis," I whisper.
"There was a time when I wasn't exactly the most upstanding citizen, Kylie," he says, his voice full of pain. "I made some bad choices, did things I'm not proud of doing. Things I can't ever take back. When my life hit rock bottom, Riley helped me find my way back. Through music."
My heart hammers as I process his words and his pain, as if, even now, it weighs on him. As if, even now, it haunts him.
What did he do? What regrets keep him awake at night? Whatever they are, I know they're tied to my brother. I could ask him. I think if I did, he'd tell me the truth. But I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear it. Because I'm not sure I'm ready to walk away from this man. So I don't ask him that.
"Will you tell me how you turned it all around?" I ask, my voice whisper soft. I can't hide the plea in it, not this time. Not right now. I'm one answer from falling into darkness…or one answer from absolution. And right now, I'm not entirely sure which scares me more. Because I'm not sure the answer changes anything.
I'm falling for him. Regardless of his past or what he's done or who he was, the man he is now is slowly claiming every piece of my soul. And I'm fucking terrified that, no matter what he's done, it won't be enough to keep me from giving him every single piece of myself. He could destroy me entirely. And I'm halfway to letting him do it. Willingly.
"Your shift is almost over. Have dinner with me," he says, his voice confident but not demanding. "And I'll tell you."
I glance at the clock, realizing that he's right. My shift ends in half an hour. But I hesitate anyway, my chest tightening with anxiety.
This is the point of no return for us. If I allow myself to get closer to him, there will be no guarding my heart against him. He'll own me, every single piece.
"Kylie," he whispers, his eyes locked on mine. He cups my cheek, brushing his thumb along my lip, sending waves of heat crashing through me.
Who am I trying to kid? We reached the point of no return days ago. He's already under my skin, embedded so deeply I can't forget him. I can't withstand or deny him.
It's too late to deny it now. I'm his. Body and soul, I'm his.
"Alright," I breathe, barely audible. "I'll have dinner with you."
Chapter Seven
