by Shona Husk
“Why, yes it was, Ed.” Gemma almost smiled. “So I’d like to claim the first song.”
“You think you can?” Of course she could, they’d rehearsed it that way but part of the show was the give and take between them. He’d lost count of the number of rumours about them. Better that than the truth that Gemma was dating his sister. Kirsten wasn’t ready for that kind of scrutiny. He didn’t think Gemma was either.
“Do you think I can?” She pointed her mic at the crowd and of course they agreed.
“Guess I’m on backing.” He stepped back and feigned hurt. Which wasn’t that hard after the week he’d had.
“I love you, Ed!” a woman called out.
“I love you too. It’s because of you guys that we get to do this stuff.” His gaze scanned the crowd, but there was no one who caught his eye. Was he really hoping that Olivia would show up? Yes. He shoved the idea away. She was at her sister’s hens’ night and he was going out with his mates after.
“If the love fest is over…” Gemma gave Mike a nod and the drum intro started up. Gemma had no trouble carrying the darker gravelly vocals.
They’d had to flip a coin for the song. Fate had been on her side. Luck had abandoned him totally. All he needed was for his car to die and his thumbs to fall off.
Tonight was different. Sometimes everything gelled and they hit the sweet spot where it wasn’t work. This was one of those nights. He could feel his batteries recharging as he performed, feeding off the energy of the crowd.
He ended the set with the last song from the album and it was over. Cover complete and show done. They hung around for a bit and had a few drinks with the fans, signed a few things.
Ed couldn’t help but wish it had been their own songs they’d been playing. While it had been fun, they were no longer playing covers in small venues. This felt like a step back—but no one else felt that way.
He reminded himself that things like this generate good will both with fans and the industry and more importantly, they generated money.
Gemma slung her arm around his shoulder, her other arm around Dan. “I’m going to see pretty boy and our equipment home. I’ll catch you tomorrow.”
Ed glanced at Dan. He might have been sober for the show but he wasn’t now. Ed didn’t let his smile slip as he raised his beer to Dan. Dan had done his part and for that Ed was grateful. Ed handed Gemma his car keys. He had a clean shirt out the back. All he had to do was get changed and sign the one he was currently wearing. Someone always wanted it. It had started by accident in Darwin and was now a thing. He went through a lot of five dollar t-shirts.
“Have a good night.”
Dan gave his usual salute, touching two fingers to his eyebrow. At least for tonight he was back to being himself. Gemma was obviously working her magic on him. She’d traded three blood brothers for three band mates. He knew who she liked more…and who she spent more time with.
Mike seemed to be setting himself up for the night. He had a woman practically glued to him, and while a few had tried to get close to Ed he had gently eased them away. He wasn’t in the mood for what was on offer, and what he wanted wasn’t available. He checked his watch. It was time to change shirts and leave. Luke and his other mates would be waiting at the pub. A night out with the boys was what he needed, even if it wasn’t what he wanted.
Several beers later he was enjoying the music, the noise, the beer and chasers, and being out with his friends. He was very glad he didn’t have to worry about driving home. He could regret the hangover in the morning. Then they started up on the Bali trip.
“Luke says you aren’t coming.”
“Nah, not this time.” He wasn’t going to let anything dampen his mood. He’d love to get away and do nothing but surf and drink for five days, and if the album was written then maybe…
“Dude, for a rocker you are all work.”
That’s because it was hard work and he was beginning to hate being called a rock star. Stardom implied wealth and fame—neither of which he had. He was able to go out in his home town and not be recognised by fans, mostly. While it was nice, it also bit as it meant that he hadn’t made it. He redirected the conversation, his feet finding the beat. He wanted to dance. “I hope the surf is cranking in Margaret River in a few weeks.”
If it was, he’d be packing his board as well as his guitars when he played the two day music festival in the new year. If they didn’t get some solid writing done before then they were going to be in trouble. He squashed the thoughts before his brain could jump on that rat wheel. He wasn’t going to think about work tonight.
