Page 28 of Silver Sweet

“The NDA really isn’t about me,” I explain. “Some people in my family have the type of fame that follows and stalks. I want to feel comfortable talking to you about everything, including them. I can’t do that unless you sign an NDA.” I ball up the paper wrapper from my straw. “Also, if you wantanychance of being in the same room as my brothers, you’re going to have to sign it. My brother, Beckett, is about ten hundred times more private than I am.”

Phoenix will find this out himself. It’s almost dizzying bringing him in this fast. I can’t even imagine what a Beckett and Phoenix run-in will look like. I’ve barely conceptualized a Charlie and Phoenix combination.

I don’t typically bring guys around my two oldest brothers.

Not that it wouldn’t be entertaining to see their reactions. I just likesupportwhen it comes to decisions I make regarding guys I like, and Eliot delivers unwaveringly. In spades. I don’t need the naysayer brothers to pipe in.

Notthat I’m hooking up with Phoenix. He is notthat.I need to start thinking of him like Warner. My old bandmate was straight, and he knew all my brothers decently well. No big conflict. No issues.

This’ll just be like round two of Warner. Especially since Phoenix is also straight, I’m pretty sure.

He considers the NDA for way too long. Like more than a half-second. It’s driving me bananas.

I add, “All my past bandmates had no issue signing one.”

“Great, so we can start by reaffirming that I’m not your past bandmates.” Well, there goes that.

“Obviously. You are much…”Hotter.

His brows rise like he’s waiting for the insult. I think about complimenting him to throw him off, but I’m lost for a second by truly how good looking this dude is and his earlier threat to duct-tape my mouth. To hold me down. My body is still blazing. I never wanted to have someone so goddamn distracting in my band. Maybe this is my easy out. Maybe I should take this as a heavenly sign to call it quits like Charlie suggested.

The word “quit” actually gives me acid reflux. I reach for my water again.

He frowns. “You really aren’t going to finish your sentence?”

“Nope.” I take a large swig. “I’mtryingto get along with you too.”

We both go quiet when a server comes over. I don’t say anything when Phoenix orders the eggs benedict. I’m on pins and needles waiting for his reply. After she leaves and I stack our menus behind the ketchup and mustard bottles, Phoenix turns back to me.

“I’ll sign the NDA on one condition,” he says.

“Anything.”

He blinks. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do. I would literally lick your boots right here, right now, if you asked me to.” It just came out.Fuck.

His brows catapult. “For real?”

“No.”Maybe.I waver. He can see mewavering.It’s boiling me in under a second. I’m not a seesaw. I make plans. I execute to the highest of my ability. “I’d get over being humbled on a Monday, but if I go down on your boots, you’re going down on mine.”

“I’m not licking your Vans.”

“Fine. Offer is rescinded.”

Phoenix examines me. “Nowtwoconditions.”

I drum the table, trying to release the tension spooling in my body. For once, I’m glad there’s no audience. Charlie will never know I sucked this hard at bargaining.

“Sure.” I nod.

“First—you involveme in making the music. I’m not your hired drummer who just follows your directions. I want creative input.”

I didn’t expect that, but maybe I should’ve. “We can divvy the songs,” I suggest. “I’ll work on the first half. You take the second.”

“The album should feel cohesive. We need to work on them together.”

Together?