Free Magic's Song by Genia Avers Page B

“Seriously, sweetheart. Don’t fall for him. I’ve never seen Brent get serious about anyone.”
    “Anyone?” Tanith was surprised. “But, Amanda—”
    “Anyone.” Marcus confirmed. “You can’t listen to anything Amanda says.”
    “Me? Listen to Amanda? I’m not an idiot, Marcus.”
    “You’re not?” He opened his mouth in pretended amazement.
    She laughed. She’d left herself wide open.
    The expression on Marcus’s face turned thoughtful. “It’s good to see you laugh again, chickee. I was afraid this scene was getting to you.”
    “It’s good to laugh again. I’ve been stressed out since…” Since Brent had basically said the best night of her life was a one-night stand. “Well, forever. Brent’s weird behavior just makes it worse.”
    “Forget Brent.”
    Tanith opened her mouth to protest, but Marcus put his finger against her lips. “No denials. Just forget him. He’s missing the relationship gene.”
    “At least he’s not berating me anymore.” She hoped her casual comment hid how hopeless she felt.
    “True,” Marcus replied. “I’ve seen him like this a couple of times before. When he’s working on a new set of songs, he withdraws. Usually though, he’s a bastard when he’s writing. His upbeat mood is confusing even me. But we’re not talking about him. What’s going on with you?”
    “What do you mean? I thought you said I sound great.” Tanith forced another smile.
    Marcus frowned. “You do. You just don’t look great.”
    “Gee, thanks.”
    “Come on, doll. We both know you’re a looker. I mean you don’t look happy .”
    “I’m fine, Marcus.” She didn’t want to discuss the state of her mind. “I have to go. See you tomorrow.”
    He grabbed her arm. “Seriously, luv. You’re our meal ticket. As great as Brent’s songs are, they’re just lyrics without you.”
    “No pressure there.” She tried to grin, but something seemed to punch her stomach from inside her skin. “I really have to go.”
    “Just promise you won’t quit until after the tracks are laid.”
    “I won’t leave you hanging.” She whirled, unable to face the guy who’d become a good friend. There had to be a way to get out of her contract without hurting the band. The longer she stayed, the more her heart would shatter.
    “If you get lonely,” Marcus yelled as she walked, “there’s always me.”
    “Yeah,” Tanith joked, “I’ll take a number.”
    ****
    Brent glanced at his watch. A half hour late. He’d never been late for a rehearsal, but he doubted the group would complain. Not after he told them the news. He did wonder, for the third time, why he wasn’t happier.
    If you could share the news with Tanith, it would be sweeter.
    He pushed the heel of his palm into his forehead. Ridiculous thought. Hadn’t he vowed to keep another woman from trampling him? He’d done the right thing when he brushed Tanith off. For all her sweetness, she wasn’t that different from Amanda. Actually, she was very different from Amanda, but he had no time for getting involved.
    He had to pursue his dreams or he was doomed. Amanda had almost castrated him musically and it had taken him months to get his head back in his songs. He couldn’t let Tanith distract him now. Sooner or later, her image would quit haunting him.
    When he arrived at the club, he stood by the door, trying to savor the moment. The Tough Guys had started practice without him and were well into the first set. Good .
    Amanda noticed him first. Then Marcus stopped playing. Tanith kept singing—her voice edgy, but tinged with sadness.
    Was she sad? Brent doubted it. She’d been pretty quick about dismissing their night together. If she had been affected by it, she certainly hid it well. Another reason to avoid her. Wouldn’t do to let her see how much she’d affected him.
    She opened her eyes. Brent felt the stirrings of arousal as he remembered her opening her eyes during their night of passion. Her mouth dropped open. He