Several of the opening acts and a slew of groupies sit around the room hanging out in small groups, chatting amongst themselves.

I rub my forehead and close my eyes. Sometimes I really hate the fact that it’s hard to get a moments peace on the road. There’s so much shit inside my head I need to work out in order to feel like I’m not losing my mind over a woman.

“What’s wrong? Blue balls killing you?” Donovan says next to me with a smart-ass snicker.

My eyes snap open and instantly narrow. “You got a fucking problem with me, asshole? Say the word. I beg you. Give me one reason to drop your ass right here, right now.”

Donovan shoves his blonde hair out of his eyes. “Easy, Romeo. I was merely asking for confirmation that you bagged that hot redhead last night since you cock-blocked me.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “I did. What of it?”

He shrugs and then casually reaches down and grabs a beer. “Just curious. I would’ve loved to tap that. It looked tight.”

Before I know what I’ve done, I draw back and blast him square in the face. Screams erupt all around me, but it feels like I’m moving in slow motion. Shock registers on Donovan’s face, and then it twists in anger. Before he gets a chance to land a punch on me, I hit him again with as much force as I can.

Blood pours from his nose and I pull back ready to strike again, but I’m suddenly being yanked away.

Trip hooks my arm and drags me back. “What the fuck are you doing?’

I can’t answer him, because honestly, I’m not sure what came over me. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s razzed me about a woman, but the mention of him wanting to fuck my girl made my brain short circuit.

I shake my head. My girl? What the fuck is wrong with me? She isn’t my girl. Why do these stupid, fucking thoughts keep rolling through me? This girl is driving me insane.

I take a deep breath. “I’m cool, man. You can let go.”

Trip stares at me, while he decides if he can let go or not. After a couple seconds he loosens his grip on my arm. “You going to tell me what that was about?”

I throw my hands on my waist and try to slow my breathing. “He’s just being his normal cocksucker self. What do you want me to say?”

He shakes his head. “I heard what he said. Why don’t you admit it to yourself? You like that girl.”

I open my mouth to protest his accusations, but Trip narrows his eyes. Fuck. I hate it when he tries to go Dr. Phil on my ass. “Even if I did, it can’t happen.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t let it, that’s why!”

“Give people a little credit, Riff. You have to learn to let some in. You let me and Tyke in.”

“Yeah, I let Noel in, too. See how that turned out, right. You and Tyke are the exception. You guys were there before—” I quickly cut myself off. It’s too difficult to even bring up. I hate reliving the past and the fucked up shit I’ve done. It reminds me that I’m a dirt bag.

Trip sighs. “Noel is a fucker, I’ll give you that, but I still don’t believe he did it on purpose. He still swears he doesn’t remember.”

I rub the sides of my shaved head. “I’m so sick of Noel. I want all of that behind me.”

“Then that’s what you do.” I stare at him quizzically. “You move on. Let that hate and anger go and focus on something good for a change. Like the red-head. She seems very positive if you ask me.” I scowl and Trip laughs. “See! I knew it! You’re catching feelings. Admit it and go after her.”

That’s the problem when you’ve been friends with someone since grade school. They know you too damn well. “Okay. Fine. I’ll see where this thing goes.”

Trip grins. “I should’ve been a shrink instead of a drummer.”

I shove his shoulder. “That would’ve worked if you could read.”

He laughs and then gives me the finger. “I would’ve just banged a geek and got her to do all my work. I would’ve found a way through.”

I roll my eyes. “You are so messed up.”

AUBREY

Standing on the side of the stage and watching the guys perform to a sold out crowd is amazing. This truly is the best seat in the house. Riff’s guitar screams a sexy note as he wiggles his tongue at the crowd. My face heats as I allow my mind to drift back to all the amazing things he can do with that thing.

My cell buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out, hoping it’s Lanie explaining where the hell she is. She was supposed to meet me over here so I wouldn’t have to stand here alone like an idiot.

Lanie: Sorry. Went on to Mom’s I’ll be back before we head out to say goodbye. Didn’t figure you’d miss me since Riff seems like pretty good company. ;)

A winky face, Lanie, really? I shake my head. She’s a goofball, but she knows me too well.

I was supposed to go visit my folks tonight, too. That was the purpose for meeting up here in our home state, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. I promised Riff one more night.

As soon as the set is over, the guys all head my way. Trip and Tyke hig-five me before heading out of sight.

Sweat lines every inch of Riff’s skin as he approaches. He obviously gives everything he has in a show.

“You were amazing,” I tell him as soon as he’s close enough to hear.

“Thanks! It’s a rush being out there.”