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  "Like hell you are!" she exclaims. She grabs my mug and takes a couple of generous sips. "Wow! Get you, Cat! You managed to order a beer. What did you use? A fake ID?"

  "No, nothing but my nerves of steel." I wink and she throws her head back and laughs.

  "You're good! We're going to have so much fun together, Cat, I know it!"

  Erika is standing to one side, chatting intensely with the dark-haired girl who came in with them and Jessica is busy fiddling with her cell phone. I look around and out of the corner of my eye, I spot Ben near the stage, tuning what must be his guitar.

  He's pouting thoughtfully, focusing intensely on his guitar. A totally gorgeous girl arrives and places a finger on the tip of his nose. He jerks his head up angrily but when he recognizes her he smiles warmly. It's the first time I've seen him smile and he’s even better looking. The girl musses his hair and he grabs her hand, turning her around so she's sitting on his knee. He wraps his muscular arms around her waist and nuzzles her hair.

  Jealousy wraps its hands around my throat.

  What's wrong with me?

  I glance away, determined to chat with Jessica but she's also staring at Ben and the girl on his knee.

  "Hey, Abby. Look who's here."

  Abby looks up and follows Jessica's gaze. "Bleah! If she even tries to get close to Kris tonight I'll rip her a new one," the dark-haired girl snarls.

  "Who is it?" I ask, feigning indifference.

  "A slut!" Jessica and Abby respond in unison. They burst out laughing and exchange a high-five in mid-air.

  "Is she Ben's girlfriend?" I dare to ask, hiding behind my beer glass.

  "Are you crazy?" Abby replies, pulling a disgusted face. "The most she can hope for with Ben is a fuck every now and then. She's too much of a slut, even for him."

  Even for him...sounds like the type of guy who goes with a lot of women, all of them cheap. I make another mental note.

  "She's from Daytona, too, graduated the same year as us. So many of the guys at school lost their virginity to her, we called her The Cherry Picker. Abby, Rachel may be too much of a slut for Ben now, but don't forget he was the first to ride that bike!"

  "Please! Don't remind me!" Abby shakes her head and calls the waiter over.

  Jessica leans in and whispers in my ear. "Kris, her boyfriend, also ‘rode’ that bike in high school." She nudges me and I smile.

  "They seem pretty close," I reply, bringing the subject back to Ben, who's still wrapped around the girl who, by the way, is wearing far too much makeup for a girl her age.

  "Two things you need to know about Ben. One, girls literally fall at his feet, and two, he never does PDAs with girls he really likes." Jessica turns to the tattooed waiter who brought me my beer. "I'll have what she's having." She winks and points at my glass.

  "Sure, Jess. And would you like a shot of tequila with that?" he teases, turning to me and winking, as if we share some kind of secret.

  "I tried anyway...I'll have a Coke, thanks. Diet."

  I wait for him to leave then start questioning Jessica again. "What's with this ‘Carter boys’ thing? I walk in here with Mark and he tells me to talk to no one, Ben tells me not to accept drinks from strangers, then Ron sends that cute waiter away, telling him I’m with 'the Carter boys’."

  Jessica laughs. "Well, it means they consider you part of our group. It took them almost six months to accept Erika."

  Let me get this straight: they're the cool kids at school and you need an invite to eat at their table? Please!

  Jessica notices my confused expression and quickly adds. "When you get to know them better you'll see what I mean. They're very popular on campus, they're nice guys. But, stay away from Mark," she warns with a smile.

  I roll my eyes. "Come on, he's just a kid who thinks he's a grown up, but he's harmless and I'm sure we're going to be great friends."

  "Oh, he is and you will…but that doesn't mean he won't use every possible tactic to get into your pants. Ask Erika." She smiles again and stands up. "I'll just give my man a kiss and I'll be right back, they're about to go on stage."

  Alone again, I glance around. Erika and Abby are busy chatting, their voices low, and my attention is drawn back to Ben. He gets to his feet, literally shaking off the dark-haired girl. He's not smiling anymore. He climbs the two steps to the stage and stands in the middle, repositions the mic, and plugs a jack into his guitar. The other guys follow him onto the stage and I see Mark looking for me. He spots me and flashes a broad smile.

