Blame it on the Tequila by Fiona Cole (the reading strategies book txt) 📕

on to his wrists, finding comfort in our connection—in the soft skin on the inside of his wrists, where I found the soothing beat of his pulse.

“Nova,” he whispered just for me. “You can do this. We can do this. I’m right there with you.”

We may not have repeated that night—agreeing to not push the limits, but there was no denying the relationship between us. I didn’t know much about intimacy, but the moments between Parker and me left me bare—stripped to nothing but me. I couldn’t fathom anything more honest or close.

He made me better—brave. Hence, why when I would shy away, all he had to do was hold out his hand, and I trusted him enough to step into his light.

Just like I would now.

“Okay,” I agreed with a nod.

His smile lit up my world, and it took all I had to remain rooted to the ground and not press up, closing the gap to latch on to his beautiful mouth. Not a day went by that I didn’t remember how perfect they’d tasted.

The guys whooped and high-fived.

I bounced around and shook out my limbs, waiting for them to call our name. I went out back and warmed up my voice. I’d never had professional training, but I knew my body well enough to know that first note was always hard to hit with cold vocal cords.

But all my nerves were for nothing. When I got on that stage, thirty seconds into the first song, the crowd faded. First, I lost myself to Parker, meeting his gaze during the first chorus as we locked into the perfect harmony.

Then, as we moved through the set, I lost myself to the music like I did with my art. I relaxed and danced to the beat Oren kept on the drums, played air guitar with my back pressed to Brogan. Jumped around with Ash and Parker during their most upbeat song. It was like any other practice of goofing around and having the best time.

I loved it. And I wouldn’t have had it without Parker pushing me.

When the set ended, I bounced off the stage and was hoisted up into Oren’s arms, and twirled around.

As soon as he put me down, another set of arms wrapped around me from behind. “Kickass, Supernova,” Ash whispered in my ear.

Brogan mussed my hair with his giant palm like I was a dog who did a good job. I was sure my cheeks would crack from so much smiling, and when Brogan shifted out of the way, there stood Parker, watching with pride and awe—for me. Knowing I put that look of wonder on his face had me flying even higher. I patted Ash’s arm, and he let me free so I could run into Parker’s arms.

When I leaped, he caught me. I wrapped my legs around his waist and squeezed for all I was worth.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I whispered.

He smiled into my neck, and we held on for dear life like we were trying to meld our energy into one. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You know when to push me.”

“It’s okay to be in the spotlight, Nova. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Almost desperate to place my lips on his, I somehow managed to divert and smack a giant kiss to his cheek.

“Hey, where’s mine,” Oren whined.

I blew him a kiss, and he caught it, rubbing his palm between his legs. “Gross,” I said, pretending to gag.

As much as I didn’t want to, I relaxed my grip to get down. What proceeded was the most erotic slide down his body, my mouth inches from his, my breasts scraping along every dip and curve of his chest, and I swore I could feel a slight bulge grazing my core and abdomen.

I whimpered when my feet finally touched the ground, not wanting to part.

“Haunted Obsession,” someone called.

We parted and turned to find a tall, broad man strolling toward us. I almost had to do a double-take because while I’d never met Brogan’s dad, this man looked like he could be Brogan’s dad. But darker. An older, darker Viking built the same way as Brogan.

“Hey, I’m Grant Sommers from GS Productions. I was one of the judges and just wanted to come say how amazing I thought you guys were.”

“Thanks, Grant. We appreciate it,” Parker said, shaking his hand.

They all introduced themselves, and I lingered back, letting them have their moment. Except when he looked past the guys to me. “I didn’t know you had a female singer, too.”

“Hi, I’m Nova.” I waved, taking a small step into the circle.

“Yeah, Supernova is our secret weapon. She basically keeps us all in line and sings when we can coax her to,” Ash explained.

“Very cool.” Grant looked me up and down but not in a sexual way. More like he was trying to piece together a puzzle. “Well, she may have been the weapon you needed to win. I’m only one judge, but you have my vote tonight. In fact, here’s my card. Email me, and maybe we can set up some shows.”

Parker accepted the card, and they all barely held in their excitement until Grant left. As soon as he rounded the corner, they jumped, shoved, punched, hugged, and even shrieked a little for joy.

The excitement kept pouring in when they were announced the winners of the night, winning a prize package, including money, equipment, and a spot to open for a band at a big concert venue.

By the time we made it back to the apartment, I was beat, but they talked me into joining them down on the basketball court in the basement for beers.

“That was fucking awesome. Best night ever,” Brogan said. He leaned back against the cement wall, his eyes closed, a beer clutched in his hand, and a serene smile on his face.

“Dude,” Oren said, abandoning the basketball he tossed around. He was the only one on his feet still. We all lined the wall, looking exactly like Brogan. Happy and