Page 21 of Memphis Bound

I glance between them, curious. Clearly, he opened this place for a reason, and she knows what it is. Now, I want to know. But I don't get the chance to ask before Riley turns back to me, mischief in her gray eyes.

"If there's another fight, can you crack this one over the head with a bottle for me?" she asks, flashing her dimples at me. "Preferably a full, heavy one. Maybe it'll knock some sense into him."

"Happily," I agree with a tiny smile. "But I don't think it'll help. He's hellbent on being senseless."

Priest and Cash both laugh.

Memphis just smirks at me. "I've got plenty of goddamn sense. I got you to agree to work for me, didn't I, Toto?"

"I'm just using you to avoid drunk karaoke at the Waffle Casa, Memphis." I roll my eyes at him, turning to find Cash grinning at me. ""Hi," I whisper. "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, sweetheart," he says, shaking my hand like his wife did. His grip is firm, but not overly so.

"What's up, doll?" Priest lifts his chin in a nod instead of shaking my hand. Small scars crisscross the backs of his, almost like burn marks.

"Priest plays guitar, Toto," Memphis explains. "We found his sorry ass in a bar in Mexico about a year ago. He didn't have a fucking clue who he was, but the son of a bitch could play. He's been with the band ever since."

"It's nice to meet you," I murmur to him.

"You too," he says, turning back to his beer. He seems distracted, or sad maybe. I'm not sure, but I don't think he's handling the situation with Mina well, whoever she is. I make a mental note to ask Memphis about it later. There's a story there, and I'm curious to hear it.

"Memphis has told us a lot about you," Riley says, her eyes bright with curiosity. "I've been meaning to come by and meet you. I'm glad I finally got the chance."

I glance at Memphis, whose smirk only confirms that he's been talking about me. My heart flutters at the thought of him sharing stories of me with the people who matter to him. I shouldn't want that. It's dangerous. And yet…I like knowing that I've gotten under his skin.

His gaze drops to my lips, and his eyes darken with desire. I shiver, remembering what his lips are capable of doing to me. Of how they make me feel.

"Are you from Nashville?" Riley asks, pulling me out of the dangerous territory my thoughts were wandering into.

"No. I'm new to town."

"Oh. How long have you been here?"

"Just a few weeks," I answer, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Well, you've made quite the impression in a short amount of time," she continues, studying me intently. "Memphis seems to think highly of you."

"Damn straight." Memphis winks at me, making me blush.

Riley smirks, looking between us. "What brought you to Nashville?"

"Needed a change of pace," I reply, keeping it vague. I'm not about to spill the real reason I'm here—not yet, anyway. Not to her. When I talk, it'll be to Memphis. "Nashville seemed like a good place to start fresh."

"Seems like you've found more than just a new job here," Riley says, her eyes flicking back and forth between Memphis and me.

"Riley, let the girl breathe," Cash interjects, placing a hand on her shoulder with a chuckle.

"Crap." She grimaces apologetically. "I'm so sorry. I'm not trying to be pushy or anything. I'm just horribly nosy. Memphis never talks about his personal life, but he hasn't stopped talking about you." Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she spills his secret. "It made me curious."

I glance at Memphis, who meets my gaze, unwavering. If he's embarrassed to be called out, he doesn't show it. He's shameless, holding my gaze boldly, as if he wants me to know that he can't stop thinking about me.

"What'd I tell you, Toto?" he asks, his gravelly voice grating against my womb as the corner of his lip kicks up into a half-smirk. "You can't get rid of me."

"That's my cue to get out of here," Riley says, sliding from her stool. "Memphis, don't forget that the tour starts in a few weeks. You better be at the next practice."

The mention of the tour causes Memphis's smirk to falter. He rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'll be there, Riley. See you later. You too, Cash."

"I'm going to get the fuck out of here too," Priest says, hauling himself to his feet. "I've got shit to do."