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I try not to, especially with Hayes so close, but she’s like a siren and I’m caught in her dangerous melody. The way she moves, the way her hair falls over her shoulders, the way her eyes flicker taking in everything around her, it all draws me in. I’ve never been like this before. Not ever. I don’t know what it is about her that’s different. I haven’t even thought about going out and picking up a chick since I first encountered Mia. It’s … weird.
Then again, with as hard as we’ve been working it’s not like there’s been the time. Plus, Hayes banned us from partying, so going out hasn’t been on the agenda at all.
I try my best to force thoughts of the redhead from my mind, but even as I eat, my eyes keep straying in her direction. Thank God Hayes is so into what’s happening in the booth he doesn’t notice me glancing at his daughter every two seconds.
I only wish I could understand why I’m so drawn to her. Yes, she’s fucking gorgeous, but millions of women are. It has to be more than her looks and those staggering curves, something only Mia possesses that no one else has.
Cannon nudges his leg against mine and I know he’s caught my wandering eye.
A silent reminder of everything I could fuck up if I pursue this …thingI feel.
I know, I know. As much as I want to see where these feelings could lead, I’m forbidden from it.
I can’t risk this for the guys, and I can’t risk it for me either, not over a woman.
I give her one last lingering stare as she curls her legs under her, eating her burger without a care in the world. A lot of women would’ve gotten a salad, not wanting to look like a pig in front of us guys—guys who aredefinitelypigs in more ways than one. But Mia doesn’t care. She’s not looking to impress anyone, especially not us, and it’s refreshing if I’m honest with myself.
Even with our moderate success, women still shove themselves at us. We’re nothing to them as much as they’re nothing to us. They use our fame and we use their bodies. It’s mutual, but someone like Mia … she looks down at us. Fuck, if it doesn’t makemelook down at myself for everything I’ve done in the past. Everyone I’ve used for one brief moment of pleasure. She doesn’t know the long list of mistakes I’ve made. She barely talks to me, avoids me, all she judges my character by is her assumptions. If she knew … well, everything she already thinks and her reasons for avoidance would indeed be valid.
I swallow past the lump in my throat, not used to the shame clinging to me like a second skin.
What’s happening to me?
Why the fuck do I care what she thinks?
She’s nothing.
We’re nothing.
Not even friends.
Definitely not lovers.
I stare down at the food in my lap, making myself eat, but not actually tasting it.
When I finish it’s my turn to re-record some of the vocals on the bridge.
I head into the booth and when I sit down, slipping the headphones on, I look out and she’s gone.
* * *
Once again,I find myself lingering as the guys go back to the hotel and Hayes leaves.
I made it seem like I was leaving since Mia had to stay behind to clean up, restock the refrigerator and do other odd things around the studio. I’m trying hard not get on Hayes’s bad side. I guess not hard enough or I wouldn’t be staying back at all.
Now, I slip back inside. Already, she has music playing. I can’t place the song, it’s not one I recognize but it’s hypnotic. The female’s voice alluring, the words poetry.
I stalk through the studio and find her in the kitchen area, standing on her tiptoes to place a box of cereal on a top shelf.
“Let me get it,” I say, reaching out for the box.
She startles, and jumps, falling into my chest. Her body is soft and warm against mine, her curves pressing into me.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that,” she seethes, slapping my chest. It leaves a sting, but I know I deserve it. I didn’t mean to scare her, but I should’ve known I would.
I put the cereal away and face her.
“I thought you left,” she accuses. “Why are you still here?”
