We finish up the last song and the crowd roars. They’re all up out of their seats—jumping, cheering, screaming, and waving. I laugh as I look out over them. “Thank you, Chicago!” I say into the mic before tossing my pick into the crowd. I turn and walk off stage, handing over my guitar to the guy who handles the equipment. I can hear the guys following me. They’re just as pumped as I am. They’re talking and laughing—getting rowdy and pushing each other around—but there’s only one place I want to be. In my dressing room with him.
I walk in and close and lock the door behind me. Daniel is sitting on the couch as the TV in front of him plays the show through a live feed. I turn to him with a wide smile as he springs up from his seat.
“That was amazing, beautiful,” he says, moments before his lips crash into mine. I jump into his arms, with my arms wrapping around his neck and my thighs moving around his hips. He kisses me full of passion and heat. This kiss is hard and fast as he lays me down on the couch. I can feel his excitement and it’s pressing against my core, only causing my already excited body to burn even hotter.
His hands work my dress up my thighs and his fingers run across my center. There’s only one small piece of fabric separating us and I wish he’d push it to the side. I want to feel him touching me.
Someone knocks on the door and then seconds later, Van’s voice rings out. “Luna! Open up!”
“Fuck,” Daniel breathes out, tearing himself away from me. He stands up and helps me to my feet. He quickly looks around the room, deciding to step into the small closet as I go to open the door, finding Van, Ridge, and Lane on the other side.
“What’s up, guys?”
“We’re taking off to check out the festival. Want to come eat some fair food and enjoy some rides?”
I smile. “Thanks for the offer, but I have plans for tonight. Go on without me.”
He draws his brows together. “You sure? I know how much you love those curly potato things and funnel cakes.”
“Don’t forget the lemon shake-ups, but yes, I’m sure. I’ll just grab something on the way out.”
“All right, see ya later,” Van says, walking down the hallway with the guys following along behind him.
I shut and lock the door once again and go over to the closet to let Daniel out. “You ready to go?”
“Let’s do it,” he says, stepping out of the closet.
I go to gather my things and see a text from Riley. I open it quickly.
Daniel sent us a clip of your live show. Killing it, girl! Can’t wait to see you again!
I smile at the message and send her a quick thank you. Riley and Piper are both really sweet and funny. They’re the kind of people I can see myself being lifelong friends with. I’ve never had many girlfriends. Every one I’ve made over the years has either been jealous of the time I spend with the guys, or jealous of the attention I get from being on stage. Piper and Riley don’t seem to be that way. They’re just laid-back and easygoing, which means hanging out with them is fun instead of work. That’s exactly the kind of people I need in my life.
I grab my phone and purse and take Daniel’s hand as he leads me out of the dressing room, down the hall, and out the back door to the outside world. We’re smack dab in the middle of a massive fair. We’re surrounded by flashing lights, children crying, and the sweet, sweet smell of fair food.
“Want to grab something to eat?” he asks as he leads me toward the parking lot.
“You know I do.” We stop at a vendor and order a lemon shake-up, curly potatoes, and a funnel cake. We take the items over to a small picnic table in a darkened corner where we hopefully won’t be spotted. I take a sip of my drink and the sweetness mixes with the sour in the best way possible. I tear off a potato strip and dip it in the cheese sauce I ordered on the side. The fried food is exactly what I need after giving my all on stage.
Daniel grabs a potato spiral and dunks it into the cheese before popping it into his mouth. The chunk is bigger than he anticipated, though, and it leaves a smear of cheese on both corners of his mouth. I laugh and reach up to wipe it away. “Really good, huh?”
His mouth is full but he smirks and nods.
“Luna! Daniel! What are you two doing here?” Van asks, walking up with the guys flanking him.
I look at Daniel but he’s calmly looking up at Van. “I came to the show. I ran into Luna afterward and we decided to get something to eat. You guys want some?” He slides the paper boat of curly potatoes toward them.
Van laughs as he holds his beer cups. There are at least six stacked in his hand. “Better be careful. Luna doesn’t share curly potatoes.”
All the guys sit at our table. “What did you think of the show?” Van asks.
Daniel chews while nodding. “It was really good. Can’t wait to see you guys on tour. When’s that kickoff again?” He looks confused but I know the date is burned into his memory like it is mine.
“A few weeks,” I say, nonchalantly.
“I’ll have to go online and buy some tickets. Should I ask for autographs now or do I have to wait in line with the rest of the fans?”
I roll my eyes. “I’m pretty sure you got something better than an autograph from me.”
“That reminds me,” Van says, stealing our attention away from each other, “there’s this guy the label hired to lug our shit around on tour. I want to introduce you to him. I think you’ll like him.”
I look at him, confused. What’s he trying to do? It’s not okay for me to date Daniel, but it’s okay to date this random roadie? Or is all this just some kind of game to try to make Daniel jealous? With Van, there’s no telling.
“I’m not looking to date anyone, Van. You know that.”
He shrugs. “I just figured with your little pre-show warm-up, having someone on tour could help with that, but whatever.” He turns his attention to the guys, leaving Daniel looking at me, confused.
I mouth the words I’ll explain later and he nods. The guys don’t seem to be going anywhere and I’m officially done eating. The potatoes are gone, the funnel cake has been finished off, and I’m out of my lemon shake-up. Still, they’re not leaving and I can’t exactly get up and leave with Daniel without raising suspicions. So instead, I look around for another reason to leave.
“Mmm, that ice cream looks good.”
Daniel turns his head to see the stand that’s further down the path. “That doesn’t sound too bad. Want to go get some?” he asks.
Van stands up. “Hey, that does sound good. Let’s go.” He climbs out of the picnic table and takes off toward the stand, leaving Daniel and me staring at each other. Begrudgingly, we stand and follow after him. We can’t just run in the opposite direction. He would know something was up for sure.
Even though my stomach is full and can’t handle anything else, I force myself to choke down the ice cream while Van watches me with a knowing smile. It’s like he knows what’s going on and he’s just trying to see how far he can push it.
While we’re eating our ice cream, he looks up at Daniel. “Hey, man, the guys and I are getting ready to hit up a strip club. Wanna join?” He takes a sip of his beer and I catch a whiff of his breath. It smells like straight alcohol. Van doesn’t drink all that often, and when he does, he never overdoes it. I wonder what’s gotten into him to make him drink like this tonight.