  The lights go down and Mark's guitar strikes up, then twenty seconds later, Ben starts singing.

  My heart literally stops. His voice ricochets around the room then hits me straight in the brain. He's good! I break out in goose bumps and, as I watch them play, it all seems too good to be true.

  An American boy band. My neighbors are in a rock band, they play exceptionally well and Ben's mellow voice is like a caress as he hits every note. Mark moves in close to his own mic, on backup vocals.

  They're awesome. I sit here, my mouth wide open, totally impressed. None of my friends back in Rome sings or plays in a band.

  Benjamin Carter.

  He seems so different on stage. He's all smiles and exudes so much stage presence, I can hardly take my eyes off him.

  Mark is just as gorgeous. If anything, he's better looking than his brother. Slightly taller and so sexy when he plays his guitar, with his blond hair, curly at the ends, and his pouting, heart-shaped mouth. But I only have eyes for Ben. I can't help it, wherever I look my eyes are drawn back to him and it feels like my heart is going to explode. I try to tell myself that it's the music, that I'm too close to the speakers.

  Kris, the drummer and Abby's boyfriend, is just as cute. He's got long, straight, blond hair tied back in a ponytail, and luscious full lips. I look over at Ryan, Jessica's boyfriend. His fingers move over the keyboard so fast it's like they're flying.

  I can't believe how good they are. I saw the band that played before them and figured that was more or less the standard.

  The crowd goes crazy, singing along. Everyone knows this song...except me, apparently. It’s not really my kind of music, but I think I could get used to it.

  Ben sings the last words, moving his head up and down to the beat. Applause breaks out, followed by whoops and whistles from a group of girls at a nearby table.

  "You see how good they are?" Erika has to raise her voice to make herself heard.

  "So good," I reply breathlessly, clapping enthusiastically.

  "I love Ben’s voice, and Mark is the perfect backup for him." I notice a strange gleam in her eyes. Is she in love with the Carter boys, too? Along with all the other women in the room.

  I nudge her slightly. She notices my frown and shakes her index finger at me. "No way, girl!" She laughs. "I know exactly what you're thinking, but there's never been anything between us, I swear." She puts her hand on her heart.

  "Why not? You're gorgeous, I can't believe neither of them ever tried to hit on you."

  I'm trying to play it cool, but I'm dying to find out what Jessica meant when she said, 'Ask Erika'.

  "Mark’s a player," she says with a smile. "He comes on to everyone and I knew that if anything happened between us it would ruin a good friendship. Believe me, a boatload of times, I've thought I could live without his friendship if it meant sleeping with him, but..."

  "He does have a certain charm," I admit with a smile.

  "And Ben...well, he's not my type, too moody and intense. Don't get me wrong, he's drop-dead gorgeous, but if I was going to go for it, I'd choose the blond guy on the left every time." She winks and nods at Mark. "Those guys are addictive. Don't fall for them, Cat."

  I make a theatrical gesture with my hand in front of my mouth. "I'll try to resist."

  "Oh, I know you will. With Mark. But what about Ben...?"

  I quickly turn away from her inquiring eyes. I have a boyfriend who loves me and trusts me and that's Leonardo. Ben means nothing
to me. Sure, he caught my attention as soon as I saw him, but it's just curiosity. Isn't it?

  "I don't think he likes me very much, anyway," I say with a giggle, deliberately trying to hide my nervousness.

  Erika looks at me, amusement clear on her face. "He's a little particular. He never lets anyone get close. Don't be fooled by that introverted exterior, he's just very reserved. And, please, try not to crush on him."

  I stare at her, offended. "Why on earth would I have a crush on him? He's not even my type."

  Erika shrugs sassily. "He gave you a ride here, didn't he? He could have let you come with us, but he didn't. I may be wrong, but I can smell trouble a mile off."

  I shake my head, trying not to give too much importance to what she just said. She laughs and takes the mug of beer from my hand and takes a long swallow.

