Dark Without You Read Free Page B

wink and stealing her hand away. “You’d know it if I got mad.” They both laughed, and the waitress brought another round of drinks.
    “If it makes you feel any better, I’m not sure I want to be in a band for the rest of my life,” Andy said.
    So, Rich was right, she thought as she drank in Andy’s dark blue eyes, noticing the flecks of gold for the first time ever. He suddenly seemed like a mystery she had to decode.
    “Well, you’re still young,” she said. “You can always change your mind.” After she said it, she felt like she was betraying Rich—the brother she owed everything to. He’d called her here to keep Andy happy. He’d called her here to keep Andy in the band, or at least keep him along for the remainder of the tour. What the hell was she doing?
    “Sometimes I think about opening a music store.” He paused for a sip of beer. “I guess I’m at a crossroads right now. The others enjoy the endless flow of girls and booze, but that’s not me.”
    Alice smiled. “My grandmother always said, ‘Uncertainty is the bitch that paves the path for change.’”
    “Wow, that’s deep.”
    Alice squinted in mock anger and kicked him under the table. “This is the last time I try giving you advice, Andy Steele.” With a wicked look, Andy retaliated by wrapping his ankles around hers, holding her firmly in place until she ceased struggling. It was a dance she was well familiar with—one in which he always bested her, asserting his dominance over her whether in play or in a sharp command that left her melting inside.
    Oh God, what was she doing? She wouldn’t fall for Andy again…she wouldn’t.
    She wanted to be angry for all the times he’d ruined her fun, but she couldn’t help focusing on the newly discovered gold flecks in his gorgeous eyes.
    The hours passed like easy minutes, and Alice was shocked to discover the time when Rich finally called. “You’d better get your ass to the stage. Everyone is setting up,” she told Andy, doing her best to mimic Rich’s whiny voice.
    The walk back to the parking lot was like a dream for Alice, although her mind screamed to keep Andy at a distance. This was just a favor to Rich. This wasn’t the beginning of some long-term commitment—and she certainly wasn’t going to sleep with Andy. But as she stole a shy glance at her lunch companion, desire shot down her spine like a geyser gushing hot water. How could she hope to keep Andy at arm’s length when she wanted him so much closer?
    When the bus was in eyesight, Andy shouted, “Race you!” and sprinted ahead. Alice followed clumsily. Three Long Island iced teas had been two too many. Andy, however, had had three beers and seemed as steady as a sober man after a good night’s sleep.
    “You know I can’t hold my booze, Andy,” Alice complained breathlessly after she reached the bus.
    “I remember well,” he said, moving closer, invading her personal space. “And I hope you’ve behaved yourself in college, Ms. Grove.”
    Unbidden thoughts of the various parties Andy had pulled her out of during high school flashed back, along with the memories of his constant threats to take her over his knee. She’d always thought those threats to be empty, but the image caused her cheeks to flush and another tremor of wet heat shot between her thighs. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She peered up into his smoldering eyes, lost in the conflicted memories of yesterday .
    “Alice Grove at a loss for words,” he mused. “Call the newspapers.”
    Alice recovered herself and punched his shoulder. “I’m adult now, in case you haven’t noticed.” The memory of Andy’s threats embarrassed her more than ever—and to her confusion, left her pussy aching with need. During her freshman year of college, he’d promised to finally take her over his knee the next time she cursed at him. Would he, really?
    “I have noticed.” His eyes darkened, and she squirmed under his penetrating gaze.
    But