“Are you camping or flash enough for accommodation?”
“Accommodation.” But it wouldn’t be flash. And it was only one night. He’d sleep in his car if the surf was going. It wouldn’t be the first time. “You heading down?”
“Yeah. Looks like a good line up…plus you guys.”
Conversation turned to sport and then girlfriends or the lack of. As usual they assumed he was getting laid all the time. This time he led them on as it was better than the reality—that he’d been dropped for being unsuitable. He’d never live that down.
“Eyes right, single boys. A hens’ night is walking in.”
Ed looked. One of the women had on a tiara and sash proclaiming her to be the bride. Most of them were overly madeup to go clubbing. Was Olivia there? Was this her sister’s hens’ night? He shouldn’t care and yet he watched, hoping that people would get out of the way so he could get a better look. “And they are bypassing the bar and heading for the nightclub.”
He’d been looking for an excuse to go in. Luke took the bait and led the charge. “Follow me. Easy pickings.”
Ed grinned, then one of his mates was grabbing his arm and they were following the gaggle of women through to the nightclub. The bass was bigger, bouncing off his ribs and pulsing in his body. The melody didn’t matter as people danced to the beat. Lights flashed, revealing the crowded floor.
Women here on a hens’ night were not here to pick up. That included Olivia—if she was here. If she was, he wouldn’t go up to her. He wasn’t that desperate. But since he was here, he might as well dance and have another drink and laugh as his mates failed to score. And if he ran into her…well, he had no idea.
It had been years since Olivia had been in a club and longer since she’d had so much to drink. They’d had dinner at a little Mexican restaurant, played a few games and been given a few lewd prizes as well as a challenge to complete. She had a hot pink fluffy handcuff around one wrist because she was supposed to catch a man.
She was sure that Julie had set that up deliberately. Olivia was extremely glad no one knew about Ed. That Ed hadn’t replied had stung. Even though he didn’t owe her a reply and he was probably busy, she’d been hoping…
Along with the bridesmaids there were another half dozen of Julie’s friends and at least three of them were also single, but they hadn’t been given such a humiliating challenge. Although after two cocktails and a shot or two of tequila, the idea of catching a guy was becoming more appealing. It had been so long she was sure she had been re-virginised…was that a word?
With her hair and makeup done and a slinky blue dress on—which had been in the back of her wardrobe for as long as her comfy clubbing wedges that tied up with ribbons around her ankles—it was much easier to buy new ribbons than new shoes—she felt that she could be sexy again. Perhaps she could catch someone’s eye…and what, exactly? Take a random back to the hotel room that she was sharing with two other women?
Ew. She didn’t want a random. She wanted Ed. After dinner she’d been so tempted to flee the restaurant and find the Basement on Bannister—it wasn’t that far to walk. But she hadn’t. If he’d replied to her text, she might have.
Escaping from the party with her pride intact wasn’t going to happen. She should have a few more drinks, latch on to a guy and call the challenge complete. She held her drink and bopped to the music, casting her gaze around the c
lub. There had to be someone halfway decent. There was no way she was giving Julie the satisfaction of winning, even if that meant embarrassing herself totally…wait a moment…was that still a win for Julie?
Possibly.
But she thought that completing the challenge was better than failing to complete…and she wanted to kiss someone. It was possible that she’d had enough to drink and she should get some water. She wasn’t the kiss a guy she’d just met kind of girl.
Because she’d never had the chance. She’d been with Miles for her teenage years, and then single. She had another sip of her cocktail and looked for a likely guy. So far all she was seeing was half-drunk dudes who thought they could dance. She smiled. Any one of them would do…but she didn’t want to make do. She wanted someone who made her body jump. Someone she could jump.
Memories of the one time she’d tried that surfaced. She pushed them down, but it was too late; her resolve to be brave and risk-taking started to crumble. She couldn’t face any more rejection.