  Mark's voice rings out from the mic, attracting our attention. "Hey, guys!" he shouts and the crowd goes crazy. "All good out there?"

  They reply with a series of ‘Yeahs’, whoops, and whistles of encouragement.

  "We've got a new friend with us here tonight at the Blue Rock, direct from Italy..." He points me out and I feel everyone's eyes on me. My throat closes and my legs begin to shake. I hate being the center of attention like this. "Cat! Welcome to Florida! Let's all give a warm welcome to Cat!" The crowd lets out a roar.

  Shit! Shit! Shit!

  If I could make myself disappear, I would. I slump down in my chair and the band begins to play again. I glance over at Mark, who gives me one of his shitty smiles. He knows damn well he's embarrassed me.

  Jessica tugs on my arm. "Wow! “I Will Not Bow!” I had no idea they were going to play this!" She's excited and shakes me as if I know what she's talking about. To tell the truth. I've never even heard the song before.

  I'm hypnotized by Ben's fingers on his guitar. They move incredibly fast without ever losing their rhythm. I don't understand much about music anyway, perhaps he's only pretending to play and I'm drooling at the mouth for nothing.

  He drove me here and Erika is convinced it means something. I quickly shake my head. I'm engaged to Leonardo, that's all that counts.

  I stare at Mark; his beautiful green eyes, his elegant posture, the way he bites his lip in concentration.

  Then I look at Ben and there are butterflies in my stomach.

  What's wrong with me?

  The crowd applauds enthusiastically again and my 'friends' are noisily singing along. My beer's getting warm and I haven't even drunk half of it. I tap my nails nervously against the glass. Far too many emotions for one single day. I'm so tired I can feel my eyes closing, and the alcohol isn't helping any.

  Ben glances over at our table and catches me staring at him, but this time he doesn't look away. On the contrary, he stares back at me as he sings and I feel goose bumps again. Erika's right. When he's on stage he's a totally different person, so self-assured. He looks down at his guitar and concentrates on his fingers as they slide over the strings. He starts singing again and his eyes are once more glued to mine, as he sings, 'I will take your breath away'."

  I will take your breath away!

  That's the only part I understand, but it's all I need. A rush of adrenaline shoots through me.

  They start the third and final song and I hope the plan is to go home as soon as they're done, but I doubt it. It's Friday evening.

  As if she read my mind, Erika whispers in my ear. "I've got my car, so when you want to leave, just say the word."

  "Thanks. Maybe in a while, I've lost count of how many hours I've been awake."

  Finally a song I recognize. “The Boys of Summer” by the Ataris. The rhythm is fast, the words incomprehensible and Ben grins as he sings at the top of his lungs. He makes faces as he sings and the whole room joins in, singing euphorically. The girls get to their feet and start dancing, but I remain seated, enjoying the show.

  Ben is even more at ease now and just seeing him like this makes my stomach jolt. Mark moves in close to his own mic and they sing a few lines together, adding different nuances to the song. They play the hell out of their guitars and Ben stalks the stage before taking to the mic again. He's obviously having fun, this must be their signature song.

  He twists his mouth, winking at the crowd, as if nothing else exists except him, the music, and his explosive energy.

  God, he's sexy!

  Jessica takes my arm and just before the song ends I find myself dancing with them.

  I look up and see Mark watching me, laughing and playing like crazy. It's all too good to be true. I've found the sweetest roommates, my neighbors are musicians, the house is incredible, and I'm about to start an American college. For a moment I forget all about my life in Rome, the private university, my top of the range car, Leonardo's cashmere sweaters, Sunday lunch at the Golf Club, everyone strutting around and being so polite.

  I feel it's time to let myself go, to dance, let loose and be myself. No one is going to judge me, no one is going to make comments about the way I'm dressed. No one cares about the way I look and I'm sure if I got on the table and started dancing, my roommates would do the same, without accusing me of being crazy, or drunk, or acting cheap.

  I grab my beer and take a sip, the bitter liquid sliding down my throat, and realize it feels incredible.

  Sweaty and exhausted, we sit down again and I know I've used up what little energy I had left.

  The boys join us at our table. I never noticed that other girls have joined us, too, until they shout greetings and Mark hugs them one by one.

