“We got the summer concert series,” Jenna Munro murmured and toyed with the row of beads along the side of her dress bodice. “First gig of the summer is tonight and we’re going to nail it. Things are looking up.”

She prided herself on being part of the oldies group and loved the gowns the backup singers wore. Right now, she liked the beading on the gown because she could touch the shiny plastic to hide her stage fright. Singing songs from the sixties made her happy. Singing those songs was in her soul. They made her the person she’d become. They were fun.

A hundred people were in the crowd. Not a large group compared to some of the gigs the Originals had played, but big enough.

“Don’t forget the words,” Dale said. He elbowed her. “I can’t save it if you forget the words.”

“Me?” She crooked her eyebrow. “I sing backup to you. If I screw up, it’s not obvious.” He’d used this argument before, but tonight she wasn’t taking his crap.

“It makes the whole group look bad.” Dale adjusted his tuxedo. “We’re professionals and we should know the words.”

“I do, except when you decide to add something to the set that we haven’t practiced.” Ever since she and Dale had split, he nitpicked on everything she did.

“Right.” He winked. “Looking lovely, Renee and Claire.” He curled his lip as he passed Jenna. “Jenna.”

Claire giggled. “Thanks, Dale.”

Renee rolled her eyes. She didn’t speak until Claire and Dale had walked away. “You know they’re dating.”

“I had the feeling they were.” Jenna bit back her nausea. She’d once thought Dale might be the one. She’d invested her time and energy into his group, one she loved, but now part of her wished she could leave. Dale lived to make her life difficult.

“He thinks he’s so sly. That no one knows.” Renee shook her head. “Everyone knows. He brings her out for solos and acts like she’s better than us.”

“I know.” Jenna had auditioned for her position with the group, just like the others, but she’d been given preferential treatment, too. Dale gave her first choice of the gowns and even listened to her idea to let the ladies wear flats under the floor-length dresses.

Tonight, though, none of those suggestions mattered. Her opinion didn’t count. The oldies group was Dale’s domain and she was just the backup singer.

Bugs swirled around the lights and she swatted at the insects. The summer concert series always took place at dusk in the park. She’d attended plenty of the concerts over the years and loved the atmosphere. People sat on blankets in the audience, brought picnics, kids played and the atmosphere was relaxed. The concerts sometimes went on until midnight, but no one seemed to mind. It was a great way to pass a few hours and experience great music. She’d seen string quartets play, a pianist, oldies groups like Dale’s, rock trios, a ska group composed of teenagers and even the singing referees—four men who worked as referees in various sports events.

Tonight was her turn to play the series. Her gown made her skin itch and her high-heeled pumps pinched her toes. Still, she was here to do a job. She squeezed Renee’s fingers.

“Ready?” Renee grinned. “We’ll get through this and maybe someone will see us. They’ll respect our talents and want us in their group.”

“Better than Dale?” Jenna said. “Gotta be more than him out there.”

“Gotta be.” Renee nodded as Claire surged to the front of their line.

“It’s time.” Claire didn’t hold hands with Renee, but instead grasped Dale’s as they all headed to the stage.

Jenna pasted a smile on her face and took her position at her mic in the background. She hadn’t joined the group to be in front of everyone. She liked singing the modulating parts. Her voice was too low to front the songs anyway.

She clasped her hands behind her back in the starting position. She bowed her head until the music began, then launched into the first song.

Jenna liked choosing someone in the crowd to sing to because it helped with her focus. When she scanned the audience, she noticed a man with eyes that glowed.

Glowed?

She kept up with the song, but couldn’t quite move past the glowing part. Like he had cat eyes. She focused on the man. Maybe the oddity was a figment of her imagination.

He smiled and her skin warmed. He was handsome with a soft smile, strong jaw and dark hair. She wondered if he was tall and muscled. He didn’t appear to be with anyone—then again, his girlfriend, if he had one, could be late in arriving or not there tonight. She couldn’t be lucky enough for him to be single.

