Page 20 of Luci’s Lullaby

I grind my jaw as I sit down across from her. “Must’ve been your charming personality.”

“Or the music made her ears bleed.” She raises her brows and the bar.

I lean in, laying my hands on the table. “Pretty sure it was the lack of intelligent conversation.”

She mimics my position putting us inches apart. “I’m positive it was the lack of depth and skills of the house band.”

“House band?” My eyes go wide. Those are fighting words. “I have never, and will never be, an everyday commodity.”

She sizes me up. “Are you sure about that? The way I see it, you’re no more than a dime a dozen.”

“What in the hell do you mean by that?”

“You played the same tired music. Have you ever heard of originality? Maybe one of your own, mix it up a bit.” She shrugs.

“For someone who doesn’t like country, you sure have a lot to say about it.”

“I know what I like.” Her eyes gleam.

I shift forward, getting closer to her. “Is that so?”

She begins to fidget. “Yes.”

“Tell me what you like.”

Her lips part slightly as the tip of her tongue darts out, wetting them. “I need something that speaks to me, moves me in such a way that it affects my soul.”

“What song would that be?”

Her eyes search mine and for a split second, there’s a spark. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve heard something that profound.”

“Do you remember the words?”

Her eyes dart behind me, and she sits back into the seat. “No, I don’t recall.”

“Hey, how about that beer.” Aksel slaps my back as he joins us followed by Emerson.

“Sounds great.”

“Congratulations.” Emerson hugs me before sitting.

“Thanks, y’all.”

Emerson nudges her friend. “Did he tell you?”

“Tell me what?” She lifts her chin.

Emerson nods to me. “Alden is going to sign with a manager and a contract to play at the country festival.”

“No, he didn’t.” She turns to me, unimpressed. “Good deal, congrats.”

Heat pulses through me. “Thanks.”

“How ‘bout that drink?” Aksel says.

“Nah, I’m gonna get back over here and prep for the next set.”

“Stay. It’s one drink.” Emerson cuts her eyes at her friend.