Free Appassionato by Erin M. Leaf Page B

head, the sexual pull not lessening at all. She was flushed and hoped that Julie couldn’t tell how flustered she felt.
    “Hey, Emma! I couldn’t find you, so I went back out to get another pretzel.” Julie flopped down next to her. “Do you want a piece?”
    “No, thanks.” Emma pushed her hair back off her face, wishing a little cool air would drift her way.
    “Hey, you okay? You look flushed.”
    So much for Julie not noticing , Emma thought then sighed. “I met them.”
    “What!?” Julie shrieked, and Emma winced. A few of the people sitting around them sent her curious looks. “What do you mean, you ‘met them?’ When? What happened?” Julie asked, her voice quieter.
    Emma rubbed her face. “I was waiting by the fencing for you because the crowd was insane and I didn’t feel like pushing back through that many people to get to our seats. Then, the security guard caught my attention and squeezed me through the barrier. I knew it was Jake. When I ducked under the stage, he was there, waiting for me.”
    “Oh, my God,” Julie breathed.
    “He gave me these.” Emma showed her friend the passes. Julie squealed again then clapped her hands over her mouth. Emma laughed as she sensed Jake’s amusement through their bond.
    “Oh, my gosh, I get to go back with you?” Julie looked like she was going to faint.
    “Yes.” Emma was glad Julie was so distracted by the idea of going backstage that she didn’t question Emma’s flush anymore. Emma handed over one of the passes, enjoying Julie’s glee as they waited for the show to start. She sensed Duncan waiting in the dark and knew the concert was about to begin.

* * * *

    Duncan waited at the edge of the stairs, watching his band set up in the dark. Tabb twirled his sticks as he settled down behind the drum kit, then Jon picked up his bass guitar. Duncan glanced at the man on keys, grateful he’d managed to avoid Eric most of the day. His keyboard player was a brilliant musician, but the man’s attitude ever since he found out Duncan was bi had been a trial. He’d grown increasingly surly, sometimes even showing up half-drunk. If he hadn’t had a contract, Duncan would’ve fired his ass months ago. He shook his head, dispelling the negative thoughts. This was going to be an incredible concert. Emma was in the audience. Duncan couldn’t wait to get onstage, but it wasn’t until he saw Levi sling his guitar over his head and nod that he started up. As he made his way to his mark, the single bass riff of his opening song buzzed through his skin. Then the spotlight hit, and he felt Emma shiver. He couldn’t see her, but he could feel her excitement. He sensed Jake standing behind the monitors, watching to make sure the lighting came on at the right moment, and Duncan felt a stab of gratitude and love so sharp he gasped, almost losing his step as he reached the top of the metal stairs. He looked out into the audience and smiled, pushing everything to the back of his mind except the music. He sang the first note, letting it shiver through the air, amplified by the equipment, and he knew everyone in the venue was holding their breath, waiting for him to kick off the show. He finished the note and grinned as Tabb picked up the beat, and then everything began. Nothing else in the world even came close to what it felt like to stand on stage in front of thousands. This was what he was born to do. And this time, the performance felt like his soul was on fire—he hit crazy notes, the band was electric, the audience’s screaming reached insane levels. After the first set, he dashed backstage for a quick drink and felt Jake come up behind him with some water and a towel.
    “Here, quick, wipe your face,” Jake said, smiling in the dim light.
    “Thanks.” Duncan grabbed the towel and rubbed, careful not to smudge his eyeliner. He took the open bottle of water from Jake and swallowed half of it. “I can feel her, watching me.”
    Jake nodded. “I