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evening. I found myself noticing how close we were sitting together. How his leg brushed mine occasionally and his fingers tapped out a rhythm on the back of my hand when I rested it between us.
    He smiled broadly at me and a lock of inky black hair fell into his eyes. “So, is the fall of mighty Rick the end of this party, or just the beginning?”
    “With him gone there’s more booze for us, right?”
    Dex groaned. “Damn it.”
    “What?”
    He leaned over and spoke into my ear. “I’m trying this friends thing but you keep reminding me that you’re the perfect woman. How can I resist you?”
    I rolled my eyes, but pleasant warmth spread through my body. “Dial it down, Romeo. We’re here for drinking, not flirting, remember?”
    “Ma’am, yes ma’am.” He grinned.
    “Good boy.”
    Hoping I’d defused the moment I turned my attention to the rest of the people left up in the VIP area with us. Most were randoms who’d wandered up or been brought by others who’d left already. Steve, the guitar tech was still there, lounging and generally enjoying himself. And the girl Rick had been with when he fell stayed behind when a group of very large men helped him out a back entrance.
    It was a typical party hurtling towards a too-late finish. Only the strong-willed and strong-livered survived.
    “What are you thinking about over there?” Dex asked me.
    “Nothing, really. Just that this has been a fun night.”
    “Fun, you say? Was that on your list of goals for the day?”
    “No, but-,” I started to say before his words really registered. “Hey, don’t tease me about my lists. I need them.”
    “We need them too. But not for everything.”
    “I don’t make one for everything.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes, really. Just…most things.”
    “I knew it. I bet you’ve got lists hidden everywhere. There are probably ten on you right now.”
    “On my phone, maybe.”
    He shook his head, burying his left eye behind hair. Instinctively I reached up and brushed it out of the way.
    Dex grabbed my hand in his. “Becca…”
    “Damn, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have touched you like that.”
    “I don’t mind.”
    I know, but…” I couldn’t finish the sentence. Couldn’t admit that beneath the friendly companionship there’d been a current of something else all night. Something the late hour, the excessive amounts of drinking and that little touch had shoved closer to the surface.
    “But what?” His voice was like raw silk.
    “But I should probably be going. Big day tomorrow. First show of the tour.”
    “Yeah.” He paused for a second as if deciding something. “Okay. Why don’t we see about that back exit, avoid the sweaty masses below?”
    “Okay. You’re not-I mean, you don’t have to leave with me.”
    Disappointment crossed his stunning features. “I won’t. I’ll just make sure you get in a car.”
    “Oh.” Now it was my turn to be disappointed. Not that I would have gone back to the hotel with him. The thought never occurred to me. I certainly didn’t wonder about the drive, the walk to the door, the elevator ride or the possibilities of a regretful parting at the door to my room. Nope, hadn’t considered it one bit.
    “Come on,” he said, pulling me up from the seat.
    I said goodnight to everyone and we made our way towards the back of the upstairs area. A bouncer pointed us in the right direction and we headed down a set of concealed stairs to the semi-busy side street.
    While I tried to hail down a cab, Dex leaned against the wall. “Aren’t you supposed to help me with this part?”
    He chuckled. “Nah. Who’d want to pick me up when they can snag a gorgeous blonde?”
    I shook my head. “You’re doing it again.”
    “I’m drunk and out of control. Forgive me.”
    I walked over and punched his arm lightly. “Never.”
    “Fine. But if you’re going to be mad at me at least let me give you a good reason.”
    “What? I-,”
    But he didn’t give me a chance to ask what he