Page 27 of Grip Me Tight
“Well, your brothermaybe a bit of an expert in partying.” He switches his camera to one hand and squeezes his thumb and forefinger together. “Just a little.” Emil grins again. “But Tanner is another story.”
We turn to the stage, where Tanner is measuring out sliding steps across the front. “See that cup?” Emil lifts his camera, pointing to a battered army green brümate. “That’s his drink of choice. Ginger tea and lemon, slightly warm.”
“Well, it’s good for his voice, I imagine.”
“He’s a machine. The antithesis of rock and roll. Up at five for his run, the freshest fruit with eggs for breakfast, he’ll work for a bit, hit the gym for some weights and then work some more. The day of a show, he runs the rehearsal like an army general.”
I watch as Noah switches his guitar out for another, calling Tanner over with a wave of his hand. Blaine does a back flip, and the guys laugh together while Slade spins his drumsticks. Tanner and Noah look deep in conversation and Tanner checks his watch, pulling his phone out of his back pocket.
“Hey, where’s Ajax?” I ask, noticing the blond Viking isn’t on stage.
Emil shrugs. “The scuttle is that he got into it with someone last night and hasn’t shown up for rehearsal.”
“What do you mean, ‘got into it with someone’?”
“Oh, I forgot, you got all tucked up into your jammies, instead of heading out to the after-party with us.” He grins and bumps my shoulder. “Which was the smart thing to do. Thank god we had a few days off before these last two shows. Kingmaker’s schedule is relentless, usually, and while Tanner might be Mr. Schedule, the others definitely aren’t.” He adjusts his camera, swiveling the lens and holding it up to the light. “Anyway, Ajax did his solo thing and lit up the club with some girl. I was in the VIP when Laird got the notice about security ushering Jax and the girl out separately from the rest of the guys.”
“Gossiping already?”
I look up to see Tanner almost in front us. I blink, not certain how I missed him leaving the stage.
“As if you aren’t the gossip queen, T,” Emil says from behind his lens.
Tanner smirks, “it’s not gossiping to want to know what’s going on.”
“Well, New Girl here is wondering where Jax is.”
Tanner’s gaze meets mine. “Really? Why would you be looking for Ajax?” His voice is soft, eyes darkening.
I remember his reaction to my flirting with Ajax at the party and feel a flush cross my face.
“Really, T? What warm-blooded woman isn’t looking for Ajax?” Emil winks at me. “I’m available if he’s not, New Girl, just putting it out there.”
I manage a weak smile for Emil and turn back to Tanner. I’ve heard expressions described as ‘thunderclouds’ before but hadn’t actually seen a representation until now. Tanner’s nostrils flare, his gaze holding mine.
“Are you looking for Ajax, Sterling?”
His voice was low and smooth, but his tone sends shivers down my spine. I straighten my shoulders. Hell no, we aren’t going to play this way. Even though this Tanner is as different from the Tanner who eats pancakes at my house and chops firewood and licks me to a mind-blowing orgasm as a shark is to kitten, I can’t forget they’re the same person. And I won’t forget I’m on this tour to gain some independence. Tanner is not calling the shots on my emotions any longer.
He lifts his cup to his lips again, his tongue swiping up a few drops on the lid and my nipples tighten. No emotion. It’s perfectly understandable to have a physical response to one of the most gorgeous men in the world.
“Maybe I am. I’m here to see how the band works and he’s part of the band.” I shrug with a casualness I don’t feel. “Where is he?” I ask, my heart pounding at the frown he shoots me.
“He’s off limits to you, Sterling.”
Anger and embarrassment make my cheeks go hotter. Emil lowers his camera, eyes wide with surprise. I inhale, mentally count to five and let it out slowly. I shrug again and take out my phone, trying not to let my fingers shake as I text something random to Claire.
“Who are you texting?” Tanner asks.
“Oh, look, there’s Malcolm. I’ll just be … over there.” Emil bumps my shoulder and takes off across the room.
“Hmm?” I don’t look up at him.
“Who. Are. You. Texting.” He bites out each word without raising his voice, but I hear the anger in it all the same.
I school my expression. “It’s really none of your business, now is it?”
He takes a step towards me and I sneak a glance at the stage, but no one is looking at us. I look around. Well, none of the band is looking at us. Emil and some guy who must be Malcolm are standing with three women who all look away quickly when they see me. Great.
