Madigan’s older brothers, Blaine, Justin—who went by the road name Maverick, except at work and with his wife—Zeke, and Zander, could be a tad overprotective. She loved them for wanting to keep her safe, but at twenty-five, she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

She gave Marly a deadpan look. “No. He has a penis; therefore he doesn’t belong anywhere near their baby sister.”

Marly giggled. “It’s a good thing they’re hot, because they’re the worst cockblockers.”

“Clamjammers,” Madigan corrected her.

“Ew. That sounds gross.”

“Really? I heard some girls say it at one of my gigs the other night, and I kind of like having our own saying.”

“Can we not?”

“Whatever. I’m too annoyed to argue,” she said as their friend Starr, who also happened to be their waitress, set a fruity drink down in front of Madigan.

“I’ve got you, girl.” Starr was a single mother to an adorable toddler named Gracie. She had one nostril pierced, her kinky blond hair lay like a thick mane down her back, and the colorful tattoos on her arms were on display in her Salty Hog tank top. “It’s sweet enough to make up for the sour shit I just witnessed. I don’t know what went down between you and that guy, but be careful. He doesn’t seem like he’s looking for company, and he sure pissed off your brothers.”

“Yeah? Well, he pissed me off tonight, too.” Madigan took a drink. “You guys know how long it’s been since a guy has piqued my interest enough to make me consider hooking up, and Mr. Mysterious had definitely piqued my interest.” He’d piqued a lot more than just her interest. Thoughts of him had pulled her through many long, lonely nights. “It figures I’d be attracted to the one guy who thinks my performance sucks.” Although she still couldn’t shake the feeling that he was right, or that his noticing the imperfection seemed important. Like it was part of that connection she felt.

Or maybe I’m just losing it at the end of a stressful day.

“He obviously doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Starr said.

“She’s right,” Marly agreed. “You were amazing up there.”

“No, I wasn’t.” Madigan sighed. “I was a little off my game, but he didn’t have to make a face.”

“If I were you, I’d make Dante your new hookup destination.” Starr gazed up at the shaggy-haired guitarist playing his heart out onstage.

“He’s got that whole edgy musician thing going on,” Marly said.