Just One Spark (The Kingston Family 4)

They were putting on a show, and their picture had been snapped more than a few times, ensuring they would show up on social media, yet everything about them felt all too real.

It took all her willpower to remember it was not. Dash wasn’t a man who sustained a relationship, nor had he ever wanted to. She had no illusions she’d be the woman to change him. Thinking otherwise could only cause her to be even more deeply hurt. But tonight was fun and relaxed, and she knew the score. She could be as flirty as she wanted to and enjoy his attention.

They stepped up to a bar with beautiful glass mirrors behind bottles, which were lined up on shelves.

Dash edged himself up to the counter and caught the eye of a bartender.

“What can I get you, Mr. Kingston?” he asked.

“Dirty Dare Vodka, neat.” He turned to her. “Cass?”

She thought and said, “I’ll have a martini.” Paused. Then added, “And make it dirty.” She couldn’t help but wriggle her eyebrows at him, letting him know she meant the dual meaning.

No matter how dangerous this situation was to her emotions, she’d already decided she was all in.

All but her heart.

“Here you go, dirty girl,” he said, his voice low so only she could hear.

At the rumble of his voice and the awareness in his gaze, her body came to life. He handed her the drink, his fingers deliberately touching hers. She suddenly wished she’d opted to go straight home so those hands could run over more sensitive areas, which were right now pulsing with need. She was in for a late night but that was okay. She was excited for the show.

“Let’s see if we can find seats,” Dash said.

She nodded and they wound their way around the room, finding an empty table. She put her purse down when she heard a familiar voice.

“Dash, great performance! I was just telling the guys watching Axel gel with you was a sight to behold. You were right in your choice.” Dean slapped Dash on the back, ignoring her and the fact that she’d been the one who’d backed her brother when he hadn’t.

She loathed the band’s manager, but damned if she’d show him he’d gotten to her. Straightening her shoulders, she turned to face him.

“Agreed,” Dash said. “Axel’s the perfect addition.”

“You looked good on the red carpet, but I still think you’d have drawn more attention with a known name on your arm.” He still hadn’t addressed her, and she stiffened at his insult.

So had Dash. “I thought we had this conversation. It’s my life and I’ll do what I want. And if you insult Cassidy one more time, even in that passive-aggressive way of yours, you’ll be out on your ass, Dean.” He glared at the man who had brought the band so far but whose goals no longer aligned with how Dash wanted to live his life.

Dean’s face turned beet red, his anger obvious, but he wouldn’t make a public scene. Especially not here. “Don’t forget who picked you guys up when you were nobodies,” he said with a fake smile on his face.

“And you don’t forget who you work for.”

Shit. This could get ugly, she thought. There were too many people here with camera phones and press passes. She clenched Dash’s arm in a silent reminder to calm down.

“I’m going to see another client,” Dean said through clenched teeth. “I’ll be in touch.”

He walked away and Dash’s muscles relaxed. He turned to face her. “Don’t let him get to you.”

She shrugged. “He’s an ass. Axel never liked him, and I’m aware he wasn’t Dean’s choice for your drummer. I’m just glad he has his own manager to look out for him.” She thought the band could use someone better, but it wasn’t her business.

“Dean’s choice was a client he’s been trying to turn into the next big thing, and he’s never gotten over us agreeing with your assessment of what was best for the band.”

She shrugged. “I can handle him. I just don’t like him,” she muttered.

His bright blue-eyed gaze filled with frustration. “He’s had his own agenda for too long. I’ll talk to your brother and the guys about other options.”

Before she could think further, the lights dimmed and strobes flashed on the stage.

They took their seats beside each other, chairs facing the stage. Lights flashed and loud applause surrounded them as Vivi strode onto the stage.

Dash wrapped one arm around Cassidy and slid his other hand over her bare thigh, drumming a beat with those tempting fingers on her skin.

She immediately squirmed, desire beginning to pulse inside her to the beat of the music. She could grab his wrist to stop him but why? It was dark and she wanted his touch. He inched his fingers higher, the forbidden movement hidden by both the lack of lighting and the table above.