Roseville’s best-kept secret was the talent that filled the town. There were so many singers, poets, and artists that inhibited my hometown. Every week during open mic night, I was blown away. And tonight was no different.

I watched Shiloh and Marquis do a spoken word piece together. Her beautifully, heartfelt words and his smooth tenor pulled at my heartstrings. In the few months they’d been together, they never missed a chance to show each other and us how much they adored each other. “Meant for You” an original piece they co-wrote together was yet another indication of their growing love for each other. When they finished, the room erupted in applause and cheers. Shiloh dipped her head and smiled while Marquis nodded. As they descended the steps to leave the stage, I pulled Shiloh into a hug.

“That was too cute.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Summer.”

Marquis threw his arm over her shoulder and kissed her temple. To hide her growing smile, she lowered her head. I had to get away from them. They were disgustingly adorable. Seeing them made me almost want to get back out there. But I was wise enough to know, I wasn’t ready for anything close to a relationship.

I glanced down at my clipboard to see who would be performing next. A smile played at the corners of my mouth at the sight of Khalil, Taj, and Ryder’s names. I was anxious to hear what this trio had in store for us. Once the crowd settled down, I stepped to the mic and introduced them. One by one, they hugged me before setting up their instruments.

“Wassup, Summer,” Ryder crooned in my ear as he released me from his embrace.

“Hey,” I replied quietly.

The hairs of his beard brushed against my face causing my heart to thud against my chest. When he smiled at the sight of his dimples, my stomach fluttered. We stood still for a moment, both staring at one another. His gaze was pensive and heated. The conversation from earlier came to mind, and I let out a slow exhale. The ladies were right, he was fine as hell and probably worth the trouble that came with him.

His brandy colored eyes narrowed before he made the split decision to look away. I followed suit and exited the stage before I embarrassed myself further. While they performed, I watched unashamedly. My focus on Ryder as his fingers glided across the keyboard. Taj’s falsetto swooned the crowd as he serenaded us with Maxwell’s “Pretty Wings.” Like always, he sounded heavenly. They all did. They were so in sync with one another. I knew Ryder and Taj lived together and often I imagined them having sessions such as these in their apartment.

I tore my gaze away from them and walked to the bar for a drink. Once they finished, it would be time for a fifteen-minute intermission. During that time, the in-house DJ entertained the crowd with mellow music, keeping the vibe going.

“Kenya, can you make me a green tea?” I leaned in to ask.

“You got it, Sunny,” she said back before grabbing a bottle of whiskey.

I looked back to the stage where the guys were finishing up and sighed.

“Here you go.” Kenya handed me my drink. The mix of whiskey, sweet & sour mix, and peach schnapps was delicious. Since turning twenty-one and experimenting with different cocktails, green tea had always been my favorite.

Ryder, Taj, and Khalil made their way to the bar and took turns ordering. I was standing next to Kenya as she prepared Taj’s drink first. Ryder leaned on the bar, his piercing brandy colored eyes on me.

“You bartending tonight, too?” he asked with a hint of amusement in his tone.

With a laugh, I replied, “Maybe. I’m a woman of many talents.”

“Word? Make me whatever you’re drinking.” He was challenging me, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying it.

Before I could even ask, Kenya was handing me a cocktail shaker and a bottle of Jameson. I reached behind her for the sweet and sour mix and peach schnapps. I poured a healthy shot into the shaker while winking at Ryder. He returned a sexy, intrigued smile as I continued to showcase my bartending skills. I strained his beverage into a glass and went the extra mile by garnishing it with a lemon peel.

He took a gulp and his face contorted. If I weren’t so confident in making my favorite drink, I’d be offended.

He smiled when my brow piqued and lips twisted.

“This is good. What other hidden talents do you have?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Yeah, we’ll see about that,” he paused and did a quick sweep over me. “I’m interested to see if you’re that good at playing pool or if Mel just lets you win ’cause you’re his play sister.”

I laughed. “I am that good at pool, but I won’t be able to whoop you tonight.”

His brows drew together. “Why not?”

“I have an early morning tomorrow.”

His eyes lowered and forehead wrinkled. While stroking his beard, he asked, “I guess I’ll have to take a rain check on that game then, huh?”

“I guess so.”

The DJ looked my way and pointed his chin toward the stage. It was his signal to let me know his set was ending. As much as I wanted to continue my conversation with Ryder, I had to get back to work. He pulled out a ten-dollar bill, and I shook my head almost offended that he’d think I charge him for a drink.

“Keep that for our game. I bet you ten dollars; I’ll win.”

He smiled. “It’s a bet.”

With that, I returned to the stage to announce the next act. I fought the urge to look back at, but I succumbed to the desire to see him once more. His eyes met mine, and he nodded. His arm was thrown over the bar and legs spread wide causing a tingling sensation in my stomach.

I had to remind myself that I wasn’t looking for anything or even remotely ready to dive headfirst into something…