Page 261 of End Game

There is so much pride in those two words that my chest aches.

I turn toward him. “You've seen this.”

“Rehearsals.”

“So not like this.”

“No.” His eyes finally meet mine. “But close.”

There's something almost smug there.

Like he's been waiting for me to catch up.

Asshole.

Across the room, Austin hands the guitar back. “All right. I like it.”

Dex goes still—like he’s in disbelief.

Austin either doesn't notice or is kind enough to pretend he doesn't. “We'll play it for everyone tomorrow. See if it survives twelve more egos.”

“Twelve?”

“Give or take.”

“Fuck me.”

“Welcome to collaboration.” Then Austin looks at him. “And Dex?”

“Yeah?”

“That was why I called you.”

Something naked flashes across Dex's face.

Relief.

Pride.

Maybe disbelief.

He covers it fast. “Cool.” Just that.

Then he looks toward us.

Micah first.

Then me.

And suddenly I want to climb him like a fucking jungle gym.

Megan leans toward me. “That’s a look.”

I turn. “What?”

She smiles. “Nothing.”

Oh, she can fuck all the way off.