Starting from Scratch (Starting from 2)

Not that I was about to share any of that with Char.

I peered through the window to be sure I could keep an eye on Oliver while I was getting yelled at before meeting Charlie’s glare with a lazy smile. “What’s up?”

“Why did you do that?” he fumed. “I literally just asked you not to mess with him.”

“I wasn’t messing with him. If he wants to learn how to ride, I’ll teach him.”

“When? You have no time.” He put one hand on his hips and shook his finger at me. “You’re in a fucking band. When you’re not practicing, you’re out cruising for babes or doing fuck knows what! Do not make promises you can’t keep. Not to him. I won’t tolerate one more person letting him down. Especially not you. So mind your own business, Ky. Go practice your bass and ride your skateboard and just…fuck off while you’re at it.”

I glanced down at the finger poking my chest before meeting Charlie’s fiery gaze. The first thing that crossed my mind after He’s a pain in the ass, was Damn, he’s cute when he gets pissed. Like really fucking cute.

Okay, here’s the thing…I was probably bi, but I wasn’t into labels and specifying my sexuality wasn’t my style. I had a ton of gay or bi buddies. Hell, everyone in my band was gay or bi. I’d experimented in my late teens and early twenties, but it didn’t go far because…well, I had my reasons. I could honestly say I hadn’t looked twice at a man in years. But there was something about Charlie.

I wasn’t necessarily attracted to him—however, I wasn’t immune. I didn’t think anyone who met him could honestly claim immunity. Some days he came at you like a hurricane, whirling around you in mad circles like he was on a manic quest no one else knew about. But Charlie could be quiet and thoughtful too. That was when he made me really nervous. I could practically see him plotting my demise when I’d catch him glancing in my direction.

The guy was dangerous as hell. He might look like an angel with those big blue eyes, flawless skin, and full lips, but he was a freaking demon. No joke. His blond curly hair framed his face like a halo. I had a lot of skate and surf buddies who rocked the tumbling locks beach-do, but they tended to look messy and unkempt. Charlie was completely put-together at all times. He was perfect…looks-wise anyway. He dressed in quirky but fashionable clothes, occasionally wore lip gloss and eyeliner, and had a tendency to buff his nails when he was pissed or just wanted to be left alone.

Whoa. I probably shouldn’t admit I noticed shit like that. But hey, the truth was…if Charlie wasn’t the band’s manager, I might have asked him out months ago. He was exactly my type. Minus the razor-sharp tongue and sarcastic sense of humor.

I captured his finger and squeezed it hard. When he tried to shake me off, I yanked his hand behind his back and inadvertently pulled him against me. Bad move. My heartbeat went into overdrive. I played it cool, like I had him where I wanted him. I didn’t, but I’d learned that it was best not to show fear or hesitation around Charlie, or he’d eat me alive.

“I keep my promises, Char. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to do it. So lay off and maybe just say thanks, eh?” I suggested before dropping his hand and taking a step back.

Charlie balled his hands into tight fists at his side. “You have no idea how much I want to punch you right now.”

“Because I offered to teach your brother how to skateboard? C’mon, give me a fuckin’ break. I like Ollie. That’s it. No hidden agenda.”

“Hmph.”

“And this is where you apologize,” I singsonged, bracing myself for attack.

Charlie opened his mouth like he was going to blast me but released an unsteady rush of air and inclined his head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m having a day.”

I narrowed my eyes. “That was too easy. Are you punkin’ me now?”

“Not at all. I apologize. I shouldn’t have come after you.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “I must have entered an alternate dimension. You never let me off the hook easily. This must be a trick. Where’s the truth serum, Char?”

“Trust me, you don’t want the truth,” he huffed derisively.

“Probably not, but tell me anyway.”

“O-kay…” He turned to wave at his brother through the window before refocusing on me. “I’m going to be brutally honest with you, Ky. I’d prefer if you didn’t make plans with Oliver, because I don’t think you’re going to be around for long.”

I frowned. “Did you hire an assassin or somethin’?”

“No, idiot. I don’t think you want to be in a band.”