Free No Strings Attached by Hilary Storm Page A

show some damn respect.
     
     

 
    Chapter Nine
    Lilly
     
    What the hell just happened?   I swear shit gets out of control so quickly around here.  Watching Garrett strike through his solo on the drums is actually pretty hot.  Drummers always captivate me when they really get into it, especially when they're built like he is. 
    I'm positioned near the stage, but toward the back like I'm Garrett's exclusive fan.  It's like a front row to him only on the sideline. 
    Glancing across stage, I see Luke watching me.  His expression is chaotic and concerned.  I'm not sure what his deal is, but he needs to quit getting mad at me for talking to Garrett.  He's made it very clear that we aren't exclusive or even going to hook up any more at this point. 
    Garrett just protected me from the crazy fans, so I can stand here and enjoy the show without feeling guilty.  I'll deal with Luke later. 
     
    Their show ends with a bang and that last piece was badass.  As I wait for the lights to come back on, I'm pulled behind the curtain with a determined tug.  When we come to a stop, I feel Garrett up against me.  His breath blows over my face, almost like he's out of air from exertion. 
    He pulls my face toward his and lays a kiss on my lips.  I hesitate briefly, but then join in when his tongue brushes over my lips.  We share a long kiss, wrapped up in a black curtain that shields us from being seen. 
    It's soft and sensual, so unlike how I expected a kiss from him to be.  It goes on for a while before he pulls away.
    "You are so damn sexy.  It should be illegal for you to look like you do.  I want a chance with you."  My laughter probably could have been timed a little better, but I can't help it.  This is Garrett talking to me like this. 
    "What are you laughing at?  I should get a chance to show you the real me."  I know he isn't all bad.  He's proven he has somewhat of a nice bone in his body, but this is Garrett.
    "Okay.  What do you have in mind?"
    "Travel with me to the next venue.  Spend time with me on the bus and we'll get to know each other.  Then I'll take you to dinner or something when we get a chance.  Let's just be real with each other."
    His request isn't out of line.  It's actually appealing to have a change of scenery for a long drive. 
    "Okay.  I can handle that."  We move from our little space in the corner and walk back to the rest of his band.  He's holding my hand as we walk right in the path of Luke. 
    "Lilly, are you good?"
    "Yeah.  I'm good."
    "I saw that asshole try to grope you."
    "Yeah.  It's no biggie.  Garrett pulled me back into safety.  Thanks, though."  His eyes move over my hand inside of Garrett's, but he doesn't say anything or act like it bothers him.  I know where I stand with Luke, but that doesn't mean I can't wish he felt differently. 
     
    Everyone scatters different ways after the crowd thins out.  Luke is nearby, but the rest of them are nowhere to be seen.  I appreciate the slow tour schedule so we have time to breathe between venues.  The last tour was ridiculously non stop.  There weren't very many nights in the hotel on that tour, but this time it helps that we have a baby going along with us. 
    I wonder how long they'll bring Heaven on tour with us.  I know the grandmas plan to come get her for the last week of the tour, but other than that she's along for the ride.  She's at a good age for this.  She sleeps most of the time and we have enough of us that she's kept out of the commotion.  There's rarely a time that Taron isn't with her.  Actually, he's only away from her when he's on stage. 
     
    "You ready to hit the bus with me?"
    "Yeah.  I just need to grab a few things from my own.  Our group isn't leaving until morning."
    "We're pulling out tonight."
    "Okay.  Let me get my stuff while you load up the rest of your gear."  I walk over to Luke and see him working on two different girls.  He's a huge flirt and he knows it.  This