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as a performer. She often dropped in to surprise Scott Sanders with an impromptu jam session with his in-house band, led by vocalist Eli Waverly and drummer Shelton Innes. Still, the fact that Scottie’s was located less than ten minutes from her home, was Kianti’s favorite thing about the club.
    Having a close friendship with the drummer was a plus as well. Shelton Innes recognized her as part of theaudience one evening shortly after Kianti had started attending the group’s performances several years earlier. He kept the spotlight on her until she had accepted his offer to join them on stage. The set was one of her fondest memories, and she and Shelton had been the best of friends ever since. It was Shelton who pulled Kianti onboard in the collaboration for the school that several other musicians hoped to open for musically gifted kids.
    Kianti often made a point of stopping in to chat with the group after she’d been out of town performing. She waited a few nights to make an appearance there following her return from Washington. She’d come prepared to perform and the group didn’t hesitate to demand her presence on stage shortly after she arrived at Scottie’s that evening.
    The group was in the midst of a mellow albeit affecting session when Therin arrived at the club. It wasn’t hard finding her address. He’d arrived only to find her on her way out. Thankfully, it hadn’t been too difficult to follow her to the club that was only a short distance away. Now what? he asked himself while claiming a seat at the bar in hopes of keeping himself somewhat shielded from her line of sight. He took a seat near the end of the bar figuring Kianti wouldn’t notice him there. He wondered whether she’d even notice him at all. They really hadn’t had all that much time together. Thinking on that, he couldn’t ignore the question that had been plaguing him since he headed south instead of north to Canada upon leaving Washington State. Exactly what was he doing there?
    He decided it was best not to seek an answer on thatyet. Therin only knew that Kianti Lawrence had him curious and he wanted to find out more.
    Bringing fist to chin, he settled in to observe her behind the glossy black piano. The animated look on her rich cinnamon-toned face, as she talked with the members of the group, brought a smile to Therin’s face. No doubt she was a lovely thing to look at. He wondered how much of that played into her success, though no one could argue against her talent.
    Therin recalled their breakfast conversation then and the relaxing mood he’d sensed surrounding her. He remembered the feel of her small foot when he’d held it and grinned on the memory. He’d never enjoyed breakfast or a conversation more.
    The set was nearing its end, tugging Therin from his reverie as he once again observed her with the band—especially the drummer. It was clear that they were close, which had him smiling but not in a completely amused way. He thought back to her entourage—the four men who’d given him the distinct impression that they’d lay down their lives for her. How could they not feel that way? he queried silently as the muscle twitched along his jawbone when her drummer friend pulled her in for a hug.
    Get the hell out of here, Therin, he warned himself. He should go before she had any idea he was near. An involvement like this would never work. He lived in Canada, for Pete’s sake! Watching her near the stage and chatting away, Therin’s grim expression vanished and a smile emerged.
    â€œCould I bring you anything, sir?”
    Therin looked up at the young woman who’d approached the table. She held a pen poised over the small round tray she carried.
    â€œI’d like to have a drink sent over to the pianist.” He nodded slowly toward the stage.
    The waitress smiled while jotting down the instruction. “Shall I tell Ms. Lawrence