She looked down, and by her expression it seemed like she hadn’t even realized she was pressing herself against me. She must be very, very drunk. “Oh my God,” she said again, but she finally scrambled off my lap.

I nearly sighed in relief. But then her eyes started watering, and I felt bad more than anything. Once upon a time, I wouldn’t have stopped her. Maybe she should know that. Giving her an encouraging smile, I pointed to the ring on my right hand. “You’re very pretty, but I’m committed to someone.” My smile turned ridiculously dopey. “And I am…so in love with her.”

The girl’s tears dried up as she stared at my expression, then she softly smiled at me. “Lucky girl,” she murmured, then she fled.

I shook my head at her hasty retreat. Then I spotted Evan across the room, staring at me. Laughing. I flipped him off. That was not funny. Asshole. I got off the couch and made a mental note to never sit down backstage again. Apparently, I was just too tempting.

I still attracted a swarm of girls, but they were easier to keep at bay when I was standing. I tried to keep the eye contact to a minimum as I talked to them, not wanting one of them to have a “Fuck it” moment. They still leaned into my side, but that was fine. Much better than them grinding their privates against me.

As I signed something for one of them, I happened to notice Lana. She was talking to Paul in a corner of the room, and he did not seem happy about what she was saying. He looked like he was pleading with her to change her mind. Fuck…she was telling him no. While I wasn’t too surprised by that—his band was…okay—it was still difficult to watch someone’s dream die. I wanted to give him privacy, but I was too caught up in the moment to look away.

Lana left his side, and Paul’s gaze connected with mine. His eyes narrowed, and I knew he hadn’t wanted me to witness that. I returned my attention to the fans around me, ignoring the hate I felt pouring from him. Lana stepped up to me next, and I felt my mouth go dry. Was this it? The moment our dream died.

Amusement in her eyes, Lana’s gaze swept over the girls clamoring around me. In my distraction, one had attached herself to my arm. Not knowing how to shake her off while still appearing professional, I ignored the affection. Lana smiled at the group. “Excuse me, ladies. I need to speak with Kellan alone for a moment.” She leaned in and winked. “I promise to give him right back.”