She continued to sing and focused on him. The insects flying around her didn’t matter, the heat from the lights wasn’t as intense and she hit every note.

If she could have nights like this all the time, she’d be happy. She even kept up with the new songs Dale inserted into the set list, no doubt to highlight Claire.

Let him.

He had no power over her any longer.

After the show, Jenna left the stage. She hadn’t forgotten about the man with glowing eyes, but she also hadn’t seen his eyes have that reaction again. It had to have been a figment of her imagination.

“Did you see the crowd?” Renee asked. “It was electric.” She donned a thin wrap around her shoulders.

“It was.” She wished she’d brought a coat, but the June air was too thick for such a garment. The dress was too hot for the conditions, if she were being honest.

“I heard there were vampires in the audience.” Renee nodded once and her eyes widened. “I guess they like oldies music.”

“Vampires?” She hadn’t thought about that. Vampires had glowing eyes. Like shimmering silver. Was that who she had seen?

“Uh-huh.” Renee shivered. “I think they’re sexy.”

“Have you seen one?” Jenna collected her purse and keys. “You can’t be sure they were out there.”

“Once, but it wasn’t here.” Renee glared, then snapped her mouth shut.

“What?” She glanced over her shoulder at Dale and Claire making out. “Oh that.” She’d seen him kiss so many women that it didn’t affect her. They weren’t a couple, so it didn’t matter.

“I need to go.” Renee nodded once to Jenna. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” She didn’t bother to look back and instead followed her friend from the band shell.

“You can’t go.”

Jenna bristled at Dale’s voice but didn’t stop. They hadn’t been paid for the gig that night, but he could pay them later. She’d rather not see him with Claire.

As she strode around to the front of the band shell, she spotted the handsome man from the crowd. He seemed to be heading in her direction. Jenna grinned, but suppressed her good feelings. He could be looking for Renee. She was the prettier of the two—much taller and slender. Renee smiled easier and made friends with everyone.

The man approached just as Dale caught up to her and Renee.

“You can’t go.” Dale grabbed Jenna’s arm. “We’re not through tonight.”

“No?” The tips of her ears burned. She hated being put on the spot like this. “The gig is over.”

“We’re having a meeting tonight,” Dale said. “Who are you?”

“Me?” the man asked. “My name is Peter.”

Peter. Jenna liked the sound of his name. She also liked the view now that she could see him properly. Tall, dark, brooding, handsome and he radiated power.

“What business do you have here?” Dale snapped. “This is a private meeting.”

“He’s my boyfriend,” Jenna said and slipped her arms around Peter. “He came to pick me up.” It might not be a lie if they hit it off.

“Your boyfriend?” Dale snorted. “You haven’t dated anyone since me.”

Peter caressed her bare arm. “You’d be surprised.”

“You’re right. She tends to go for more refined men,” Dale said. “Not the gruff types.”

“I’m drawn to whom I’m drawn to,” Jenna replied. She caught Renee’s amused glance. She wasn’t good with snappy responses most of the time, but she’d had enough of Dale’s attitude. “Is that a problem?”

“No.” Renee grinned. “I’m glad Peter finally made it to our concert.” She winked, then stepped off to the side.

Not out of sight, but enough to give everyone space.

“I’m glad I was able to make it, too.” Peter tucked Jenna to his side. “The show was enlightening.”

“Was it?” Dale shifted his gaze between Jenna and Peter. “I see. What was your favorite part? My solo? The medley?”

“Your backup singers.” Peter caressed Jenna’s bare arm. “I wanted to see my girl and she made me proud.”

Jenna suppressed a snort. She’d concocted the lie about them being together to make Dale mad and it’d worked, but Peter, for just coming into the situation, sure played the part well.

“She did?” Dale rolled his eyes. “Just be at practice tomorrow. We need to improve. Tonight was a shambles.”

“Shambles?” She hadn’t thought it was too bad.

