Part 179 (1/2)

”No.” Deliberately, Emma unlaced her hands and relaxed her shoulders.

She was grateful for the low lighting so that Drew couldn't see her

nerves-or Sweeney, smoking lazily a few tables over. ”I've never been

here before. I like it.”

”Well, it can't be what you're used to, but most of the other places,

it's hard to talk or to be alone. I wanted to do both with you.”

Her fingers knotted together again. ”I didn't have a chance to tell you

how good you were tonight. You'll be looking for your own opening act

soon.”

”Thanks. That means a lot.” He laid a hand on hers, gently stroking

his thumb over her knuckles. ”We were a little stiff on the opening

set, but we'll loosen up.”

”How long have you been playing?”

”Since I was ten. I guess I can thank your father.”

”Oh? Why?”

”I had a cousin, he did some road work for Devastation when I was a kid

and snuck me into a concert. Brian McAvoy. He just blew me away. As

soon as I could save up, I bought a secondhand guitar.” He grinned. Her

hand was firmly lodged in his now. ”The rest is history.”

”I've never heard that story.”

”I guess I've never told anyone else.” He shrugged restlessly. ”It's a

little embarra.s.sing.”

”No.” Enchanted, she moved closer to him. ”It's touching, That's just

the kind of story that endears someone like you to fans.”

He looked at her, his eyes dark gold in the dim light. ”I'm not

thinking about fans right now. Emma-”