Magic's Song (8 page)

Brent held her until her heartbeat slowed. Then, he took care of his condom and then carried her into her bedroom. He braced her against him and pulled back the covers.

Placing her on the bed, he tucked the covers around her. She smiled sleepily at him, here little grin tugging at places he didn’t want tugged.

“My God, Tanith,” he stifled the words he really wanted to say. “Who knew you’d be so fantastic in the sack?”

“Hmm. It wasn’t bad, was it?”

“Scary good. It’s almost like I’m drawn to you against my will.”

Tanith closed her half-open lids. And slept.

He dressed. Then he ran from the building, jumping from landing to landing. When he reached ground level, he leaned against the wall and covered the bridge of his nose with a fist.

“I can’t go there again, Tanith. I
have to
stay away from you.”

Chapter Ten

Tanith awoke and reached for Brent. She felt only sheet and slammed her fist into the mattress.

Of course he hadn’t stayed. “You’re a fool, Tanith Cox.”

She pushed the unfocused doubts from her mind, choosing to concentrate on feeling wonderful. The sex had been off the charts. Her entire body ached from head to toe but every part of her still tingled. She hugged herself. Even after the night of marathon sex, she wanted him again.

An unconscious thought poked at her mind, threatening to spoil her ecstasy. Something Brent said bothered her, but she couldn’t bring the memory to the surface.

She didn’t really want to bring it to the surface. She felt all giggly inside and wanted nothing to spoil that.

Brent had felt the magic too. She was sure of it.

Ugh. Bad word—magic
.

Unbidden, the memory poured over her.
It’s almost like I’m drawn to you against my will
.

She sat erect. “Ah shit.”

The night hadn’t been perfect. It hadn’t even been real.

“That damn book!” she muttered to the air.

Great. Now she was speaking aloud as if the book could actually hear her.

Tears trickled down her cheeks. “He only came here because of that damn book.”

The accidental pun made her feel a little better. Well, maybe he came because they were so good together, but he had arrived at her apartment because of her wish.

She wanted Brent, but she had to make sure he’d chosen to be with her. Of his own free will. She didn’t want a man under a spell.

Her greedy body didn’t want to risk what they’d had.
You said yourself, that book has no magic.
Why hex a good thing?

A counterargument formed in her mind. If Brent hadn’t come to her apartment because of that damn wish, then wishing for his free will wouldn’t hurt anything.

She felt better and checked her watch. If she hurried, she could drop by Nana’s house and still make it to the campus library in time for her Sunday study group. She retrieved her old bike and cycled as if the wheels were on fire.

Nana didn’t answer the doorbell so Tanith found the key in the pot of rosemary and hurried inside. She bolted up the two floors to the attic, making a beeline for the book. Once she held it, she hesitated.

Her hands traced the letters,
The Magic of Life
. The night, or morning, had been magical. Did she really want to throw it away?

It wasn’t really a magic book, she reminded herself. It was just a book. Her wish would have no effect on her relationship with Brent, whatever that might be. A one-night stand? Something more?

She pushed aside her conflicting emotions and concentrated on her task. “I don’t believe you’re magic,” she whispered to the leather cover, “but I’m taking no chances.” Whatever Brent felt, she loved him. If he wanted her, his choice had to be his own.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said louder. The words,
I don’t want Brent to do anything that isn’t of his own free will
, formed in her mind, but she didn’t voice them. If she learned anything from her previous wishes, it was that she must be very specific.

“I want Brent to be with me only if that is what he would have done if I hadn’t made any wishes.”

There. It was done.

****

Tanith didn’t know why she’d bothered to join her study group. Her mind, filled with memories of Brent’s body, hadn’t been able to focus. She returned to her apartment after the session with her daydreams battling in her mind. In one fantasy, she and Brent made love every night. In the other, he said, “It’s been fun, toots, but it’s me, not you.”

The Tough Guys were booked every weekend, so Brent had reduced practices to once a week—Thursdays. Surely he wouldn’t wait five days before he talked to her.

Brent didn’t call.

On Thursday, she dressed with special care, wearing a new purple lace bra and thong she’d purchased on a positive day. She’d washed her hair with an expensive shampoo, also new, pleased with the result. She ran her fingers through the shiny tresses, hoping they’d beckon Brent’s touch.

