Page 101 of Animal Beats

She takes a step backward. “You got drunk?”

“Believe it or not.”

“Río definitely is a fun influence on you. I like seeing this lighter side of you. When we worked on the spiders popping up at At Your Service, you always were all business. I suppose that’s what my mess needed. I’m happy for you. The drummer seems to bring it out.”

I smile. “He sure does.”

She pulls me in for a hug.

Onstage, the band hits the final note of the song. Río does a riff on the triangle then tosses his sticks high into the rafters, catching them to the applause of the audience. Were there any other songs nominated? Tonight belongs to UC.

The guys take their bows and return backstage. Bennett sees Jenna and runs straight to her. Tris, 007, and Coop share high fives.

Río walks to my side and doesn’t say a word, simply pulls me into an alcove. “You guys were fire out there,” I gush, admiring his pumped pecs.

“I played for you.”

“I liked the addition of the percussion instrument. And your bass drum head.” I make a triangle with my fingers.

“I had it made special for you. Hayden, I love you and I’m fully committed to you. Let me take Mila’s tuition off your shoulders and come with me on tour. We’ll figure everything out in time.”

“Río, I don’t know. First Mom and Dad were responsible for paying for her, and now that obligation falls on me. I want her to have the best, even if I can’t afford to pay it right now.”

“But I can. It’s not a big deal to me.”

At this moment, I receive a text from Mila. I read it and then show it to Río.

I just saw Mr. River on television playing his song. Did you see he added a triangle! He’s the bestest!

Her use of the word she usually reserves for me—bestest—makes me want to cry.

Río covers my hands with his. “She got it right. I did add the triangle for her.” He stares into my eyes. “And you. Because I love her big sister with my entire heart. A very smart person told me once that when you love someone, you take on their burdens. Let me take on yours.”

He remembered. Still… “I don’t want to be a mooch.”

He tosses his head backward, his longer sweat-slicked blond hair sticking to his cheeks. “Babysitter, you may be many things, but a freeloader is not one of them.”

“We will figure out how I can pay you back, right?”

A wolfish grin takes over his face. “I can think of a few ways you can repay me. For one, orgasms⁠—”

My hand crosses his lips. “Shhhh. Stop it. I’m being serious here.”

“I am too.” He kisses the inside of my palm. “I love every part of you, Hayden Vaughn.”

My eyelids slam shut. In the background, the announcer lists the nominees for best song, but I can’t move. The unexpected man of my dreams holds my palm and says he loves me.

The words burst from me without restraint. “I love you too, River Sullivan.”

I open my eyes to see his brown ones gleaming. “You do?”

I nod. “Yes, I really do. I’m taking the leap of faith that the money situation will work out.”

“At last!” He whoops and twirls me around, stopping only to let me slide down his front until my feet reach the floor. Our lips meet in an uncontrollable kiss.

The presenter states, “The winner is … Untamed Coaster for ‘Refocused Destiny’!”

I’m caught up in the vortex that is Río. It doesn’t register when the various members of UC call out to him.