“Good, because I was hoping we’d, um, hook up again tonight.”
“Anna!”
“What? You said you weren’t mad.”
“I wasn’t—when it was a one-time thing. That’s my brother and you’re my best friend. It’s… a lot.”
“You’re right, what was I thinking? I just love being alone all night while my best friend gets her freak on with her rock-star boyfriend.”
Daisy flushed.
Before the guys left to rehearse, Jameson had pulled Daisy aside and asked her to stay the night in his hotel room. Daisy was quick to say yes. He’d promised sleep was fine—whatever she wanted—but Daisy had a feeling that tonight would be the night. She hadn’t told him; she wanted to be certain in the moment.
“Do what you want, Anna,” she said, softening her tone. “But please don’t give me the play-by-play tomorrow.”
Anna clapped once. “Double D, you have my word.”
They arrived early at the festival to soak in the backstage. A stagehand checked their VIP passes and led them to the holding room. The guys were sprawled on a couch, goofing around.Jameson’s gaze found Daisy instantly, warm enough to redden her cheeks.
“Like what you see?” she whispered.
“Love what I see,” he murmured into her hair, “and I’ll never get enough.”
She wore tight jeans and a TKC tank. Jameson’s cartooned face, tour art, sat right over her heart. Of course he noticed.
A loud cough sounded behind them. Daisy turned.
“Oh—Daisy, this is Harley, our manager.”
Harley, a striking blonde with a pearly smile, shook Daisy’s hand. “I’ve been wondering when I’d meet the famous Daisy Daniels. The boys can’t stop talking about you.”
Something in Harley’s gaze assessed more than greeted. Daisy tried to ignore the prickle, but she couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated as she greeted her back.
“I need you,” Harley said to Jameson.
“What’s up?”
Already tugging at his shirt, she scoffed, “This… is not what you’re wearing on stage.”
Jameson looked down at the Guns N’ Roses’Use Your Illusiontee Daisy had given him for his birthday. “What’s wrong with it?”
“It doesn’t fit the image. You’re a young, hot frontman, not some kid still playing a bar in the Bay. Let’s go.” She pivoted like a drill sergeant.
Daisy arched her brow. “She seems lovely.”
“She’s… intense,” Jameson admitted. “But she means well. You’ll see.”
He turned back to Daisy. “Before I go—I was hoping you’d do me a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Will you watch from the wings? Security says this show gets rowdy. I’ll breathe easier knowing you’re safe. And…” He bit hislip, suddenly shy. “I want you to be the first face I see when I come off.”
Her heart fluttered. “Okay.”
Daisy stayed near the stage with Harley while Anna and Sean went to their seats. If Harley disliked sharing her wing space, she certainly wasn’t subtle about it. But still Daisy tried to give her a chance.
“How long have you two been together?” Harley asked, eyes on the crowd.
