Page 21 of Luci’s Lullaby

I slide from the seat. “I think it’s for the best.” Turning, I start back toward the stage.

“Hey.” I hear her immediately, but I want to make her work for it. “Hey! You. Alden!” She yanks on my arm, spinning me around. I’m thrown off balance, colliding into her.

“Shit!” I yell as my arms wrap around her. She’s pressed against me, her hands gripping my shirt.

She winces. “Sorry.”

“You’re strong.”

She giggles. “Not as much as you might think.”

“Did you need something?” I slide my hands down her back as her fingers loosen.

I watch as she stares at my mouth. My body begins to tingle. “I-I wanted to ask you to come back. I’m being rude, and there’s no reason for it.”

“Have we met before?”

Her gaze locks with mine. “Not traditionally.” She pushes lightly on my chest.

“Well, then.” I release her, holding my hand out. “I’m Alden.”

She glances at my hand before taking it. “Rae. As in, R.A.E.”

“Nice to meet you, Rae.”

“You too, Alden.” She slowly slides her hand from mine and suddenly, I’m filled with a longing as my heart races.

I fist my hand, hoping to keep the warmth from her touch with it. “I’m gonna get this set over.”

“Please, have a drink with us after.” She simpers.

I bite a smile. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Just tell them you can’t come out and play tonight.” The corner of her mouth twitches.

There’s a lightness that fills my chest. “I’ll just tell them I’m grounded.”

“Whatever works.” She bats her lashes.

“Alright.” I watch as she turns, walking back to the shared table. Her hips sway but not overly; she’s not putting on because I’m looking. She’s just being her. “Who are you, Rae?”

I head back to the stage and ready for my final set. Once again, I do a mix of songs. I try not to stare but can’t help myself to check her reaction to anything I’m doing. I’m rewarded with a couple of smiles.

We get busy after the show, breaking down our things. It’s a quick one for me, and I’m ready to go have my beer. I catch her gaze as I get closer to the table. She really is breathtakingly beautiful.

“Great job,” Aksel greets me. “You’re gonna kill it, man.”

“I hope so.”

He waves the waitress over. “Two Coronas and an After The Disco.”

“Will that be all?” The waitress scans the table, hesitating once she gets to Rae.

Aksel answers, “That’s all. Thank you.”

“You’re not drinking?” I look over at her.

“Naw, I’m driving.” Her eyes flicker across the table.