Dangerous Crush (Dangerous Noise 2)

Violet squeezes me. "You'll make such a great sister in law."

Ethan smiles, not at all bothered by her mentions of commitment. He moves in to give Violet a hug goodbye.

Then they're making out.

Mal shoots me a knowing look. His voice is even. "Have fun."

"Yeah. I will." I hug him goodbye. "Thanks."

"For?" He whispers.

"Not freaking out." After our hug breaks, I pull Violet away from Ethan.

She waits until we're outside to throw her arms around me again. "I still can't believe it." She leads me towards the mall. "I can see you two together. For a long time. Maybe forever."

"Me too."

Chapter 26

Kit

It's late and I'm slick with sweat.

My hands are screaming for a break.

Not yet.

Not until my head is clear.

Right now, it's still stuck on what the hell it means that I'm in love with Piper.

On if I'm in love with Piper.

I start at the top of our set list. Tied up With You is a catchy crowd pleaser. It's the perfect opening song and it's fucking hard.

I really outdid myself on this one.

My hands are too tired. I drop too many notes. By the breakdown I've got it enough to play the next song.

The next.

The entire set list.

My head doesn't clear until halfway through our closer. When I let my eyelids fall together, I can feel the energy of being on stage. I can see the fans, hear the screams. I can't help myself. I start singing along with lyrics.

Fuck, I'm only practicing and I'm over the fucking moon.

This is where I belong.

I feel a twinge of emptiness as I turn off my amp and set my bass in its stand. For the last ten years, more even, this has been what I've wanted, how I clear my head, where I was sure I belonged.

It's not just the instrument. It's the guys. The band.

That might be fucked. It might be over.

That thought guts me.

But the thought of losing Piper—that's just as bad.