“So which one of you is the adult?”
I expect all eyes to turn to me, but instead, the guys look at the person next to me.
“Danny it is. Why do you think that’s the case?”
Joey leans forward. “We all have alternating theories. Mine happens to be that he’s an alien and was placed on this earth as a full grown man in a teenage boy’s body.”
Aaron points at Danny. “That would explain the facial hair at fourteen.”
The guys laugh.
“Perhaps,” Zack begins, putting his chin into his hand in thought. “He has a traumatizing childhood he’s hidden from us all.”
I glance over to see Danny staring at the tambourine in his lap.
Joey shakes his head. “Nah, that can’t be it. He legit smiles all the time. His nickname should’ve been Smiles.”
“Or maybe,” Danny interrupts, seeming to get a hang on his emotions and covering them with that classic smile; “it’s because someone had to babysit you fools to keep you out of jail.”
“That didn’t work so well for this one,” Aaron says, pointing to Zack.
Danny throws his hands up. “It’s impossible to get Zack to keep his clothes on when he’s drunk. I tried to stop him. I told him he didn’t need to be in his birthday suit for my birthday– he didn’t listen.”
I join the guys as they laugh.
“Alright, let’s take some callers,” the interviewer says. Some girl calls in who basically squeals the whole time and the only thing Joey manages to say is ‘love you too’ before the radio guy switches to the next person. “Who do we have calling, and which one of the guys do you want to talk to?”
“Marilyn–” the woman begins and my head shoots up. I’d know that voice anywhere. I feel Danny tense next to me and my eyes fly to the equipment in front of me. The radio guy flipped the switch in front of me when the other caller dropped off squealing. “I’d like to talk to Danny.”
I drop my cell phone on the ground in front of me, and as I lean down to pick it up, I stretch my hand out as if the equipment is supporting me and manage to flip the switch before anyone notices.
“Hello? It seems we lost the caller–sorry, Danny,” the interviewer says.
I look at Danny out of the corner of my eyes, and he reaches over to squeeze my knee. His pained expression reminds me of when I realized what was happening to him. He was late for band practice and not responding to texts, so Joey asked me to go the two blocks over to Danny’s house and see what was holding him up. It turned out to be his mom. I heard her yelling at him from the driveway and as I made my way up to the front door I could see her blocking him in and the one-sided screaming escalated into her smacking him so hard he stumbled down the remaining stairs. I inhale, looking up at the ceiling as the memory begins to wash over me and my skin tingles uncomfortably.
Danny leans over, taking advantage of the fact that Zack is flirting with a caller and whispers, “You okay?”
I nod, his voice relaxing me and disrupting the memory. “You?”
“You saved me again,” he replies and his voice his thick with emotion.
“What do you think about that, Danny?” the radio host drags him back into the conversation.
Danny puts his palms up. “I’m neutral.”
“Of course you are,” Zack replies, rolling his eyes and Danny shrugs in response.
The guys take a few more calls and then do an acoustic version of Night Owl before closing the show. When we get onto the bus, Danny offers to help me make dinner as the guys catch up with Paul in the back room.
“Thank you,” Danny says as I hand him cheese to grate.
“Shouldn’t I be thanking you for helping me make dinner?” I ask as I concentrate on cutting the broccoli into small chunks.
He leans over and kisses my cheek. “You know what I’m talking about.”
I put my chin on my shoulder, so I’m facing him, and his chest rises as his lips part. He looks over my shoulder before leaning down and kissing me full on the mouth. There’s something about the risk of it combined with the heat that makes me lightheaded, and when he pulls away, I open and close my mouth as I try to come up with a response.
“You’re welcome,” I finally manage to say.
He winks at me before going back to grating the cheese. “You know you’ve wanted that since you saw my tambourine skills.”
“So sexy,” I reply, and he hip bumps me.
“You know you want this.”
“I think you’re the one who couldn’t resist kissing me,” I shoot back.
