I pull up a stool and pick up my Les Paul guitar, settling the body across my thighs. “I thought you might want to hear the music I’m doing with King.”

“Huh.”

There it is again. The big sigh.

I set down the guitar and stand up, irritation crawling across my neck. This is a big deal and not only doesn’t she appreciate the gesture, I don’t think she has a clue what it means. I rub a finger across my forehead. How do I explain this to her without coming across like a giant douche?

“So generally when artists are making music, it’s just them and other musicians and the producers.”

She winces. “So this is a big thing?”

Pride makes me shrug carelessly. “Not so big.”

“I’m screwing up everything, aren’t I?” Her gaze darts toward the door, as if she’d like to be anywhere but here.

“Am I keeping you from something?” I can’t keep the chilliness out of my tone.

“No. I’m just…hungover. I drank too much last night.” She gives me a wan, unhappy smile.

Her lack of enthusiasm, her obvious desire to flee, is like a punch to the gut. “That all you regret from last night?” I say harshly.

“I guess. I mean, I’m sorry I drank so much and passed out in your bed.” She’s studiously avoiding my eyes.

“You’re sorry for passing out in my bed,” I repeat. “That’s what you regret? Drinking too much and passing out in my bed? What about fucking Luke?”

“I slept with Luke?” She leaps to her feet, horrified. “How—”

“No, I meant Luke. You kissed Luke.”

Guilt flashes across her face. “Oh. That. I was hoping you wouldn’t mention that.” She visibly swallows. “It wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had.”

Not the best idea? I nearly shout. Talk about an understatement.

“Then why’d you do it?” I ask tersely.

“Because I was drunk. And because I felt crappy and awful after all that stuff W said to me. And because Luke was there.”

Pain arrows through me. I’d convinced myself that she’d mistaken Luke for me, but apparently that’s not what happened at all. She’d known she was kissing someone who wasn’t me…and that realization is crushing in a way I hadn’t expected.

I stare at her in disbelief. “So you would’ve made out with anyone? Is that what you’re saying? Didn’t matter who it was as long as they had lips and a tongue?”

Vaughn cringes. “No, that’s not it. I was…drunk,” she says again, sounding defeated. “I was drunk and upset and I wanted you and couldn’t find you, and Luke was suddenly there and he was flirting with me and…” She trails off.

One of her jumbled sentences sticks out to me. “You wanted me?”

She bites her lip.

“You were looking for me?” I study her embarrassed face. “Because you…wanted me. What does that mean?”

“Nothing,” she mumbles. “It means nothing, okay?”

“Dammit, we both know that’s not true.” I jam my hand through my hair in frustration. “It does mean something. You were upset and you went looking for me. Because you want me, Vaughn. Just admit it.”

“You want me to admit it? Fine! I admit it! I like you, Oak. I like you and I’m tired of pretending and I can’t stop thinking about kissing you and—”

I don’t give her time to finish that thought. I grab her, instinct overriding rational thought. I grab her and kiss her like I wanted to last night. Like I’ve wanted to since…since she stared at me with stars in her eyes at the beach. No, before then. When ice cream dripped on her fingers and I had my first taste of her sweetness. Maybe even earlier, when she was tart and sassy.

I’ve wanted this kiss for so long that I drink from her lips as if she’s the only pool of water in the biggest desert on earth. And under my mouth, she melts. Her own lips part and she kisses me back.

And it’s everything I’d imagined. Better than fifty thousand people shouting your name. Better than a sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd singing your lyrics back at you. Better than the greatest song ever sung. Her arms twine around my neck and I lift her up, face level so I can kiss her longer, harder, deeper.

Her tongue slides into my mouth and someone moans. I think it might be me. But then it’s both of us, because my lower body starts grinding against her, and I know it feels as good to her as it does to me.

I want to kiss her forever. We should stay like this forever. Generations from now, they’ll find us in the rubble, two lovers who died kissing.

All too soon she pulls away and stares at me. Confusion mars her pretty face.

“Just wanted to remind you that I’m still here.” King’s voice filters through the million-dollar sound system.

“Oh, my God.” Vaughn turns redder than my mom’s famous lipstick. Confusion switches to mortification. She slaps her hand over her mouth and runs out of the room.

I stand there like a stupid dumbass because I’m too stunned by my response to move. Is that what kissing is supposed to feel like? Holy hell. And if so, why did she run off?

I jerk myself into action and follow her, but she’s already darted into a bathroom and locked the door.

“Vaughn, baby. Come out.” I hear the faucet turn on. I jiggle the knob a little. “Are you sick?”

“Go away. Go away and make your music. That’s what this is all about anyway.”

I turn to see if there’s anyone around who can help me interpret what just happened, but I’m alone and my girl has locked herself in the bathroom. Probably for the best. I’d rather no one else witness this humiliating exchange.

I make my way back to the control room, shaking my head the whole way.

King doesn’t say a word as I collapse into a chair.

“What?” I ask after a prolonged silence.

“Nothing, man.” King grins. “I should’ve come here sooner. Had no idea I’d be getting a show and an album in one deal.”

I scowl. “Maybe I’ll find a different producer.”

If possible, his smile grows bigger. “Nope. I’m not leaving now. There’s fire and magic in the air. Perfect music-making conditions.”

I merely grunt as I pull out my Bic to scratch out the first line of how my head’s so messed up that I’m starting to think the sky is green.

King peers over my shoulder. “She’s changing you.” I don’t acknowledge him and write the next line about how I’m feeling like my heart’s a junkyard, filled with spare, discarded parts. “The best ones do.”

He slides over to fiddle with a panel, but I feel the heat of his eyes.

“Got something to add?” I mutter.

Over his outstretched arm, he says, “The good ones put your character to the flame and burn away all the rest of the shit until you come out a better you. She’s one of the good ones.”

“How do you know?” I challenge, chin out, glower on my face.

King gives me a mysterious smile. “You just do.”

29

HER

Top 5 reasons why fans should expect a new Ford album ASAP! Click now!

5. It’s been two years since the last tour and album. Fans are dying for something new. Oakley Ford has always treated his fans right.

4. Oakley Ford and King have been spotted together at several public benefits, and yesterday the two were seen ducking into the famed Hollow Oak recording studio. Sharp-eyed Ford fans posted this picture on the FordNews insta feed.

3. It’s also been two years since ShOak was a thing. New girl definitely means new music, right?

2. He’s growing up. Oakley will be twenty soon and that means he’s leaving his teen years behind. He will want to show us all how his grown-up music sounds.

1. Surprise albums are all the rage. Beyoncé! Kanye! Frank Ocean! Releasing an album with no lead up is a huge power move and one that would fit the new, grown-up Oakley.

I’m acting like a six-year-old. I mean, who locks themselves in a bathroom to avoid talking to someone? Me, that’s who. Vaughn Bennett, a mess of a girl, the kind of screwed-up person who kisses two boys in the span of one day.