Dusk & Dawn

Chapter 15

The clock struck 8:15 pm, signalling that it was time for me to make a move and ensure I reached my gig on time. The guys had already packed up their equipment and stowed it away in Jimmy's storage room, allowing us to maneuverer into our cars without being cramped by instruments.

Lexi wrapped her arms around Zach's neck, engaging in a passionate make-out session. It was growing increasingly intense, and I felt like an unwelcome intruder. So, I positioned myself near the front door, waiting for everyone else. As Mason departed, he bestowed a manly slap on Jim's shoulder.

"Good luck, firecracker! You'll do great, love," Jim exclaimed, offering a thumbs-up from behind the bar, his enthusiastic smile radiating warmth within me.

Skeeter and Tommy split from our group, heading towards a blue Subaru, while the rest of us hurriedly piled into Zach's car. Once Zach, Lexi, Mason, and I were settled in, we raced off to the Next nightclub, with the others following closely behind in the Subaru. My stomach performed awkward flips, as if a swarm of bees had taken residence within. Whether it was due to Zach's wild driving or my nerves, I couldn't determine. But having Mason seated next to me heightened my unease more than usual. He exuded the scent of fresh cologne, his muscles straining against his taut shirt. My eyes involuntarily wandered along his chiselled jawline, lingering on his lips and tracing down his chest.

Mason turned towards me, casually placing his left ankle on his right knee, stealing a sidelong glance in my direction.
"Did you have fun?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness.

"I actually did, thank you. Your song choices were... intriguing," I replied, attempting to engage in conversation to distract myself from my nerves. However, it proved futile.

"Well, you know..." His hand briefly brushed against my shoulder before retracting.

"You inspired my song choices tonight," he admitted, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Was he as nervous as he seemed?

"Well, I loved them. I think you guys did a fantastic job. When's your next show?" I interjected, trying to shift the focus. The intensity grew uncomfortable as he leaned closer, his arm resting casually behind my head.

"Probably next week sometime. Why? Are you interested in coming to dance for me again?" he teased, wearing a mischievous grin. So he had noticed me dancing, even if it was just for a fleeting moment. Mortifying for me, I'm sure, but undeniably amusing for him.

"No, I was actually going to say that you guys could use some fine-tuning in your sound. It needs a little work." I responded, half-jokingly. Mason stroked his chin, contemplating as he rubbed his five o'clock shadow.

"You should totally come to our next practice and grace us with your expertise, Miss OCD," he suggested, playfully ruffling my hair. I squealed, swatting his hands away, unable to suppress the smile spreading across my face. If he wanted me at Amity Projects' next practice, I would be there—for the sake of the music, of course.

"Okay, okay, but only because I care about Jimmy's precious ears," I retorted, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

"Girl, please," he countered, adopting a feminine voice as he flicked his imaginary long hair. "We're fantastic."

"We'll see just how fantastic you can be after I work my 'OCD' magic on you," I quipped, forming quotation marks with my fingers, playfully tousling his hair. He wrinkled his nose and smoothed down his hair, flashing a wide smile. He looked effortlessly attractive with his hair tousled or perfectly styled. But he looked particularly stunning when he smiled and exuded happiness. When our eyes met, the electricity between us ignited, setting off a white-hot fire coursing through my veins. Being myself around him felt effortless, natural... and dangerous.