Better than Sexy (The Sexy 3)

He still winced, imagining how badly Vivi had taken the fact that one of his best friend’s didn’t want her in his life. She probably assumed Jason felt the same way. And Landon wasn’t sure that Jason also didn’t want Vic’s sister in Landon’s life, which meant he’d have to have a similar discussion with his other partner.

Speaking of Jason… “If I remember correctly, Tanner, you were rough on Faith, too.” Landon recalled the time when Jason had brought Faith to the club so she wasn’t left alone and Tanner had been a dick. “Look, I know you worry for the people you care about, but sometimes you have to trust that we know what’s best for ourselves.”

Of them all, Tanner had the roughest life growing up. His father had been an abusive bastard, and Tanner had learned to protect the people he cared about by fighting. It had taken being arrested and Jason pulling strings to get his record expunged for Tanner to get his head on straight. These days his punches were in the gym only. But old protective habits died hard, and Landon understood that Vivi’s relation to Vic was a tough pill to swallow.

It wasn’t that it was easy for Landon, it was more that she’d gotten to him in a way that no woman ever had, enough that he was willing to deal with whatever baggage came along with her. That said, he didn’t know if he’d feel the same way if she and her brother were close. Thankfully that wasn’t something he needed to worry about.

“I’m sorry, man. I’ll try and see her for who she is and not who she’s related to.” Tanner raised his water bottle and took a sip.

“That’s all I can ask.” Landon blew out a long breath, wondering how much damage Tanner’s well-meaning but no doubt asshole-ish words had done.

Vivi already thought they were doomed from the start. He’d have an uphill road convincing her to do what Tanner had said, to see herself for who she was and not as Vic’s sister, especially when it came to having a relationship with him.

His cell rang, drawing his attention from their conversation. He glanced down to see his father’s name. He’d spoken to his parents once since the interview had broken. Apparently the news station had asked them for an interview as well but they’d turned down the request. They’d been upset enough about Victor discussing Levi’s death on national television so many years later. Landon hadn’t thought it was the right time to tell them he was in a relationship with the man’s sister. That was something that had to be done in person. Explained face-to-face.

They needed to meet Vivi and see what he did, a sweet, warm, giving woman who’d distanced herself from her brother.

* * *

Knowing better but unable to help herself, Vivi read the online reviews for her performance last night while in an Uber on her way back from the recording studio. Her stomach was in knots as she opened her phone and pulled up Owen’s email with the links.

A star is born.

Exceptional talent.

Brainy, beautiful, and going places.

Most of the reviews noted that the songs she’d written herself had the most depth and brought the most credibility to her voice. Tears filled her eyes in both awe and gratitude.

How many years had she lain in bed at night, dreaming of performing on a stage in front of people? Of having her songs reach the masses? Of one day becoming a household name?

She was lucky enough to have her songs reaching people now, to be able to spend days recording, and she knew she was bringing people into Club TEN29. At the very least, she was paying forward what they’d given to her. She wasn’t going to dwell on Vic or be able to make up for what he’d done.

Tanner had made it clear how he felt, and she had no doubt Jason agreed with him. It didn’t matter whether or not they liked her or cared if she was in a relationship with Landon, because she wasn’t here forever. Her dreams were bigger and she finally saw a way to accomplish them, ironically, courtesy of Tanner and his friends.

The rest of the weekend passed quickly. Her Saturday and Sunday night performances were even better than her first, and she wasn’t being modest. Owen brought in producers to talk to her and promoters. Suddenly she was a hot commodity, and she didn’t have time after her shows to worry about Tanner’s or Jason’s feelings. She was, however, aware of Landon. Even as she met with industry people, she felt the heat of his gaze on her the entire time.

Just as with Axel, she knew he was watching over her, making sure everyone treated her with the utmost respect, or he was the one coming over to the table with drinks to make sure she was okay. He never had to say a word. It was obvious by his tone and demeanor he’d staked his claim. But he respected her space and her business and he didn’t intrude. In fact, other than a wink when no one else was looking, he kept his distance while she worked. He didn’t even give an encore with her at the piano, and at the end of each long night, she went upstairs alone.