He puts the cheese down and comes to stand behind me, putting his hands on either side of me. I turn and lean back against the counter to look up at him as his forehead lowers to mine.
“You’re right, so I guess I have to try harder,” he says, voice deep.
I bite my lower lip, and his eyes fall to them as I look to see if the guys can see us. The bunk area blocks us, and I put my hands into Danny’s back pockets pulling his hips to mine before locking my lips against his. His hands come up from the counter to my face, and my chest tightens as he takes the kiss deeper. There’s a cough at the doorway, and Danny pulls away from me, putting his hands into his pockets as we both turn to see Aaron.
“You guys should be a little more careful,” he says as he walks by and goes to sit on the couch. “I was just coming to check on the score for the game.”
Danny closes his eyes, tipping his head back as he leans against the counter.
“Please don’t tell Joey,” I say going to sit next to Aaron.
He shakes his head looking at us before turning to the TV. “It’s not just Joey you have to worry about.”
“Zack?” I ask and Aaron shrugs. “You don’t seem surprised about us?”
“You two have been in love forever. It was just a matter of time,” he says, and his eyes go to the doorway where the guys are filing back through. He leans over to whisper in my ear, “I won’t say anything.”
“Thanks,” I reply, and he nods before I stand to go finish making dinner.
Chapter 19
“Welcome to Baltimore, boys!” Joey says as he jumps off the tour bus and points at the line already waiting outside The Sound Garden.
“Sold out signing,” Aaron comments, shaking his head as he puts his arm around Joey’s shoulders. “Who would’ve thought little old us would be killing it this much?”
Zack plunges off the bus, careening into Aaron and Joey as he whoops.
“So much for Killing Me Softly.” I nod towards the guys and Danny’s eyebrows rise into his forehead before he jumps onto Zack’s back.
I snap the picture just as they all collapse laughing on the ground. The crowd in front of the doors starts to turn around, and I manage to get the guys organized enough to get them heading towards the entrance they need to use before the crowd goes nuts. Inside the store is massive, and I’m shocked by the amount of people already stuffed inside as the manager guides us to where the guys are going to do the signing. They fall into their normal rhythm, signing CDs, shirts, arms, legs, and bras. Zack and Joey take it all in stride while Danny and Aaron turn various shades of red when the lingerie heads their way. I take shots on my cell phone and my camera so I can post the images live on social media. Three hours later and all the people who bought tickets have met with the guys, and while I think they should be dead from the stress of the situation, they’re still hyper. I find out why when we get onto the bus, and Aaron is giving Jordan directions.
My heart jams into my throat as Aaron turns to me and wiggles his eyebrows. “Tonight, girlie. Your ink happens tonight.”
Zack comes up next to me and starts slapping my bare upper arm, and I pull away from him. I’d almost forgotten about the whole thing.
“Seriously, as if it’s not going to be sore enough,” I hiss with narrow eyes.
Zack winks at me. “Just getting you prepared.”
“Your green is fading,” I snap back before plopping d
own on the couch.
Danny sits down next to me and puts his arm over my shoulder. “I promise it won’t be that bad.”
“I’m not really worried about the tattoo. I’m worried about how crazy all of you are going to act during it.”
He pouts at me as a reply.
“We’re going to make it the funnest tattoo you’ll ever get,” Joey says, and then he points at me. “Plus, it’ll be all shiny and pretty for the video shoot on the boardwalk tomorrow morning.”
“Pretty? As in raised and red?” I shoot back.
“Red’s my favorite color,” Aaron adds, and I stick my tongue out at him.
“How long did each of yours take?” I ask as Joey and Zack get in a random slap fight with one another. I glance over at Danny, and he’s looking down at his legs, crossed at his ankles. “Daniel Maddox.”
He inhales before slowly looking up at me and answering, “Oh, you know… a decent amount of time.”
Aaron doesn’t appear to have the same trepidation as the other guys and when I look at him he shrugs. “Six hours.”
