Wicked Innocence (Wicked Innocence 1)

“Nothing. What did you guys do today?” I asked, trying to divert the conversation.

He shrugged. “Went to a bar, played some pool. Watched Kam try unsuccessfully to pick up some chick.”

“Hey. I was just being friendly,” Kam retorted. “I wasn’t trying to chat up anyone. Believe me, when I want someone, I don’t need to try very hard.”

“Sure, and that’s evident in the how many women you’ve picked up this trip?” Harry sniggered.

“Yeah, what am I supposed to do, bring her back to the van? Classy.”

“Get a motel room, or go to her place, dipshit.” All the guys laughed. Even Sax was smiling. Kam muttered a response under his breath.

Feeling sorry for the guy, I turned to Harry and smiled sweetly. “And how many women have you picked up?” I asked innocently.

He went red as everyone laughed again.

“Come to think of it, I think I’ve had more success with women than the rest of you put together.” I ignored Sax’s raised eyebrow and continued. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you successfully pick up a chick. You’re supposed to be this ladies’ man, but I don’t know…” I shrugged and shook my head.

“Okay, okay, point taken. Geez, you really know how to crush a guy’s spirit,” Harry grumbled.

I looked up and met Sax’s gaze in the rear view mirror. His blue eyes twinkled as they narrowed in on mine.

Chuckling, I put my earphones in and clicked play, leaving the guys to argue amongst themselves.

***

We walked through the crowd of teenagers over to a spot on the deck that had been blocked off for us. I glanced around. These ‘kids’ all looked to be about the same age as me.

An older man walked over to us. From the way he was smiling at Sax, I guessed this was Ben. He took Sax’s outstretched hand, shaking it firmly. Behind him stood three girls, who were smiling dreamily at Sax. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, and tried to ignore the pang of jealousy shooting through me.

“Thanks for doing this, Saxon. This is my niece Hayley and her two friends, Beth and Caryn.”

“Hey,” Sax said easily. He smiled at the girls, who giggled in response. “So, it’s your birthday?” he asked Hayley.

She nodded, flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulder. “Yes. I’m eighteen,” she added eagerly.

Was this girl for real? As if her being eighteen gave her a chance with him. He smiled at her and chatted for a few minutes, which she mistook for flirting. Shaking my head, I turned away and focused on the guys who were setting up their equipment.

“You okay?”

Harry was eyeing me in amusement. I blushed. Was my jealousy that obvious? God, I hoped not.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I muttered, leaning over to pick up my microphone. “Just tired is all.”

“Uh-huh,” he said with a nod. He looked around, his hand resting on his hip. “God, this takes me back. High school girls. So eager to please, so keen to play.”

“Surely it would be even easier for you now?” I teased. “Being the big rock star you are and all.”

He snorted. “With him around?” He jerked his finger toward Sax. “Besides, they’re too young. I prefer my women a little older.” He winked at me and I laughed. If only he knew.

After our first set, Sax met me at the side of the deck with a cup of soda.

“Thanks,” I said, drinking it down.

“Hey, where’s ours?” asked Kam.

“Over there,” retorted Sax, nodding toward the bar. “You’ll be happy to learn everything is alcohol free.”

“What kind of party is this?” Kam muttered, walking off into the crowd.