Musically in Love

Chapter 1

McKinley's POV

My fingers drummed against the counter, tapping along to the 80s rock song that was softly playing through the store's speakers. There were no customers, which made my job a whole lot easier while also being boring as hell.

My gaze landed on one of the electric guitars hanging on the wall. The Gibson hung there like a trophy, broadcasting its beauty and expensiveness to anyone who would come into the store. I wanted it. I even, metaphorically, drooled over it every chance I got. I could have taken it down to practice on it if I wanted to, especially during times like these when there were no customers, but, honestly, I didn't trust myself not to break it. Then I would have to buy it and, even with my employee discount, it costs way more than I could ever afford.

The soft jingling of the bell above the door brought my attention away from my dream guitar. Finally, a customer.

If there was anything better than staring at a pretty guitar all day, it was when a pretty customer walked in. He was tall, easily a foot taller than me. Blond hair fell across his face, but not in a slobbish way. It was definitely a sexy, almost surfer-dude look, even though we were hours from the nearest ocean. He was skinny, too, and when he started down one of the aisles, I was so glad for the chance to watch that perfect ass that those black skinny jeans fit so perfectly.

I let my mind wander just a little too far - wondering what Mr. Sexy would look like without those jeans on - that I didn't notice when he walked up to the counter. At least, not until he cleared his throat and dropped the book of beginner guitar sheet music in front of me.

"H-hi," I squeaked out in a very prepubescent voice. I blushed, hoping he didn't notice as I grabbed the book to scan it. "Is this everything?"

Mr. Sexy let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah." He then seemed to read the words on the cover of the book as I held it up and glanced away from me. "It's uh, for my little brother. He wants to learn."

"That's awesome," I said, ignoring the fact that I'm pretty sure he was buying the book for himself, not his brother. "I actually play. It's easy once you get the hang of it." Putting the book into a plastic bag, I handed it to him. "We even offer lessons, if, you know, your brother needs a little extra help learning. I've been told I'm a great teacher."

He handed me a twenty dollar bill, a small smile on his face. "Thanks. I'll let him know."

In a sudden burst of confidence, I grabbed a pen at the same time I grabbed the receipt. Then I quickly wrote my name and number at the bottom of the thin paper.

"Have a great day," I said with a smile, handing him the receipt and his change.

"You too." He glanced at the receipt. "McKinley."

I blushed, unable to help myself. I couldn't do anything else as he turned and walked all the way through the store and out the front door.

It was pathetic - I was pathetic. Did I really just give a guy my number? A customer, no less! I swore I was never going to do that, and yet, I just did. What have I come to?

The rest of my shift went by pretty quickly. I had a couple more customers come in, one of which was a lesson - piano, which I can't play, so Emma came in to teach the kid. By the time I could leave for the day, my thoughts were completely captivated by a ton of different 80s rock songs and very inappropriate thoughts of Mr. Sexy.

The first thing I announced to my roommate when I got back to our apartment was completely unintended. "I need to get laid." It wasn't the first time I've said something like this, blurting out whatever happens to be running through my mind, so I honestly didn't expect Ben to react.

But he did, not even bothering to look up from the video game he was playing. "Not with me, you're not."

I made a face. "Ew, no. Sorry, but no."

Not that Ben wasn't attractive, because he was. It had more to do with the fact that I learned not to fall for my friends, especially not the straight friends. That just leads to a whole new level of heartbreak I never wanted to experience again.

Thankfully, Ben understood, laughing at my answer rather than getting offended. With a sigh, he dropped the controller into his lap and looked up at me. "Why are we single?"

Now it was my turn to laugh. "Maybe because we're losers with no lives?" He shook his head. I sat on the arm rest of the couch. "Actually, though, you'll never guess what I did today."

"What?"

I played with the hem of my shirt. I almost didn't want to admit it. "I, uh, I gave my number to a guy today."

"No shit. Really?"

I nodded. "Dude, he was seriously like Mr. Sexy. I felt a blubbering idiot, but I'm pretty sure he was kinda flirting back with me. He's probably not going to call, but at least I'm not as pathetic as you, who will never get a girl by sitting here playing video games in your boxers all day!"

Ben reached over and shoved me, sending me right to the floor. I deserved it, I'll admit the push, but not the pain that shot up my spine when I landed. That was just cruel.

"Was that necessary?" I exclaimed, rolling over onto my stomach, not bothering to even sit up. "That hurt, Ben."

He just picked up his controller, pressing play. "Yeah? Well, get over it, McKinley."

I huffed in exasperation, dropping my chin to the floor. My thoughts drifted back to Mr. Sexy. I was really hoping he'd give me a call.

A/N: Hello! Welcome to Musically in Love! Enjoy!