I shoot straight up, and Danny’s arm keeps me seated instead of standing and going to face plant on my bunk. I sink back into his arm and tip my head back.
“You couldn’t warn me about the amount of time?”
Danny’s trying to look sympathetic, but he’s smirking, which means he looks undeniably adorable and I have butterflies.
“I’ll be there with you. Just relax,” he reassures me, fingertips running over the bare skin of my shoulders. “Besides this isn’t your first rodeo.”
I flip my wrist to look at my tiny ass tattoo. “This took like fifteen minutes.”
Danny runs his fingers over it, and I instantly understand why he likes it when I do it to him. I bite my lip as goose bumps rush up my inner arm.
“You’ll do just fine and then you’ll have an epic tattoo like the rest of us–an official band member,” he says, cocking his head at me when I glance up.
“Which means you have to be on tour with us for the rest of your life. So you may want to rethink this,” Joey comments in between slapping Zack in the face intermediately.
“Life’s so boring without you guys. Why would I want it any other way?” I ask, and Zack stops slapping Joey.
“For one, your sex life is going to blow. You’re never getting a boyfriend on this or any other tour bus without one of us kicking his ass,” he replies, and his eyes briefly go to Danny, who tenses next to me.
“You going to tie her knees shut?” Aaron asks, laughing into his hand as he looks at Danny and me.
Zack stands up and goes to a drawer. He pulls out a penny and throws it at me. “Keep that between them.”
I catch it and then flick it at him, so it hits him in the back of his head. Zack turns around slowly. “I can find some ducktape if you’d prefer that.”
I roll my eyes and glance over at Joey. He shrugs. “It’s an option.”
“Or I could just get you all ear plugs and eye masks,” I say, and Danny’s body really goes tense next to me.
“You have a boyfriend you’re not telling us about?” Joey asks just as the bus comes to a stop. I see the flashing tattoo light and head towards the door.
“We’re here!” I say as I rush off the bus into the tepid night air.
“Now you’re all excited,” Zack yells at my back and I turn, walking backward.
“Why shouldn’t I be? It’s just a tattoo.”
“And apparently a secret boyfriend,” Danny replies as he gets the door for me. His eyes lock on mine, lips curled up in a tease as he winks at me.
I laugh as the guys pile in after me. Aaron introduces me to Tyler, and then I’m ushered into a chair where my arm is shaved, cleaned and a stencil applied. Tyler pretty much talks to the guys the whole time he’s prepping me, and Danny takes the chance to slip his hand into mine.
“Thanks,” I whisper, and he nods.
Tyler finally says something to me. “You ready?”
“Why the hell not?” I reply and just as Tyler sets the gun buzzing Joey leans over with his cell phone and takes a picture as the tool hits my skin. It doesn’t hurt, but that doesn’t mean I’m not making a ridiculous face.
He laughs to himself as he undoubtedly posts it onto his social media account. My phone buzzes and I look down to see he’s tagged me. I repost with the hashtag Momsgoingtokillhim. I look up when his phone buzzes with my tag. He blinks at it a few times, licks his lips and locks eyes with me.
“You’re probably right,” he says, and then he looks at Danny. He smirks as he snaps a picture. Danny’s phone buzzes at the same time as mine. “Now she’s going to kill you too, Danny boy.”
Zack leans back in his chair. “Ah, you’re not going to be the favorite anymore.”
Danny looks at the picture and shakes his head. He waves his phone in Zack’s face.
“She’ll look past it and to the fact I’m holding her baby’s hand during this rough time,” he shoots back, and Zack’s smile falls.
“Ass,” he hisses.
“How about you all get on her shit list and get in a selfie with me,” I suggest, and before I can react Zack’s hanging over my lap but is careful not to touch me, Aaron’s behind me and Joey’s in Danny’s lap. The shot requires landscape and is shaky, but it still manages to be perfect. It makes me feel like I’m really supposed to be a part of this group of crazy fools, and my throat constricts as I look at them. Danny’s hand slides up a bit to touch my tattoo and our eyes lock.