She’d hemmed an old tank top so it would reveal a little midriff and donned her new jeans. After one last glance in her new mirror, Tanith removed the bra. She stared at her reflection, liking the way her girls pressed against the fabric, liking the memory of Brent’s tongue on her breasts even more.

Her bravado died when she reached the club. Now that the Tough Guys were playing regular gigs, the group practiced on stage instead of in Brent’s garage.

The security guard glanced up, and then looked back at his magazine. He raised his head again for a double take. “Hey, Tan. You’re looking extra sexy tonight.”

It took her a couple of seconds to realize the security guard had spoken. Beyond the guard, Brent smiled and waved her forward.

Tanith wrapped her arms around her midriff.
At least he isn’t acting weird. That’s got to be a good sign.

The practice session went well. Brent didn’t pay her any special attention, but he didn’t rag on her either. After every song, he critiqued, “Good...not bad…great.”

His earlier hostility had vanished completely. Definitely a good sign.

During their break, Marcus commented, “See, I told you Brent was a decent man. Now that our debut is over and the talent scouts have seen us, he’s a regular guy again.”

Tanith nodded, even though there was nothing
regular
about Brent. Naturally it wouldn’t occur to Marcus that she and Brent had been intimate. Brent was a cool dude. She was just the shy singer.

“You mean since the reviews weren’t bad?” she joked, trying to ignore the sting. She also wished she could feel excited about the rave reviews, but she didn’t like the direction things were going. Small town celebrity had been great, but she didn’t want real fame.

Marcus laughed. “Not bad? You’re joking, right?”

“Yeah,” she replied.

“The reviews were bloody great,” Marcus growled. “And you’re our shining star.”

She worked to keep her forced smile on her face. Strange she didn’t want something she’d once hungered for. Since when had she become such a private person? And why couldn’t she think of anything other than the fact Brent hadn’t called.

She hurried to the bathroom and splashed water on her face. Brent had been busy. That’s all.

After another set of songs, the group took another break. Tanith went searching for Brent, hoping to get some indication of where they stood. She’d almost given up on finding him, when she spotted him in a niche behind the stage.

She walked forward, determined to have a conversation. And froze in her tracks.

Amanda and Brent were locked in an embrace. More precisely, Amanda kissed him on the mouth, doing things with her hips that made Tanith feel nauseous. She waited for Brent to push her away.

He didn’t.

Tanith wanted to back away, but her legs wouldn’t move. Brent’s arms were still by his side. His mouth wasn’t moving. Maybe he just needed rescuing.

She cleared her throat. Brent lifted his head.

“Go away,” Amanda snarled.

Instead of looking embarrassed, Brent smiled at her. He gave Amanda a playful push. “We do need to get back to work. You go ahead. I need to talk to Tanith.”

Amanda frowned. “So talk.”

Brent nudged her chin with his fist. Tanith wanted to puke.

“I need to talk to her alone.”

Amanda narrowed her eyes, but after several seconds she stomped away.

Brent smiled, his expression about as genuine as Amanda’s boobs. “Tan, about the other night…”

Gads, she knew it. “You don’t have to say anything,” she said quickly, not wanting to hear another
it’s me, not you
speech.

He nodded, the relief on his face breaking her heart. “You were great, Tan, but I’m…”

“Not to worry. I don’t have time for anything serious either.” A lie. She would have made time, but he…she wouldn’t think about it. Not now.

She forced a smile on her face, determined to keep it there when all she really wanted was to disintegrate on the spot.

He gave Tanith a bigger smile. “That’s my girl. Shall we get back to practice?”

Amanda smirked at her when they walked back to the stage. Tanith used every portion of her willpower to keep from running out of the club.

She stumbled over the lyrics during their last set, but Brent didn’t yell. “I’ve probably worked you guys too long anyway. Great job.” He called from the door without looking back, “See you guys tomorrow night.”

Tanith looked at the floor, not sure how long she could carry out the charade. She couldn’t look at Brent without feeling ripped apart. How could she possibly stay with the band?

But she’d signed a contract.

