Page 27 of Play Me

I cock an eyebrow. It’s a well-weathered teacher’s ‘don’t cross me’ eyebrow, and it seems to work on cocky musicians as well.

“Fine.”

“Three. I want to audition for the rest of the band and make sure they’re going to be OK with this.”

“They’re fine. I wouldn’t make this deal if I didn’t think they’d be OK with it.”

“Well, good. Then they can tell me themselves when I audition.”

He just shrugs.

“And four. This is a purely professional transaction. We are not going to fall madly in love or lust. I told you before, Sebastian. I am not interested in anything personal with you. If you pursue anything, I’m out. “

He gets up from the couch and I can’t figure out if I’ve offended him or amused him. He turns toward the view for a moment, running his hands up and down his legs and then back to me.

“What did he do to you?”

“Who he did what?” I ask, confused.

“Who made you so afraid of men that you need to put it in a legal contract to ensure you’ll stay away from me?”

I stare at him openmouthed. I can’t believe the audacity of this guy. But I can’t deny it...he’s got style.

“It’s to make you stay away from me!” I tell him, not without a little hope it’ll bruise his healthy ago.

“A contract’s not going to do that, Cadence. You know there’s something here between us. Words on a piece of paper aren’t going to make that miraculous feeling fade away.”

“No, but it might ensure that we don’t act on it.” I’m hardly even convincing myself at this point.

“Are you really that weak? Do you think that I am?”

“Do you agree to the terms or not, Sebastian?”

There’s a pause, and I wonder if I’ve pushed him too far. I don’t know this man, I don’t know his limits, I don’t even really know his motives. I want this deal. I just want it on my terms. Unfortunately, I think I’ve come to the wrong man for that.

“I will, if you answer the question.” He makes sure I’m looking at him before he repeats the question, “What asshole thing did your last partner do that has you running so scared?”

I know I have to give him some answer. But he hasn’t earned the right to the whole story yet.

“Everything you’re doing now. And more. Charmed me, chased me, then made me regret I ever laid eyes on him.”

“I won’t do that.” He shakes his head as emphasis.

“He said that too.”

“You want to put it in the contract?” He grins, finding the ridiculousness of it all.

“That we’re not going to pursue a personal relationship? Yes!” I throw my hands up, frustrated.

“No, that I won’t turn into a dick-knuckle.”

I can’t help but spit my drink out as I guffaw.

“What? I won’t!” He insists.

“That’s because...because... dick-knuckle is not a thing!” I can barely get out over my laughter.

“Fine, I won’t be a dick, asshole, sleazebag. Whatever boring word you want to use.”