“Yes. You were off and Renee was flat. We need to be better if we’re playing again on Friday.” Dale snapped his fingers. “Claire? We’re leaving.”

Jenna waited for them to leave before she massaged her temple. “That was more intense than it had to be.”

Renee joined her and Peter. “You’re not kidding. I wasn’t flat.”

“No, you weren’t. The show was electric, but he’s upset that he didn’t get the reaction he wanted from us.” Jenna liked the way Peter held her, but she didn’t know him. For all she knew, he was a vampire. She turned her attention to Peter. “Thank you for getting me out of a jam. He’s the leader of the group and can be an ass. I appreciate your help.”

“My pleasure.” He smiled and his eyes flashed.

“I’ll get the car,” Renee said. “Be right back.”

“Sure.” Jenna patted her dress to ensure she had her purse and keys. Once satisfied she had everything, she sighed. “Thank you for stepping in. I never should’ve roped you into my chaos. Sorry about that.”

“You were in trouble and I wanted to help you,” Peter said. “Will he do something tomorrow?”

“He’ll scream and complain, but it’s no different from any other time.” She shook her head. She didn’t want to talk about her ex any longer. “Will you be at the concert on Friday?”

“I will. I can attend now that they’re in the evening,” Peter said. “I enjoy your music.”

“Do you?” She liked hearing that. “I’m glad. I don’t know what I’m going to do about Dale, but that’s my problem.” She wasn’t sure why she’d told him that. He didn’t need to know about her issues. He might not care about her problems or anything beyond the concert situation.

“Tell him I’m your boyfriend—like you already did. He seems like a terrible man and needs taken down a peg,” Peter said. “You never did tell me your name.”

She hadn’t. “Jenna.” She smiled and offered her hand. “So you’re my boyfriend?” She’d never found a boyfriend—real or not—so easily.

“Why not?” Peter offered her arm. “Are you heading out already? She’s waiting for you?”

“She is.” But Renee would be happy to give her space with Peter. “I’ll be right back. Meet me here?”

“Under the oak tree?” He smiled and her insides melted. “Sounds good.”

“Be right back.” She turned on her heel and headed to Renee’s car. She could be in for a rough night—he might be bad news. He certainly looked out of her league. But she liked Peter. He’d fallen into the role of boyfriend easily and wasn’t afraid of Dale. That hadn’t happened often. Most men wanted nothing to do with him—which explained only having women in the band.

She tucked her keys into her purse and knocked on the window.

Renee rolled the window down. “You’re not getting in,” she said. “He’s cute.”

“He is.”

“Think you’ll be safe? Got your mace?”

“I do.” She patted her purse. “And it’s a public space. There will be more music tonight and the security team is still out.”

“True.” Renee flexed her hands on the wheel. “Then do me a favor. Call me when you get in. Text me how it’s going and be safe. Yes?”

“Will do.”

“You know, he could be a vampire,” Renee said. “I don’t know. Something about him gives me a strange feeling.”

“Why? What if he is?” She’d considered he might be a vampire, but what if he was? “Will he kill me?”

“I’ve yet to hear about a nice one.” Renee’s shoulders sagged. “Just…be careful.”

“I will. I’ll text you throughout the night. Promise.” She touched the window frame then waved. “Talk to you later.”

“Do that.” Renee waved.

Jenna waited in the parking lot as Renee drove off, then she headed back to the band shell. The brass octet had already begun their set. Strains of a popular song she knew, but couldn’t remember the title of, filtered through the air. She wished she’d brought a jacket. The night air was still warm, but cooler in the shadows.

She walked along the path to the oak tree. Part of her hoped he’d be there. She wanted to see Peter again. When he smiled, she felt safe. Felt needed. She wanted the fun of the summer to continue forever.

But there was an air of mystery around him, too. Like he was a coiled spring ready to let loose. Like he could hurt her.

She stopped at the tree and wished she’d picked different shoes for the night. The heels weren’t great on the terrain of the path.

