Chapter 5

 

Lilly

As everyone headed toward the exit doors, Hutch led me to the backstage entrance, his hand on my lower back. Everyone in Colton’s band seemed to know Hutch, giving him fist bumps and those complicated handshakes guys did with each other. There was an awkward moment when Colton’s drummer let out a low whistle.

“Did you bring us a groupie? We’re pretty full up, but I’ll make room for this pretty thing.”

I’d never heard a man growl before, but that’s what Hutch did. “This is a warning, but if you say anything else to her or about her, I’ll make sure it’ll be your last words for a good, long time.”

“He was joking, Hutch,” I said, pulling his arm.

“Yeah, just kidding around, man,” the drummer confirmed, holding his hands up in a surrender gesture.

“I missed the punch line,” he replied, but thankfully, he took a deep breath and kept walking.

“Hey bro,” Colton greeted, giving Hutch a huge bear hug. “Did you like the show?” Colton turned toward me, his pierced eyebrow raising. “Or were you too distracted?”

“It was a good show, man. You didn’t need to share your spotlight with me, but what you said was nice.” His smile brightened as he turned to me, “This is Lilly. We both had the same seat number so we decided to share.”

Colton shook my hand. “I’m sorry about the mix-up.” He handed me a card. “This is my manager’s information. The next time you want to see a show, call her up, and she’ll make sure you get a good seat on me.”

“Thank you. I hope I can come to another show.”

“Why couldn’t you?” Colton asked.

“I might be traveling for the next few years.” Colton looked from me to Hutch. “But this seat was just fine,” I added. I smiled at Hutch. “No complaints.”

Colton’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sure we’ll hit a city you’re in. We’re gonna be on the road a ton this year and next.”

“Are you planning on a European tour?” I asked.

“Europe, eh?”

“Lilly’s a dancer and she’s auditioned for an international company,” Hutch explained.

“Nothing is for sure,” I said.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Hutch said. “You’re very good.”

I laughed. “How would you know?”

If I hadn’t been looking so close I would have missed the slight way his smile faltered. “You forgot about our little dance already?”

I shake my finger at him. “That’s right.”

“Am I that forgetful?” He asked, the smirk making an appearance again.

Something told me I would remember this night for a long time to come and not just because it was my first concert. “I wouldn’t say that.”

Colton cleared his throat. We turned as he waved his hands between us. “Hey guys, still here. Did y’all forget me? Colton Keyes? Indie rock star? Hot as fuck younger brother.”

“How could we forget? There’s hardly room back here with your big head.”

Colton ignored Hutch’s ribbing. “To answer your question, Lilly, a Euro tour is not in the works, but you never know. So how long will you be gone exactly?”

“It’s a three year renewable contract.”

I caught a glimpse of the sad look Colton exchanged with his brother before Hutch clapped him on the back.

 “That’s great news, isn’t it? I’m sure she’ll get it.”

 “Well, let me at least give you an autograph,” Colton said.

“That would be great.”

He reached for a glossy photo. I fumbled through my purse until I found my digital camera.

Colton glanced at the small, silver, rectangular device sideways as trying to figure out what it was. “Wow, I thought everyone just used their phones these days,” Colton said, signing the photo with a sharpie. “You’re old school, Lilly. I bet you have a dial up modem and use a fax machine too. Did you travel here in a time machine?”

“Not quite. I started using this for pictures since I’m probably going to need a new phone in Europe. Its wishful thinking, but I didn’t want to miss getting a picture tonight.”

“That’s smart,” Colton said, gesturing for me to stand in the spot next to him.

“Um…actually, I was hoping you could snap the picture? If you don’t mind that is.”

Colton looked confused for a moment until I stood next to Hutch, who pulled me against his chest.

“I think you just shattered the best part of me, Lilly,” Colton said, taking the camera and holding his other hand over his chest.

“Don’t tell me I broke your heart.”

He winked, his grin widening. “Something much larger and more difficult to put back together. My ego.”

“Something I’ve been trying to do for years,” Hutch whispered as Colton snapped the picture.

I looked from one brother to the other. Besides hair and eye coloring, they did have very similar features. Colton had sandy brown hair and green eyes whereas Hutch was a sandy-blond with rich brown eyes. They were both striking specimens of male hood, but there was that something in Hutch I recognized in myself. We were loners. We were lonely.

A few seconds of silence ticked by, and I filled the void before it became too awkward. I hated to say goodbye, but I also didn’t want to keep taking up space with no purpose. I took the camera from Colton. “Thank you. I really enjoyed the show. I should go. I’m sure you two have a lot to catch up on.”

Stop me, Hutch. Don’t let me go. Not yet.

“Actually, we hung out last night when I got into town,” Colton said. “I need to finish the song I’m working on anyway. I have a room at the Edgerton Hotel, but I think I’ll stay on the tour bus tonight and work.” He looked at his brother. “You want the room, Tin Man?”

“In case you forgot, I live here now and have an apartment.”

Colton sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah with three other guys.”

“So?”

Damn…did Hutch not understand what was going on? Even my inexperienced mind could comprehend Colton’s suggestion. “I hear that hotel is gorgeous,” I offered, squeezing his hand while holding my breath. “I’ve always wanted to see the inside.”

Hutch stared at me for a moment before a beaming smile of comprehension stretched across his face. “I’ll take you up on that, brother.”

Was I actually contemplating a one-night stand with a man I’d just met? It wasn’t the most reasonable decision of my life. Nevertheless, I wanted it so much, especially with all the butterflies in my stomach spurring me on. I’d made all the right choices, devoting myself to my studies and training. I took solace in treading the shallow water instead of diving into the deep. Right now, I just wanted to dive into the deep...so deep I might just fucking drown.

There was an intense, undeniable lust so raw and pure between us that I refused to deny myself. I certainly would not regret my actions.

Hutch pocketed the keycard and I tucked away the last of my misgivings.