Wicked Innocence (Wicked Innocence 1)

“So, how exactly do you know the band?” I asked carefully.

He laughed, leaning back easily against the wall behind him. “Harry is my cousin.” He shrugged, his eyes narrowing in on mine. “I’m the manager you needed to impress.”

I had so many questions I wanted to ask, but all of them bordered on being way too personal. Why wasn’t he playing with the band? What had happened all those years ago? How many of the rumors were actually true?

“You haven’t made it very well known that you’re with the band,” I said instead, hoping he would elaborate. I wasn’t sure how much to push the topic with him, but I was so intrigued about what had spurred his return to music.

“Not yet. I’m kind of easing my way back into things.” He laughed suddenly, his lips parting into a smile. “You ask a lot of questions, Micah. I think it’s time you answer some.”

I stiffened. I didn’t like talking about myself. It was easier to just avoid situations that led to these kinds of conversations.

“Hmm, do I sense some reservation?” he teased, cocking his head like he was onto something. “You don’t like talking about yourself? Most girls love talking about themselves,” he added with a chuckle.

“Yeah, well, I’m not most girls,” I shot back.

“So I’m beginning to realize,” he murmured.

I could feel my face burning up. “So, do I have the job?” I asked. I still hadn’t been given a clear yes or no, and apparently he was the one I needed to impress. I was pretty sure I’d done that, but I needed to hear those words.

“Come over here.” He nodded his head over to where the band were sitting, laughing at something. “So guys, is she in?” he asked.

I stiffened as I felt his hand rest on the small of my back, the tiny hairs behind my neck standing erect.

“Here’s the deal. We’re going on tour for the next two weeks, playing in a few bars and clubs around LA and Vegas.” Harry sat down opposite me, his dark hair flopping over his icy blue eyes. “It’s nothing huge, but it could be great exposure for us. Sax is trying to hook us up with a support for Mission Statement at the LA Music Festival in a couple of months, too.”

I nodded, not letting myself get too excited. This was insane. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening.

“If you’re good with all that, then yeah, you got the job. The money isn’t much, but it should cover our costs while on the road, with not much left over. That going to be a problem?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Nope. Not at all,” I grinned. I was used to living on a tight budget. My whole life had been a struggle financially—doubly so when I’d made the move out here. “So, do you guys travel much?” I asked. Not that it mattered. There was no way in hell I was turning down this job.

“A bit. We go where the money is. Much of what we do is around here, but,” he shrugged, “who knows? Any questions?”

“Just one.” I paused, trying to phrase the question in my head before saying it aloud. “Sleeping arrangements while on tour?” I asked delicately. I could feel Sax’s gaze burning into me.

“You’ll get your own room, honey,” smirked Sax. His eyes slowly and deliberately scanned my body. “Unless you want to share?”

“Thanks, but no,” I said, rolling my eyes.

He reached for my phone.

“My phone number and my address,” he said, handing it back to me. “Rehearsal is at my house,” he chuckled as I raised my eyebrows.

Shit. Of course it was. He was still laughing as Harry handed me the sheet music for all their songs. I glanced at the stack of papers, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.

“Okay, so we’ll see you tomorrow at ten a.m.”

“Thanks for this. For giving me a chance.”

“Don’t thank me. You earned it,” Harry replied.

Chapter Four

Micah

“Where the hell are you?” I asked into my phone as I glanced around the room again, trying to spot Dee’s black and silver dress in the crowd.

“Sorry, I got, uh, carried away,” she giggled.