Page 49 (1/1)

"You look pretty hot yourself," I tell hie from a sold-out stadiu just right on his ly up his ar out to trace the dark ink over his bicep

He grabsto hih the haze

"I guess nobody cares what I’an announces I turn in tiuys backstage!"

Tegan greets the bouncer like they’re old friends and disappears past the velvet rope There’s already a line around the block of excited people chatting about the event I guess the news of Austin’s secret show didn’t stay secret for long

"Oh asp froirls in line "Dex, Dex! Over here!"

Dex tenses beneathfor his reaction, but instead of bolting, he raises his hand and gives the croave "Hey," he calls "Are you guys excited for the show?"

There are yells and flashes as people start snapping cellphone pics A couple of girls rush out of line towards us, but the bouncer quickly steps in their way and Dex smoothly steers me to the door, before we can be mobbed

"Are you OK?" I check quietly, once we’re safely inside

He exhales "Yeah, I think I was ready for it It’s different when I’roceries or whatever, but here, I knew they would be like that"

There’s a determined line to his jaw, and I realize that hehimself for this all day

"I’ into him for a moment to inhale his ently againstHe trails a hand down h the silky fabric of my shirt "Tell ining all the things you could be doing to yourself"

My story I slowly shake my head "I waited, like you said," I whisper "It’s not the sa aze darkens The intensity between us could light the city block on fire, but then suddenly, the door swings open behind us, and people start to file into the club Dex makes a noise of frustration "What do you say we ditch this thing and go check into a hotel?" hein a smile

I want to say yes, but I force myself to stay cool "You ca his hand, then add a flirty grin "What was it you toldin the rustic, open space and the se in the corner It’s a far cry fro in their pri into the s classic rock posters on the wall, and graffiti autographs on every surface

I see people staring--not just at Dex, but atover my outfit, an appreciative look on their faces My pulse kicks I’ve never been looked at like this before, and although my first instinct is to try and act invisible, I force hter and walk confidently across the rooan told me a hundred times that that only way to wear an outfit like this is to own it, and watching their reaction, I realize, she’s right

"Do you realize every guy in here is wishing they could take you ho a possessive arm around my shoulders

"They’re all out of luck" I s my hand around his waist--and over his back pocket "I’ivesjostled by people, the rooe area, and through a door that’s guarded by a burly security guard The guard lets us through with a nod, into the se area It’s more of a hallway than a real room, I notice: streith cables and amps, and even more crammed than the bar out front But here, the talk is loud and relaxed, dozens of cool-looking people relaxing with beers, clearly familiar old friends

"Dex, my man!" People slap his back and bump fists when they see hito drop soer look on his face "Anything you want, just say the word"

Dex shakes his head "Not otta see sense one day," he sighs "I’ve got a platinule of people until we find Tegan in an alcove, chatting to a tall, bronze-haired guy in faded jeans and cowboy boots

The ht she was kidding !"

He strides towards Dex and e They do theeach other on the back before stepping away