Page 24 of Layla

I cross my arms. “I like plenty of music.”

At least Layla is grinning now, even if it is at my expense. “Let me guess, you like the Eagles.”

“What’s wrong with the Eagles?”

They both crack up. “Okay, it’s official,” Layla says, slipping her arm into Eddie’s and looking up at me with those teasing eyes. “We need to educate this man. It is our sacred duty.”

“I’m in,” he says and I give him my best scowl.

“You do know that I’m technically your boss.”

He looks between me and Layla several times before chuckling. “Sorry, chief. If it comes down to a choice between the two of you, I’m following Layla. She’s much scarier than you.”

Layla looks so pleased with this that it’s hard not to grin myself, but I think I manage it. Mostly.

“Here’s your first lesson,” Layla says. “That guy currently feeling up our lead singer in the middle of the room is Lennon Ransome, who she hasn’t seen in a week because he’s currently playing a record-breaking residency in LA with Ransom, the hottest rock group in the world.”

I school my features into a confused expression. “I thought Intrigue was the hottest rock group in the world?”

She laughs, patting my chest. “I appreciate your attempts at flattery but they won’t get you out of remedial rock lessons.”

“Oh, Jesus,” I mutter, and Eddie laughs.

“Second assignment,” Layla continues. “You need to let this guy take over for twenty minutes tonight so you can watch the second set.”

“I told you last night—”

“That you were going to try,” she says firmly. “So here’s your chance. Eddie doesn’t mind, do you?”

He shrugs. “We can handle things for a few minutes. You should definitely watch a set. Watching these assholes play is just about the only perk we get on this job.”

“Aw, Eddie. We love you too.” Layla pats his cheek and I have the strangest urge to pull her hand from his face.

What the hell was that?

She turns to me. “So it’s decided. You’re watching the second set.”

“Partof the second set.”

She rolls her eyes. “Fine. Part of the second set.” She holds out her hand for me to shake. I wrap my fingers around hers, trying not to notice how warm her skin is, how perfectly her little hand fits into mine. I release her quickly.

“It’s a deal.”

Suddenly the door opens again and this time it is Louis. And he looks annoyed. “Were you guys planning on going on stage at some point or did you want to sit in here all night?”

He takes one look around at the band—who are still standing about as far away from each other as possible, and sighs. “What is it this time?”

Lance, Dylan, and James immediately start talking over each other, complaining about the set list and each other. Haylee is still making out with Lennon. Layla stands next to me, once again rubbing her forehead, all the teasing lightheartedness of the last five minutes absent from her face.

Louis puts two fingers in his mouth and whistles. The boys stop arguing. Even Haylee turns away from her boyfriend. “Look, you’re all exhausted. I get that, and I’m sorry things have been so crazy. You just need to get through this show and then things will relax.”

Dylan snorts. “Yeah. Have you seen the schedule? Just because we get to stay in a hotel doesn’t mean we get to relax.”

Louis watches him thoughtfully. “How about you take the morning off?”

They all gape at him, clearly disbelieving. “Who the hell are you and what did you do to Louis?” Haylee asks, and he shoots her a glare.

“I don’t want you burning out. We still have three more weeks before the next real break. If a morning off will help, we can do a morning off.”