  The smile on Ben's face almost gives me a heart attack. He slumps down on the chair in front of me, dripping with sweat. Everyone congratulates him and I smile, not knowing what to say or where to look.

  Ben looks at my glass then glares at me. I stiffen instantly and his eyes narrow to slits. "Who gave you that?" he asks, deadly serious, making me feel intimidated.

  Jessica, who's sitting on Ryan's knee, turns around, and I have trouble swallowing. Not even my father ever spoke to me that way.

  "Ron," I reply, my voice faint.

  Without asking for permission, Ben reaches out, grabs my glass, and takes a sip. He looks at me again and makes a face that is so sexy it almost kills me. How did he get to be so damn attractive? "Ron gave you that beer?" he asks suspiciously, making it obvious he doesn't believe me.

  "Yes," I reply, irritated, looking him in the eye. Does he think I've never had a beer before? Or that I'll let myself be intimidated by his behavior? Okay, delete that last question.

  "That asshole Ron's never so much as let us sniff an alcoholic drink before." Jessica leans forward, provoking him.

  "I think Blondie knows what she's doing," he says with a smile, nailing me to the chair with his icy stare.

  My reaction is totally irrational and totally beyond my control. I feel a violent charge of adrenaline between my thighs and instinctively squeeze my legs shut.

  What the f...

  Something, or someone, lifts one of my arms and two seconds later I'm sitting on Mark's knee as he steals my seat.

  He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in tight, making me laugh almost hysterically.

  "Hi, Mark." I giggle.

  "Hi, Cat-Babe. Those shorts are so sexy, they’re killing me!" He's trying to remain cool but can't hold back his laughter. "So, you managed to corrupt Ron?" he asks, reaching out for my beer, which is now lukewarm. "I'm jealous!" He gives me a peck on the cheek and places a hand on my knee, at a safe distance from the hem of my shorts.

  He knows that he has no effect on me and we've reached a tacit agreement that I'll let him play his silly games as long as he doesn't go too far. And he doesn't. He hugs me, but not seductively. He chats away excitedly, filling me with compliments, smiling beautifully, letting me know he's only playing.

  I know we're going to be good friends. That's the only thing I'm sure of tonight.

  Soon after, Erika and Jessica drive me home and I throw myself down on my bed
and fall into a long, dreamless sleep.

  4

  I feel strange when we get home. I’m nervous but so tired it feels like I ran all the way. The buzz from the concert is wearing off and I need to lie down on the couch. I should be used to this by now after all these years, but I still can't handle the adrenaline rush that I get during a concert. There's something else making me nervous now though: Blondie.

  Knowing she was in the audience sent my brain into a tail-spin.

  My heart hasn't beat so hard in a long time, but whenever my eyes met hers in the kitchen it set my heart racing. Shit! Seeing her was like a bolt from the blue, an uncontrollable and totally unexpected surge of electricity.

  Who is she? What strange destiny brought her here? All the places in all the world and she turns up next door.

  I grab a beer from the refrigerator and chug half of it.

  "The new neighbor's cute." Mark comes up behind me, sticking his head in the refrigerator.

  Yeah, except 'cute' is an understatement! 'Perfect' sounds better.

  Instead of answering him, I throw myself down on the couch.

  I close my eyes and she's there, in front of me, her toned ass in those cut-offs, the long ponytail bouncing from one side to the other whenever she moves her head. Her hands moving frantically every time she speaks as she tries to make herself understood. And that accent, that makes her seem such a snob, yet so sexy.

  "She's a tough cookie, though, there’s no messing with her."

  There's no shutting my brother up. He sits down on the arm of the couch and turns the TV on.

  "Don't start tormenting her," I warn. I glance threateningly in his direction. I'm tempted to tell him she's off-limits, but that would mean telling him how my heart skipped a beat when her yellow eyes met mine. And what for? He'd tease her even more, just for the fun of seeing the smoke coming out of my ears.

  "She's got a boyfriend." He sounds distracted as he zaps rapidly through the channels, and the circle around my head squeezes tighter and tighter.