Free Three of Hearts by Kelly Jamieson

let the song go yet. “It needs a hook.”
    “We’ll get it,” Ben put in.
    “I don’t even know what it’s about.”
    Lucas’s eyes met mine. “I do.”
    Heat crawled from my neck up into my face.
    Lucas shook his head. “Relax, baby.”
    “I am relaxed.”
    “Uh-huh.”
    He knew I was lying. He knew my insides were tight and my breasts were heavy and I was all distracted and perturbed.
    I looked down at my beer. “We can work on it tomorrow.”
    Ben leaned his shoulder into mine. “We just got home, and you’re gonna make us work already?”
    “Oh. Sorry. I know you guys wanted time off over Christmas . . .” I bit my lip.
    “We’ll work on the song,” Lucas said firmly.
    “When did you get so bossy?”
    “Babe. Always have been. Are you seriously just noticing now?”
    I tipped my head to one side. “You have a point.”
    At my concession, his eyes crinkled up.
    Yes, Lucas was the unofficial leader of our group. Not that Ben and I let him walk all over us. We’d had more than one heated argument over music, staging, business decisions . . . all kinds of things. Lucas was the one who liked being in control and making decisions, confident in his thinking and strong willed. I was equally driven and had my own stubborn streak, but in our two years together I’d learned how to sneak past his single-mindedness and get him to occasionally admit there might be another way. And even though I argued with him, sometimes it felt good to have someone that strong and sure of himself leading the way for us. At times when I was doubtful or questioning what we were doing, it made me feel secure and safe in our path. And weirdly, with his focus and determination to succeed, I felt good when I could make him laugh too.
    Ben sighed.
    Lucas cast him an amused glance. “You know it’s not work, you fucking love it as much as I do.”
    “Yeah, yeah, fine. But we’re both leaving Christmas Eve.”
    I shrugged. “I’ll be here. I’ll be working.”
    “We could all use a break,” Lucas said quietly. “I think you could use a break.” He eyed me, and I blinked.
    “It’s in my head, and I need to get it out.” I needed to get the song out so I could share it with the world. Lucas was right. It wasn’t work. I loved it.
    They both smiled, knowing exactly what I was talking about. “Even though we’re done with the tour, things are still busy.” Ben dropped a pizza crust onto his plate. “Lots of business to catch up on.”
    Lucas nodded. “Party at Brandon’s place. And the gig we’ve got lined up at the Ryman. Jesus, who booked us for the day before Christmas Eve?”
    I sighed. “Brandon did.” My gut twisted into knots at the idea of singing Christmas songs. But I had to do it. For the band. For Ben and Lucas.
    Ben shook his head. “Christ.”
    “I know. And you guys can’t even leave to go home until Christmas Eve because of that gig.”
    “Eh, it’s okay. It’s a great opportunity.”
    Lucas focused on the TV. “Whoa. Look at that.”
    We all leaned forward to watch the Titans’ player run with the ball for a touchdown.
    “Samson really has a nose for the ball,” the TV announcer shouted. The other commentator jumped in with, “He sure does, and he’s the first to jump on any loose balls.”
    I snickered and earned amused glances from both guys.
    “Mind out of the gutter, babe.” Lucas nudged me.
    “I can’t help it! Those announcers are always saying dirty things. ‘Football is a game of inches.’ ‘He’s got great hands.’”
    They both laughed.
    “Last week one of the announcers was talking about penetration in the backfield and Haylee cracked up.” Ben smirked and leaned in closer. “I kinda like your dirty mind.”
    I lowered my chin, still smiling. “Oh yeah?” Holy touchdown, I sounded flirty. What the hell?
    “A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste,” Lucas said with a nod, leaning closer too. Suddenly the air I was breathing felt hot. Lucas’s gaze dropped,