A guy in tight jeans and a black shirt made his way over. He wasn’t the first to try his luck and he wouldn’t be the last. A group of women was bound to draw attention. The guy tried to entice one of the women away for a dance. Someone pushed Olivia forward, but she shook her head. He wasn’t her type…but could he be if she gave him a chance?
Take the chance.
She couldn’t. She had a kitten’s heart in the body of a tiger on the prowl. He was saying something, but she had no idea what. It was too noisy. It kind of looked as though he was pleading…not hot, but funny. She smiled and shook her head then pointed to her drink, it was a good excuse not to dance. What was wrong with her? One dance wouldn’t kill her. She might actually have some fun tonight. The handcuff swung.
His eyes lit up. Crap.
He moved in closer. “Do you want another drink?” he said in her ear.
“I’m fine.” She should slow down. Tomorrow was going to hurt.
His hand landed on her hip. “Want to dance?”
“Later.” What was she doing? She should be saying yes and finishing the challenge. He was okay, he wasn’t too drunk. She could do worse, but she could also do better.
“Do it, Olivia.” A woman shouted in her other ear.
The guy tugged the cuff. “What’s this for?”
Suddenly the game wasn’t fun at all and she didn’t want to explain. She wanted to leave…but there was nowhere to go and Julie would know that she’d struck a blow. Olivia drew in a breath and tried to find some of her earlier confidence.
“I have to catch a guy.” Julie thought she couldn’t. She didn’t want her to be right. Julie wasn’t right. Olivia had caught Ed, and then released him like an undersized snapper.
The man held the other end of the cuff and smiled. Okay, he had a nice smile, but she shook her head. She wanted someone who made her heart kick with lust. Instead of walking away, or cuffing himself to her and taking away her choice, his eyebrows drew together. “I have three very single friends, all of whom would love to be cuffed to you.”
She doubted that. But he gave her hand a tug as if she should follow. Was he trying to help her or get her away from the group?
Be brave!
Be smart.
She grabbed the hand of the closest bridesmaid before letting him lead them away. Hopefully not too far away. At a table to the side, not far from where the women had gathered, were the guys. Five of them. Had they been staking out the hens’ night?
She swallowed. She might have bitten off more than she could chew. The alcohol-induced bravery evaporated. She gave the woman’s hand a squeeze but the bridesmaid was grinning like she’d found an all you can eat chocolate buffet.
“Boys, may I present two lovely ladies looking for a man.” He waved the damn handcuff for emphasis.
Her cheeks burned, the only saving grace was the amount of makeup she was wearing. She should’ve cuffed him and been done with it instead of being presented for market.
Another guy, in a grey shirt dotted with black skull and crossbones, walked over and put some beers on the table. He glanced up, then looked straight at her. His face mirrored her shock.
Ed was here. He was supposed to be playing. Had he lied? Why hadn’t he returned her text?
Her mouth went dry and her heart beat louder than the music. She swallowed hard and her gaze flicked to the swaying handcuff.
One night.
They may not be able to have a relationship, but they could have one night. She had wanted one night to be someone else and this was it. Tonight she was glamorous; the kind of woman a rock star might date. She smiled at him. “I need to catch a man.”
He was the man she wanted and she hoped she sounded teasing, not desperate.
The man who’d led her over took a look at Ed. “Come on, help a lady out.”
Her thoughts were definitely not ladylike.
Ed hesitated. He was going to say no in front of his friends. Then they were all going to laugh at her. She really couldn’t get a guy. Julie’s friend would report back and she would never be allowed to forget this defeat.
She bit her lip to stop the tremble as Ed gave her a slow once over, as if considering. Bastard. She deserved it after dropping him. When his gaze met hers there was a flicker of heat, but his expression didn’t change. She glanced around for help, but the other woman was joined at the lips to another guy. Great. Was this the friend Julie had mentioned who went through men the way most women went through knickers?
