“Yes, you heard right, so I would appreciate it if you kept your eyes and hands to yourself. She’s off-limits.”
“I never thought I would see the day,” Link laughs. “It’s nice to meet you, Olivia,” he says, lifting her feet off the ground for a bear hug.
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” she laughs.
“Okay, that’s enough,” I mutter when the hug lasts a little too long for my liking.
Chuckling, Link sets her down seconds before she’s swooped up in Seth’s arms.
“My turn,” he says, giving her the same treatment. He winks at me over her shoulder and grins wider when I glare at him. They both are just loving this. When he finally sets her down, I pull her close to me. I know they wouldn’t cross the line with her now that they know we are together, but I also know what big flirts they are, and it doesn’t make it any easier seeing their hands on her.
“You ready to get the band together for a night? We’ve missed you, brother, but from the looks of it, you are doing quite well for yourself.” Seth winks at Olivia before looking around the bar. “This place is amazing and just what this town needed.”
“Thanks, man. I’ve missed both your sorry asses too, but I don’t miss the road life,” I chuckle. “I’m looking forward to playing with you guys tonight. It will be good to get back on stage.”
“You always did love this town. Seth and I both knew road life was taking its toll on you.” Link’s tatted hand runs through his dark curls as his blue eyes find mine. “Settled life looks good on you,” he smiles.
“It feels good,” I smile at Olivia, causing her to blush. “Thanks for coming tonight. I know you guys had to squeeze it in during your tour, and it means a lot.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it. We’ll always be family,” Linksmiles before focusing his attention on a group of girls who have spotted them.
They both turn and start chatting with them. One pulls out her phone for a picture, and another gives them a Sharpie to sign their shirt.Who even carries a marker in their purse?
“Do you miss it? The fame and attention?” Olivia asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“No,” I smile, wrapping my arms around her. “There was a time when I couldn’t get enough of it, but it’s not what I want at this stage in my life. I’m quite enjoying where I’m at right now.” I nuzzle her neck, and her sigh has me wanting more. “Really, really enjoying where I’m at now,” I breathe, kissing her tattoo and grazing her skin with my teeth.
“Okay, lovebirds, you're going to have to save it until later because we're going on in ten,” I hear Link say as he grips my shoulder on the way to the stage.
“I told you his timing sucks,” I say quietly, before lifting my head and kissing her briefly on the lips. “See you after the set?”
“I’ll be watching,” she grins. “I’m kind of fan-girling right now over the thought of seeing you play,” she softly laughs.
“Mmm, I like the idea of you fan-girling over me. Especially since I’ll be playing for you tonight.”
“I’ve never had anyone play for me,” she grins, and her dimples poke through. I rub my thumb over the indent before lightly kissing the area.
“I’ve never had someone special I wanted to play for. I guess we both get a first tonight.” Placing my hand on the back of her neck, I hold her close to me as my lips find her ear. “Once my last song is played, meet me in my office. We are both going to need it, trust me.”
Grinning, I leave her standing there as I head up to the stage to get set up. The adrenaline rush is already humming through my veins as I pick up the sticks. They always feel likehome as I expertly twirl and move them through my fingers with ease.
I catch her watching me in the crowd, and see my family is now next to her as they wait for me to begin. Link passes me aSouthern Tidesball cap, and I grin at him before putting it on backwards just like old times.
Taking the mic, I thank everyone for coming tonight. I feel the excitement in the room when people start recognizing the band. More start pouring in from outside to get a better look.
I let them know Southern Tides is back together again for a few songs tonight, and the crowd goes wild.
Grinning, I give the mic back to Link as he takes over from there, getting the room even more amped up as he introduces the first song. It was our number one hit and what skyrocketed us to fame.
Feeling the beat in my body, I count us off, and my hands take over as they fly across the drums, and I become one with the music.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
OLIVIA
Ididn’t think he could get any hotter.
I was wrong.