“Formal wear does suit you.” Peter leaned against the tree and crossed both his arms and ankles. He stood so casually there, like a model. Like a man who understood his sexuality.

“Thanks.” She swore her ears and cheeks burned. “I’m more of a denim and cotton girl.”

“You look like a million bucks.” He stood tall, then unfolded his arms and offered his hand. “Would you like to listen to the music for a while?”

“I would.” It’d be a way to spend time with him without being fully alone.

“I’ve got a blanket right over here.” He gestured to a blanket and basket. “Join me?”

“Thank you.” She managed to settle on the blanket and kicked out of her shoes. She wriggled her toes. “I forget how uncomfortable I am until I’m off stage.”

“Here.” He shifted on the blanket and slipped one of her feet onto his lap. He massaged her instep.

The groan came from her belly and she leaned back on her hands. Her ex certainly hadn’t massaged her feet after a show. If given the option, he’d have demanded she did that for him. “Wow. Did you get lessons in massage?”

“Just a knack.” He continued to rub her foot. “You’re electric on stage.”

“Am I?” she asked. She sighed. “I wish he understood.”

“The leader?”

“Dale.”

“He’s stressed.”

“Oh?”

He switched from her left to her right foot. “He wants to move to the next level, but he can’t see what’s holding him back. He thinks it’s something beyond his control.”

“Oh?” she repeated. “And you’re convinced you know what it is?”

“He’s holding himself back.” Peter caressed her instep with the pad of his thumb. “He’s afraid.”

“Of what?” He pushed them the hardest.

“Failing.”

She stared at Peter, ignoring the music. “What? He’s convinced he knows what’s best.”

“Exactly.” He cradled her foot in both hands. “Better?”

“Much.” She could almost put her shoes back on. She tucked her legs beneath her and leaned on one hand. He’d managed to relax her and make her feel comfortable with him. She’d been around too many men who wanted something from her—usually to get with Claire—or women who wanted to get with Dale. This man didn’t seem interested in them.

“You’re tangled up in your thoughts.” He tipped his head and crooked his eyebrow. “I see the wheels turning.”

“You do.” She pushed her purse under her skirt. “What made you notice me?”

“Your smile and your eyes.”

“Up there? You saw my eyes all the way up there?” He had to be joking. “I was too far away.”

“I could see them. The lighting’s good.”

She nodded but didn’t believe him.

“What?”

“You’re too good to be true. You’ve got to be a serial killer or something.” She probably should’ve kept that to herself, but the words simply tumbled out.

His eyes widened and he laughed. “What?”

“The more I look at you, the more I don’t know what to think,” she said. “It’s a nice summer night, it’s almost perfect and you show up. You’re handsome, way out of my league and seeming to pay attention to only me. I want to think this is the start of something beautiful, but I’m not naive enough to think it’s true.”

“Ouch.” He clutched his chest and chuckled. “You wound me.”

“Well, then it must be true. Who are you really here to see? Claire? Renee?” she asked. “Guys like you aren’t attracted to women like me.”

“Why?”

“Look at me compared to Renee. I’m short. Compared to Claire, I’m plain.” She really needed to stop talking before she pushed him away completely.

“You’re guarding yourself.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, sending tingles along her cheek. When he did, his eyes flashed again and she noted the silver.

Her blood chilled. “You’re not telling me something,” she murmured. “Say it.” Part of her wanted him to confirm what his heart already knew, but the rest of her wanted to stay in the dark. If she didn’t know, she wouldn’t be let down.

“What should I say?” he asked. “The truth?”

“Yes.” She held her breath, afraid of his answer. She’d come out on a picturesque, starry night with orchestral music and should be at the start of a date, not questioning him this way. Not being so guarded. Not disbelieving him. “Who are you?”

“Not who, but what.”

What. Not who. Her heart sank and her fear rose. Her instincts were right. “Oh God.”

“Honey, God has nothing to do with this.”