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wanted.
    He knew she lacked anything resembling kindness, but over time, he discovered a truly nasty person lurked inside her voluptuous shape. His heart had taken a hikea long time before his person managed to follow. The break from her had almost broken up the band.
    Never again.
    “I said, doing what?”
    Brent sighed, wishing he could ignore her, but he knew she’d keep asking the question until he answered.
    “Amanda, I’m working here. I wasn’t talking to you and I don’t want to start now. I need to be here, but if you keep needling me, I’ll leave.”
    “Ah, poor baby. That’s not very friendly.”
    “Don’t go there.” Brent had fallen for her can’t-we-just-be-friends act before. They couldn’t. He had also fallen for her give-me-one-more-chance and it’s-just-sex routines. The results were the same—more attempts at manipulation, more disaster.
    She wanted him back, he got that, but she didn’t care about him. She just couldn’t stand to lose.
    Undaunted, Amanda walked around the piano and propped her elbows on his keyboard, squeezing her breasts tightly between her arms. Knowing her, the boob display was intentional. He couldn’t remember the last time so much cleavage had so little appeal. Probably never.
    “Amanda, please move.”
    “You like her, don’t you?”
    “Like who?” Brent knew exactly who she meant.
    “Oh pleeeease. You’re too smart to play dumb.”
    “If you’re asking about Tanith, I like her voice very much. Correction, I love her voice.”
    “This is me you’re talking to, Brent. I know you better than anyone. You may not like it, but I do. I know you like her, the female.”
    Brent bristled at the dig on Tanith’s behalf. The new singer didn’t even rate being called a woman or girl—she was “the female.” He wanted to snap, but that was exactly the reaction Amanda wanted.
    Realizing he’d defended Tanith in his mind, Brent masked his face and his emotions. Besides, he wasn’t that dumb. He’d learned from previous screaming bouts with Amanda. The only way to escape without scars was to show no emotion.
    The woman pushed. “So are you going to admit it?”
    He glared at her. Amanda did have an uncanny knack for knowing what he thought. It wouldn’t do to let her know she’d guessed the truth. Besides, he couldn’t let it be true. Tanith was the band’s singer, nothing more.
    “Actually, I’ve sworn off women—not that it’s any of your business.”
    She flashed him her best smile. He knew it was her best because he’d seen her practice it in the mirror often enough. “That’s understandable. After me, any other woman would be ho-hum.”
    “Yeah, that’s probably it.” Brent bit his lip, determined not to say anything else.
    “If you play your cards right,” she purred, “you could have me again.”
    Working hard to keep his face expressionless, Brent stood and grabbed his jacket. Only when he’d reached the door did he dare speak. “I’ve found it’s always best to fold when you have a lousy hand. Lock up when you leave.”
    Sometimes retreat was the only option.

Chapter Six
    Tanith stood outside the door of Brent’s garage, wondering what she should do next. Her stomach clawed against her lungs. In the week since her audition, she’d convinced herself it had been a fluke. She wasn’t good enough to sing with the Tough Guys.
    I can’t do this . If she couldn’t talk, how could she possibly sing?
    She took three steps backward, and then turned to bolt toward the road. She stood transfixed, watching the taillights of Darson’s car as he drove away. Her pal wouldn’t be back for three hours.
    She slumped down to her knees on the asphalt, tears forming in her eyes. She couldn’t walk home. The practice site was miles from nowhere.
    Why couldn’t band practice have been in the same place as the auditions?
    The door opened. Julian hovered over her, tapping the end of a pack of cigarettes. “Better get inside, luv. You’re way