Page 99 of Animal Beats

“Sorry, guys, but my date is here.” I don’t offer another word—I leave my brothers to connect with the woman who owns my heart. Approaching the threesome from behind Hayden, I nibble on her ear. “Hello to the most intriguing creature in the room.”

She swats at me. “Río, with all these actresses in here, I hardly qualify as a gnat!”

From behind, I wrap my arm around Hayden’s shoulders. “You’re all I see.”

“Well, in that case, let me introduce you to UC’s head of PR, Nina.” She pauses a beat. “And Marni, Darren’s sister.”

Flares go off inside my body. I know both of them, of course. “Nina, lovely to see you as always.”

“Especially when you’re behaving,” she replies.

I shrug. “What can I say? This woman finally got through to me.” I tug Hayden closer to me. Turning to the third woman, I force a smile. It’s been a windy road between her and the band. “Hi, Marni, I’m happy to see you here.”

Her head bobs. “The movie’s dedicated to my brother, so I’m here for my family.”

“I.” Singular, not plural. Guess Darren’s mother still isn’t on board with the idea of a movie. Nevertheless, it’s been a very long while since she was our original keyboardist’s tagalong little sister. “I’m happy you came. You belong here.”

She places her hand over her heart.

“I’ve been talking with Marni,” Nina says. “She might join Luke in an admin capacity on the tour.”

“Wow. That would be great.” Not really. Specifically, 007 would hate this idea. He’s finally forgiven Jenna and is reintegrated into the band, but I’m afraid if Marni’s around, he could backslide. Or worse.

“I’m in the preliminary stages of talking with your manager about it,” Marni clarifies. “I need a change of atmosphere.”

Enough of this heavy shit. “If you all don’t mind, I’d like to steal this gorgeous woman away for a moment.” My hand slides down Hayden’s arm until our fingers entwine. I drag her to a different spot. “Finally, alone.”

She giggles. “If by alone you mean in a room with many thousand other people, sure.”

“I wish you could sit next to me, but Luke specifically told us to sit together as a band. Not even Jenna is allowed to sit next to Bennett.”

Hayden nods. “I got the memo. I’ll be alright. I’m seated between Jenna and Nese.”

“Somehow, I think your seating arrangement might be more dangerous than if you sat with the band.” My hands go around her waist. “If I didn’t tell you, you look damn sexy in this dress.” She’s wearing a pink, one-shoulder, floor-length number with a slit that I’d like to explore.

“Thanks! Renata got it for me. I’d never pick something like this out.”

“Remind me to give her a tip.”

The lights dim for a minute. “Guess that’s our cue to find our seats.”

“I’ll walk you to yours.” I offer her my arm, which she takes like we’re at a wedding. We make our way to her seat, and I verify she has an excellent view of the stage. Especially where I’ll be performing. It’s a big night.

“Thanks, Río. You better join UC at the end of the row.” She looks. “And a few rows up.”

“My heart will be back here, I promise.”

She sits, and I give her another kiss before joining my brothers at our seats. My hands bang against my legs, which can’t settle. The guys think it’s because we’re nominated. If only that were the sole reason.

29

HAYDEN

Jenna, Nese, Nina, and even Marni make me feel comfortable in the audience. I’m surrounded by big-name actors who I’ve admired my whole life. This is like an out-of-body experience. All possible because of Río.

When Quinn wins for best producer of Untamed Coaster Unleashed the room goes wild. UC jumps up and down and high-fives her and her husband before she takes to the stage to accept her award. Her speech is wonderful, mentioning Darren and how the band had to rebuild following his devastating death. How she was honored to capture their struggles, their determination, and her hope to have cast them in the right light. I truly believe everyone in attendance was thrilled she won.

During the commercial break when UC leaves to change for their performance, Nina steps into the aisle and points directly at me. “I haven’t forgotten about you, Hayden. I’m planning on letting the label think it’s gotten his piece of flesh, and then hiring you back.”