Page 17 of Luci’s Lullaby

He cocks his brow, and my stomach sinks. “Game on.”

“O-okay.” I spin on my heels, getting the hell away from him. “What in the hell are you doing?” I mutter as I wade through the mass of bodies.

“Huh?” Emerson’s brows knit.

I shake my head, sliding into the seat next to her. “I can’t believe I didn’t check to see who was playing tonight.”

“Why? What’s going on with you?” She turns to me, staring.

I swallow past the knot in my throat. “When I was in high school, I had the biggest crush on this guy…”

“So we meet again.” I slowly close my eyes as the deep voice behind me sends chills all over me. Fuck.

“Hey, Alden.” Emerson stands, wrapping him in her arms.

“Watch it.” Aksel chuckles.

Alden steps back with his hands up. “She grabbed me, dude.”

“Humph,” I mumble, squirming in my seat.

“Excuse me?” He places his hand on the table, leaning into my line of sight. “Have we met before?”

I gape in disbelief until I realize, he means it. Not like, from a few minutes ago but as in ‘I’ve never met you.’ “Nope.”

“Are you sure?” He searches my eyes as I stare into his perfect blue gaze.

“Yep.”

“Woman of few words, I see.” He smiles and I think I come, right here and right now. Son of a bitch.

Emerson and Aksel watch our strange exchange, with brows quirked and in amazement. “So you ready for tonight?” Aksel breaks his silence.

“I am.” Alden straightens. “I-I’m thinking of playing some old rock. Not just country.”

“Country’s your sex and candy.” Aksel cuts his eyes at me as I half shrug.

Alden nods. “I’m gonna change it up a bit.”

“And that’s how you plan to do it?” I raise my brows.

Alden cocks his head, narrowing his eyes at me. “Are you sure we haven’t met?”

“We haven’t,” I assure him. “I’m not a fan… of country music.”

“So you said.” He glares. “Twice.”

I smirk. “Yes I did, didn’t I.”

“I’m gonna go get ready.” He fist bumps Aksel before turning to me. “I hope you enjoy it.”

“I’m sure.” I grit my teeth knowing I’m being ugly, but I can’t help myself. He’s the reason I hate country music.

Emerson bumps my shoulder as she sits back down. “Girl, what in the world?”

I sneer in his direction as Aksel talks to him away from us. “I know him.”

“Your crush?” She gapes.