I’m so giddy I want to leap down the aisle.
No, I want to climb over the seats and race to the front.
“Mable, let’s hop over the seats,” I whisper loudly, and we both burst into giggles.
“What? No. You want to get us kicked out?”
“Noooo, they wouldn’t kick us out for thatttt.” I exaggerate my words and put my hands on my hips.
Mable rolls her eyes and takes my arm back. “Drunk Raina is bossy. I kinda like it.”
Hmm, I kinda like it, too.
A stage graces the other side of the room where a band is currently setting up their equipment on stage.
“Incredible. Imagine the plays performed here? The history?” Mable picks up speed, unable to contain her excitement.
I speed walk to keep up with her, our arms still wound together. She’s going on and on about something, but I stopped listening. It takes all my brain power to focus on walking.
The room spins, and my face is warm. Damn, I need to sit.
Close my eyes.
Stop the spins.
Slam.
My hands connect with something hard, and I’m thrown sideways. “Shit, Mable!” I stumble back and down I go.
Thump.
My ass hits the floor, and a sharp pain pierces my back.
“Fuck!” My chest heaves, and I blink back tears.
“Are you okay?” a deep voice rumbles in my ear, and my head snaps up.
My gaze meets a pair of eyes I know I’ve seen before.
Dark and intense.
The same ones on repeat in my head since I saw them.
My head is fuzzy.
Where have I seen him before?
A memory of the other night flashes in my mind. It’s the guy from outside my dorm, the one who bumped into me.
My heart slams in my chest.
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
He’s beyond gorgeous.
Like one of those Instagram models you and your friends drool over.
I can’t tear my eyes off his face.
He kneels beside me and lowers his face to mine. His scent invades my nose, musky and masculine. It’s an instant turn-on.
“Are you okay?”
My eyes fall to his lips, and without another thought, I lean forward and kiss him.
Chapter Four
Levi
Her lips are soft, sweet, and taste like tequila.
Could she be any more perfect?
I return her kiss, not caring who she is or why she kissed me. She’s gorgeous and tastes delicious. I’ll take it.
“Raina! What in the fuck happened?” a girl shrieks above us, and the moment is gone.
She breaks the kiss, and our bubble pops.
“Oh, my God.” She touches her lips and looks at me with wide eyes.
Fuck, I know this girl.
I remember her…
But from where?
Those same almond-shaped eyes haunt my dreams.
We only connected for a brief second, but I think about her often.
Now, she fell into my lap. I never get that lucky.
“I…shit…I, fuck, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to crash into you. I was following my friend and—shit.” She tries to get up but falls back down on her ass. “Wow, I’m such an idiot.”
I chuckle. She’s cute as fuck. “Here, let me offer you a hand. It would be rude of me not to after a kiss like that.”
Her face flushes a deep red, and she stares at my outstretched hand. Our skin sizzles when her fingers touch mine.
Does she feel that?
I help her stand. She’s still unsteady, and I place my hands on her hips. “You good?”
“Yeah, I think so.” She smooths down her hair. “Thank you.”
“Thank me? What for?”
“Raina! Girl! Are you okay?” The girl with the pink hair shrieks again and pushes her way between us.
“I’m fine. One minute, I was following you, and then…” Her voice cuts out, the room too loud. I stare at her mouth as one word replays in my head.
Raina. Raina. Raina.
Drew comes up behind me and claps me on the back. It’s loud in here, and he shouts in my ear. “You ready, man? It’s almost time to warm up.”
“Yeah,” I mumble. My attention isn’t on the band tryouts right now. Yeah, it should be, but I can’t stop staring at her.
Raina.
I flip her name over and over in my head, repeating it to commit it to my memory.
As if I’d ever forget.
My gaze stays on her as she and her friend talk to each other. They laugh and sneak glances my way. I find myself fascinated with her.
I’ve never had a girl kiss me out of the blue.
Who is she?
Never did I expect to see her again, never mind her kissing me out of nowhere.
“Levi!” Drew bellows next to me.
“Yeah, man, I hear you. I’m ready.” I reach down and feel for my flask. A couple more sips, and I’ll be ready. But Drew doesn’t need to know that.
“You guys are trying out?” Pink hair asks.
“Damn straight,” Drew responds. “You two should hang around. It’s gonna be lit. What’s your friend’s name, Mable?”
Mable. That’s it.
Before she can answer, I do. “Raina.” I wink at the golden-eyed beauty, and her cheeks flush.
Fucking adorable.
Fuck, man. Slow down.
Music before pussy this year, remember?
Right. Focus.
“Oh, we’re definitely staying,” Mable states.
“Good. Meet up with us after the show?” I ask as my eyes lock with Raina’s.
Ha, so much for music first.
Drew elbows me, but I don’t care. I need to see this chick again.
Get closer to her. Find out why she makes my pulse race and my stomach twist.
“Maybe,” Mable teases, but Raina smiles at me, and I know that’s my answer.
I planned to find her either way.
“You good, bro? I can’t have you distracted right now. No pressure but this is it. Our big chance.” Drew goes on and on, repeating the same thing he’s said since we arrived here.
I realize the weight of these tryouts. After everything that’s happened in the past year, I can’t afford to fuck this up. I know there’ll be other chances if it doesn’t work out, but opportunities like this don’t come around often.
We’ve practiced all week, every second of our spare time dedicated to perfecting this track. We played it back to back for hours last night. I know we both know it inside and out.
On our way back here, I snuck in the bathroom and downed half my flask. It helps calm my nerves and takes the edge off.
Yet as we wait to take the stage, our turn in less than five minutes, the pit in my stomach grows.
Here goes nothing.
“We’ve got this. You know we do. Drinks on me after, okay?” Drew throws me a fist bump.
“Levi Reed and Drew Sylvia?” A young guy with a headphone and clipboard calls us over. “You’re up, guys. Good luck.” He points us in the direction to go.
With my guitar slung over my back, I help Drew carry his drums, and we quickly set up. I’m thankful they closed the curtain between each competitor. I hate being watched as I set up my shit.
Moments later, the curtain lifts.
Bright lights fill my eyes, and I squint, barely making out the crowded theater, the place now full to the brim.