Chapter Eleven

The group played to a packed crowd that weekend. Everyone else rode the high the realization of a dream brings. Tanith tried, but she couldn’t share their glee. Brent acted like nothing had ever happened between them. Almost six weeks since their sex Olympics and the hurt hadn’t lessened one iota. Their night of magic had been just sex—at least to him.

Worse, people on the street were starting to recognize her and she hated the celebrity. A couple of teens had even asked for an autograph. She wanted to quit the group and go back to oblivion, but she refused to run away. She could probably get out of her obligation, but what if the search for a new singer jeopardized Brent’s ride to fame? As much as she hurt, she couldn’t do that to him. Or to the rest of the band.

At every practice, Brent headed for the door the second the last set concluded. Maybe he’d found another quickie partner.

Tanith approached Marcus during a break, doing her best to sound casual. “What’s with Brent and his disappearing act?” If she could confirm Brent had a new cookie, maybe she could move on.

Marcus shook his head. “I knew you’d fall for him sooner or later.”

She glared, not liking the implication, “I am not one of his groupies!”

“Chill. I was only joking, luv. I never said you were a groupie—you think I have a death wish?” Marcus laughed. “You two are a lot alike, you know? Both of you are too serious and too damn dumb to appreciate the rock scene. I meant no insult, chickee. Don’t get your new thong in a wad.” He gave a playful tug on the strap visible above her new hip huggers. “Why do you care where he goes anyway?”

She slapped his hand away. “I was just curious.”

“Sure.” He shrugged his shoulders in an exaggerated gesture. “Seriously, sweetheart. Don’t fall for him. I’ve never seen Brent get serious about anyone.”

“Anyone?” Tanith was surprised. “But, Amanda—”

“Anyone.” Marcus confirmed. “You can’t listen to anything Amanda says.”

“Me? Listen to Amanda? I’m not an idiot, Marcus.”

“You’re not?” He opened his mouth in pretended amazement.

She laughed. She’d left herself wide open.

The expression on Marcus’s face turned thoughtful. “It’s good to see you laugh again, chickee. I was afraid this scene was getting to you.”

“It’s good to laugh again. I’ve been stressed out since…” Since Brent had basically said the best night of her life was a one-night stand. “Well, forever. Brent’s weird behavior just makes it worse.”

“Forget Brent.”

Tanith opened her mouth to protest, but Marcus put his finger against her lips. “No denials. Just forget him. He’s missing the relationship gene.”

“At least he’s not berating me anymore.” She hoped her casual comment hid how hopeless she felt.

“True,” Marcus replied. “I’ve seen him like this a couple of times before. When he’s working on a new set of songs, he withdraws. Usually though, he’s a bastard when he’s writing. His upbeat mood is confusing even me. But we’re not talking about him. What’s going on with you?”

“What do you mean? I thought you said I sound great.” Tanith forced another smile.

Marcus frowned. “You do. You just don’t look great.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Come on, doll. We both know you’re a looker. I mean you don’t look
happy
.”

“I’m fine, Marcus.” She didn’t want to discuss the state of her mind. “I have to go. See you tomorrow.”

He grabbed her arm. “Seriously, luv. You’re our meal ticket. As great as Brent’s songs are, they’re just lyrics without you.”

“No pressure there.” She tried to grin, but something seemed to punch her stomach from inside her skin. “I really have to go.”

“Just promise you won’t quit until after the tracks are laid.”

“I won’t leave you hanging.” She whirled, unable to face the guy who’d become a good friend. There had to be a way to get out of her contract without hurting the band. The longer she stayed, the more her heart would shatter.

“If you get lonely,” Marcus yelled as she walked, “there’s always me.”

“Yeah,” Tanith joked, “I’ll take a number.”

****

Brent glanced at his watch. A half hour late. He’d never been late for a rehearsal, but he doubted the group would complain. Not after he told them the news. He did wonder, for the third time, why he wasn’t happier.

If you could share the news with Tanith, it would be sweeter.

He pushed the heel of his palm into his forehead. Ridiculous thought. Hadn’t he vowed to keep another woman from trampling him? He’d done the right thing when he brushed Tanith off. For all her sweetness, she wasn’t that different from Amanda. Actually, she was very different from Amanda, but he had no time for getting involved.