Page 14 of Hyde and Seek
“Bo?” he asked. “As in Duke?”
“Yeah. I mean, she doesn’t look like a Daisy. And I always liked Bo better than Luke.” When I got Bo I knew she needed a Dukes of Hazzard name, but she was definitely not a General Lee.
“Right, of course. What was I thinking?” His voice was teasing but amused. “Anyway, this is Rhys.” He gestured to Mystery Hot Dude. “He owns Rye.”
I extended my hand. “Hey, thanks for letting me come.”
Rhys took my outstretched hand and lifted it to his mouth, lightly kissing my knuckles before lowering it but not letting go. Normally a move like that would’ve had me rolling my eyes and trying not to laugh. Instead, I could feel the heat in my cheeks.
“My pleasure. Once Kase told me about the hot chick who smelled like cake, acted sweeter, and looked even sweeter still, how could I say no?”
I could feel my blush deepen. Nervously, I blurted out, “I have something for you.” Rhys released my hand as I turned away and bent back into my open car door, reaching across to the passenger side.
“Gotta fuckin’ be kidding me,” I heard growled, followed by laughter from multiple people.
I grabbed the container and stood back up, unsure of what I’d missed. I tried not to feel self-conscious as I handed the cookies to Rhys. “Chocolate chip, as a thank you.”
“Well, darlin’, you’ve given me more than a few sweet things tonight. So, thankyou,” he said with a chuckle, deep dimples appearing on his cheeks.
His dimples, while incredibly hot, weren’t the only thing he had going for him. Over six feet tall with a muscular build, he looked exactly like the kind of guy that’d own a rocker bar, right down to the kickass beard. His eyes were dark blue with hints of green and little crinkles near them said that he smiled a lot.
His rich brown hair was overgrown and unruly like he spent the day in bed. With someone. And that someone had their hands in his hair, a lot. Based on his boots, I was guessing he owned a hog, which only added further to his appeal.
“Babe,” Jake said, his voice impatient. “Where’s the dent?”
“It’s over here.” I pointed out the damage on the passenger door. Even in the dark it was deep and obvious.
“Cryin’ shame on this car, for sure, but it looks like an easy fix. We’ll get it in soon, yeah?”
“Thanks, Jake.”
“Ready to rock, Piper?” Kase asked, throwing the horns.
“Hell yeah.”
*******
Rye was the shit.
It was a nice joint that looked like a dive. There was a raw grittiness to it that appealed to a lot of popular bands that wanted to get back to their roots. The smaller venue held more intimate and laid back shows, but that didn’t diminish the adrenaline flowing through the air. The place was already alive and buzzing, anticipation running high.
I knew between school and cakes I’d been working a lot. What I hadn’t fully realized was that even my rare downtime was consumed withthoughtsof school and cake. A night out was definitely what I needed.
Jake took off as soon we got in while the rest of us went to the bar. Rhys, who noticed my not very subtle gawking, offered me a tour of the place after I’d gotten my drink.
The walls were covered with framed pictures of all of the bands that had played shows there. Rhys pointed out where they’d signed a hanging picture, the wall, or various signs. Basically anything they could write on.
“This place isawesome!”I looked closer at some of the framed pictures.
I wonder if I could sneak some of these out. How obvious would it look if my back was perfectly rectangular and I rattled?
“Thanks, darlin’.”
“I can’t believe how many bands you’ve had here.” I pointed to a picture of an older group. “I saw them when I was eleven. First show I ever saw.”
“Eleven and hittin’ up the scene?”
“What can I say? Some girls play dress up in their tutus and tiaras while dreaming of being ballerinas and princesses. I had scarves hanging from my princess microphone and for three months straight I wore my Axl Rose bandanas on my head. Then there was the time I used my markers to color my face like Ace Frehley.”
