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Three little dots…

I like it when you’re tempted.

I lowered the phone slowly.

This wasn’t a scene—this was daylight, real life threading itself into the space between commands and safe words.

My pulse kicked, steady and certain. This no longer felt contained.

The truth settled into my chest with a clarity that shocked me.

I don’t want it to be.

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. Except it wasn’t Quinn this time—it was Diane.

Can you work a double shift today? Amira’s called in sick.

I sighed. The rehearsal wasn’t until seven, so technically I could.

Yeah, I can do that.

Even though it meant I’d be more tired than usual.

Thanks. I owe you one.

That meant I’d better get my arse in gear because my day was about to start earlier than usual.

I knew I’d have to be on the ball that evening. Anything less than perfection, and Theo would notice.

Of course he would.

I was beginning to associate the studio with the permanent aroma of coffee. Our second run at Hallelujah was better than our first, but we were nowhere near precision.

That word is following me around today.

Theo’s clap brought everyone into silence. He stood in the middle of the room like a general armed with a clipboard.

“We need a sound engineer,” he announced, tapping his pencil against the board. “Before we send anything out. Before we embarrass ourselves publicly.”

“We sound incredible,” Julian protested.

“We sound enthusiastic,” Theo corrected. “There’s a difference.”

I should have been focused. Instead, I was thinking about a library in Walthamstow. A grin emoji.

I was also thinking about temptation.

“Max.” Theo’s voice snapped in my direction.

I straightened in a heartbeat. “Yes.”

He narrowed his gaze. “You’re on bass, not astral projection.” A few of the guys snickered.

“I am here,” I retorted.

“You’re physically here,” Finnley muttered. “Emotionally? That’s debatable.” I gave him a look, and he responded with a beaming smile. “Just saying it like I see it.” His eyes glittered. “Oh come on. You are not yourself today.” That grin grew wicked. “What’s his name?”

“And did you leave him all tied up someplace?” Elliott added with a smirk.