Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 48700 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48700 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
"Damn straight." Memphis winks at me, making me blush.
Riley smirks, looking between us. "What brought you to Nashville?"
"Needed a change of pace," I reply, keeping it vague. I'm not about to spill the real reason I'm here—not yet, anyway. Not to her. When I talk, it'll be to Memphis. "Nashville seemed like a good place to start fresh."
"Seems like you've found more than just a new job here," Riley says, her eyes flicking back and forth between Memphis and me.
"Riley, let the girl breathe," Cash interjects, placing a hand on her shoulder with a chuckle.
"Crap." She grimaces apologetically. "I'm so sorry. I'm not trying to be pushy or anything. I'm just horribly nosy. Memphis never talks about his personal life, but he hasn't stopped talking about you." Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she spills his secret. "It made me curious."
I glance at Memphis, who meets my gaze, unwavering. If he's embarrassed to be called out, he doesn't show it. He's shameless, holding my gaze boldly, as if he wants me to know that he can't stop thinking about me.
"What'd I tell you, Toto?" he asks, his gravelly voice grating against my womb as the corner of his lip kicks up into a half-smirk. "You can't get rid of me."
"That's my cue to get out of here," Riley says, sliding from her stool. "Memphis, don't forget that the tour starts in a few weeks. You better be at the next practice."
The mention of the tour causes Memphis's smirk to falter. He rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'll be there, Riley. See you later. You too, Cash."
"I'm going to get the fuck out of here too," Priest says, hauling himself to his feet. "I've got shit to do."
"Later, Memphis," Cash says, sliding an arm around Riley's waist. "Nice to meet you, Kylie."
"You too," I murmur.
"It was good to meet you, Kylie. I hope I see you again soon," Riley says, smiling at me as if she means it. There's something about her that just feels…genuine. I like her.
"See ya," Priest says.
Memphis and I watch quietly as the three of them head toward the door. When I glance back at Memphis, he's staring blankly at the bottles lined up behind the bar, looking like he's a million miles away.
"Is everything okay?" I ask quietly, worried that I might be the reason he's stressed and distracted.
He startles, glancing at me. "What?"
"Is everything okay?" I repeat.
He hesitates for a moment before shrugging. "It's fine, princess. Just a lot on my mind."
"You were fine until she mentioned the tour," I point out, biting my lip. "And then you didn't seem thrilled. Is something wrong with it?"
He runs his hands through his hair, avoiding my gaze. "Nah, it's not that. I was excited about it. But lately…I don't know, it just doesn't feel the same."
His answer sends a pang through my chest. Knowing I might be the reason for his change of heart is…a lot. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I don't want to take anything from him. I never wanted that. Swallowing hard, I try to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"How'd you get into music in the first place?" I ask, wiping down the counter. "Topless biker bar owner and world-famous musician don't usually go hand-in-hand."
Memphis chuckles, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Riley gave my sorry ass a second chance when nobody else would."
"Second chance?" I probe. This is as close as we've ever come to talking about the past.
He hesitates, breaking eye contact briefly before looking straight into my eyes. An endless well of grief and guilt rage in the depths, so much torment it takes my breath away.
"Memphis," I whisper.
"There was a time when I wasn't exactly the most upstanding citizen, Kylie," he says, his voice full of pain. "I made some bad choices, did things I'm not proud of doing. Things I can't ever take back. When my life hit rock bottom, Riley helped me find my way back. Through music."
My heart hammers as I process his words and his pain, as if, even now, it weighs on him. As if, even now, it haunts him.
What did he do? What regrets keep him awake at night? Whatever they are, I know they're tied to my brother. I could ask him. I think if I did, he'd tell me the truth. But I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear it. Because I'm not sure I'm ready to walk away from this man. So I don't ask him that.
"Will you tell me how you turned it all around?" I ask, my voice whisper soft. I can't hide the plea in it, not this time. Not right now. I'm one answer from falling into darkness…or one answer from absolution. And right now, I'm not entirely sure which scares me more. Because I'm not sure the answer changes anything.