Ed moved closer and his mates clapped him on the back and cheered like he was on a sure thing tonight. Ed had the decency to blush a little. He said something to one of them, but she had no idea what.
Then he was standing in front of her and leaning in. “Now you need a man?”
He was close enough that in one step she’d be pressed against him. Closer than they’d ever been. Her body hummed with need that had been supressed for too long.
“Blame my sister and your friend.” That wasn’t what she should’ve said. She knew that as soon as the words left her lips, before she saw his expression.
He drew back. She’d blown it. No. She reached out and grabbed his shirt front then closed the distance and kissed him.
At first she thought it was a mistake, as he didn’t respond. Then his hands slid over her hips and drew her closer. This was no innocent kiss taken on a sidewalk. His lips moved against hers and rational thought fractured. His hand slid over her butt, keeping her hard against him. Her bones melted.
She wanted him.
Needed him.
Why had she told him it would never work?
“Are you going to cuff me?” His lips brushed her ear.
Did he actually want to do this? He hadn’t replied to her message, she’d thought that was it. Done. She had to remember to breathe. ”You’re not pissed off?”
He didn’t answer straight away. “That depends on what your plans are for me once you have me and win your hens’ night game.”
Her cheeks burned, but she had to play this all the way because she’d never get this chance again. She leaned in, her cheek against his and her hand on his shoulder. Her body was moulded to his, leaving little to her imagination. He did want her. It made her bolder. “I could win the game and we could get out of here.”
Did she really say that?
He took her hand and snapped the hot pink cuff closed around his wrist—with a little too much familiarity. Then he looked at his friends, gave a shrug and pointed at her as if there was nothing he could do.
Yeah, it was all her fault.
Then she realised she’d done it. She’d completed Julie’s challenge. Even better, she had Ed attached to her. Ed, the rock star.
She glanced at him to make sure that it really was him. It was. “Why are you here?”
“Boys’ night out.”
“Oops. Sorry.” But she didn’t really mean that.
His friends started cheering. He gave a half bow then he turned and
they started weaving their way back to the hens’ night. His fingers laced with hers as they skirted the dance floor and made their way back to her sister.
When she reached the group she raised her hand, and Ed’s by default. “Challenge completed.”
She grinned and let relief wash through her. Sticking it to Julie had never felt so good. Julie turned and pressed her lips together as if displeased by this turn of events, before forcing a smile. What a cow.
Olivia was glad she’d been determined to cuff a guy. When she glanced at Ed she was glad she hadn’t cuffed the first man she’d seen. Now she had him…all night…she wasn’t sure she knew what to do with him.
Julie got the attention of the pregnant woman who held out the bag of prizes. Olivia reached in and pulled out edible undies. Classy. Then the bag was offered to Ed. He pulled out a box of condoms—party mix—and gave her a wink. She had no doubt he’d known what he was grabbing.
The slim box disappeared into his back pocket.
She hadn’t thought that far ahead, because she hadn’t expected anything to actually happen. It was one thing to think and imagine getting lucky, but another to find it fast becoming a reality. She looked at him, but had no idea what was going through his mind.
“Dance with me, you can’t leave yet.” His voice was like liquid silk in her ear and created goosebumps along her arms.
He was right. She couldn’t leave yet or Julie would know she’d left with him and Julie didn’t know that Olivia already knew Ed—if she did she’d probably disqualify her and take back the prizes which might come in handy tonight. Besides, dancing with Ed would be nice.
On the dance floor they were anonymous—if not for the handcuff and the excessive hair and makeup she had on, no one would’ve looked at them. She went to take the handcuff off, the game was over. As far as Olivia was concerned her part in the hens’ night was over too.
Ed covered her hand. “You can’t run away if you’re attached to me.”
So he was a little burnt about the way she’d walked off. She was kind of annoyed he hadn’t replied to her text. “I thought you had a show. I was surprised to see you here.”