“A little at a time, right?” he asks, and I smile.
Chapter 20
After six and a half hours, I’m reminded of the one thing I forgot after I got my first tattoo–the intense feeling of a sunburn you can’t scratch and can’t put anything but antibiotic ointment on. I groan as I start to roll to my side and then remember why I’m not sleeping on the side I normally do. Chuckling from across the way forces me to crack an eye open. Danny faces me as he lays in his bunk.
“It’s not funny,” I hiss at him. “I can’t sleep.”
“You’re going to be so very pleasant tomorrow, aren’t you?” he asks as he slides out of his bunk and signals for me to move over. “I’ll rub your back until you fall asleep.”
I sigh, laying on the opposite side I normally do. “I don’t think it’s going to work.”
He puts a finger to his lips before leaning down and giving me a quick kiss. “Not another word.”
“Yes, sir.”
I close my eyes as Danny’s hands run over my spine. I don’t know how quickly I fall asleep, but when I wake up, it’s to the sound of Danny singing in the kitchen. It’s a sound I know almost as well as I know Joey’s voice but for the exact opposite reason.
He sucks. It doesn’t help that he finds it entertaining for it to be so ridiculously off tune that dogs start howling with him.
I sit up and slam my head into Joey’s bunk, cursing as I flop my way out onto the floor. Danny stops singing, and when I look up, he’s standing with his arms crossed at the entrance to the kitchen.
“Did you forget there’s a button right there that closes the door so you can be as awful of a singer as you want without waking other people up?” I ask as I stand, rubbing my head and then curse again as the skin on my arm screams.
Danny’s eyes go to each of the bunks with their curtains closed and shrugs. “They sleep right through it.”
“And I thought that was only something you did in the shower,” I say, shaking my head as I walk down the hall of bunks.
“Nope, but if I remember correctly you only sing in the shower,” he comments as he turns back to the pile of pancakes he’s cooking.
I stop midstride. “You can cook?”
He looks down at the shaker container of mix. “Just add water seemed pretty simple.”
“True, but you didn’t even burn them,” I say as I poke one of them and find the consistency is perfect.
“Says medium-high heat two minutes
per side.” He signals to the dial on the stove which says the same words and then the timer on his cell phone that’s just about to go off. He flips the current pancake over and then presses the start button again. “I may be a guy, but I do know how to read.”
“But not sing,” I reply, smirking as I lean up on my toes to kiss his cheek. He turns his head, so I get his lips instead, and when I pull away, he winks.
I laugh into my hand before going to sit down at the table where glasses of orange juice are at his and Aaron’s spots, while black coffee is at all the others except mine. Mine’s already made perfectly, and I take a slow slip.
Danny puts a plate in front of me and then sits. “I could get used to this.”
“I figured you need a good breakfast for this morning and some extra sleep so you wouldn’t be a super grump,” he replies as I dig in and answer with a mhmm.
The guys stumble in without actually saying anything, per the regular morning routine, and are halfway done eating by the time any of them speak.
Joey’s the first one to talk. “So I assume you have some routine or something worked out?”
“Yeah, Danny helped me with it,” I reply.
Danny shakes his head. “She listed off a bunch of really cool sounding things, and I nodded. I have no clue what the hell you were talking about, sorry, Sky.”
I roll my eyes. “I could’ve shown you what they were.”
“Eh.” His shoulders lift. “I’m sure it’ll be sick either way.”
“Didn’t include any of us,” Zack grumbles, and I’m not surprised his first words are a complaint.
“He asked,” I point out, and Zack’s lip twitches before he shoves another forkful of food in his face.
“Who’s doing the video anyway?” I ask, and Paul lifts a hand up.
“Sound tech — videographer, basically whatever the band needs,” he explains since it’s hard for me to keep looks of skepticism off my face this early in the morning.
Danny looks down at his watch. “We should be hitting Ocean City any time now.”
Out of Beat (Boys of Fallout Book 1) Page 10