Seth (Damage Control 3)

“He’s been throwing up non-stop,” Rafe says. “And I don’t know where his cell is. Hasn’t been a good day for Seth.” He turns back to Zane. “I’ll cancel the rehearsal we have tonight and go stay with him tonight, give Shane and Ocean a break.”

“I’ll move the rehearsal to another day, no problem,” Zane’s girl says. “The group will understand.”

“The concert is on Saturday,” Zane says. “I’ll go stay with him, so you two can go and practice your new songs. It’ll be fine.”

“I’ll stay with him,” I hear myself saying and stop.

What am I saying?

Zane lifts a pierced brow at me. “You will?”

“It’s only fair. I mean, I’m the reason he’s not well, and…” And what? “And I have the time. If he doesn’t mind.”

Oh God. Yeah, that’s the problem, isn’t it? Still not sure he wants to see me again—and now knowing I caused more damage than I originally thought…

“Let me call Ash. He’s been with the guys since the afternoon,” Rafe says and turns his back to us, pulling out his cell.

“You sure you can handle it?” Zane asks, his clever eyes missing nothing. “If he’s dizzy, or puking. He’s a big guy, tall and heavy. Maybe I should ask Micah to stay with you.”

“Okay.” I tug on the strap of my purse, chew on my lip. “Or maybe I should let you guys handle it.”

“He’ll be glad to have you there,” Zane’s girl says unexpectedly, and I finally recall her name. Dakota. “Trust me. He likes you, and the guys can get heavy-handed. When you’re sick, it’s nice to have a woman by your side.”

Why doesn’t she go, then? Or any of the other girls in the group?

“He likes you.”

Funny how those words make my heart beat faster instead of calming it down.

“Yeah, got it,” Rafe mutters, the cell held to his ear, as he turns to face us and gives a thumbs-up. “I’ll tell her. Yeah, she’s here. Yes, I am talking about Manon, dumbass.”

I swallow hard, so nervous you’d think I’m auditioning for a role in a huge production. “Tell me what?”

He stretches out his hand, offering me his cell. “Ash wants to talk to you.”

Great.

I take the cell, feeling everyone’s eyes on me. “This is Manon.”

“Hey. Rafe tells me you’d stay with Seth tonight?” He sounds like he’s walking, his voice rising and dipping with each step. “Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Thought you should know he’s been dizzy and throwing up. We got some Dramamine into him, so hopefully that will stop, but just in case… Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I nod to myself. “Did you ask him if he’s okay with it?”

“Girl, was there ever a doubt?” Asher laughs and hangs up.

Huh. What does that mean?

Frowning, I return the cell phone to Rafe. “Guess it’s all set, then.”

“I’ll call Micah,” Zane says. “And Jesse. One of the fuckers will be there, for sure, and Manon?” He smiles when I look at him, his dark eyes brightening. “Thanks.”

***

I’m nervous.