A beautiful woman I recognized as the owner of Second Chances appeared at our table, resting a hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “Not creating trouble, are you?”

Hunter gave her a wink. “I wouldn’t dare.”

She snorted and turned her attention to Brody and me. “I don’t think we’ve ever officially met. I’m Bell. My fiancé, Ford, runs The Catch.”

“Shay,” I greeted.

“I’m Brody. Thanks for having us.”

Bell smiled. “I’m just excited to hear you play, Shay. Hunter says you’re amazing.”

I turned my scowl at him, and he held up both hands. “Hey, what did I do?”

Brody chuckled as he ran a hand up and down my thigh. “Just get used to it. She’s not a fan of praise.”

“It’s not the praise I’m worried about. It’s the unrealistic expectations,” I groused.

Bell motioned me towards her. “Well then, let’s get it over with. The band said they’re ready for you.”

I started to stand, but before I was fully upright, Brody gave my hand a tug, pulling me forward so he could brush his lips against mine. “Break a leg.”

“If I do, you’re going to be the one carrying me home.”

“I’ve got it covered.”

Bell led me towards the side of a small stage where the musicians were gathered. I’d had a quick chat with them earlier, and we figured out a few songs we all knew. But it wasn’t as if we’d ever practiced before. This whole thing could end in disaster.

“So,” Bell began, “you and Brody look pretty cute.”

I fought the grimace that wanted to surface. I was supremely rusty at girl talk. Maybe I’d never really learned. I could only talk so easily to E because computer screens separated us. I’d kept my distance from just about everyone except my aunt once I went to live with her. It was simply easier to avoid those kinds of ties than to risk painful conversations or prodding into my past. So, I wasn’t even sure how to respond to a comment that Bell probably thought was innocuous. “He’s nice.”

She laughed. “Nice, huh? More like ruggedly handsome. If Ford didn’t have me already locked down, I’d give you a run for your money there.”

I should’ve laughed, but I couldn’t quite muster it. Because the only thing it reminded me of was the knowledge that Brody could have his pick of women. I swallowed against the burn in my throat. At some point, he would get tired of my bizarre idiosyncrasies and move on.