He didn't say anything before starting to play, not explaining anything about the song beforehand. He just began to strum.
There were no words, just a soft hummed melody. As he played, I concentrated hard on the notes, really listening.
I didn't know much about the technical side of music, but I knew what music could make me feel. And this song made me feel so much. It was almost sad, filling me with a sense of melancholy, but it was somehow uplifting at the same time. By the end, there was an almost hopeful feel to the music. Just like in the kitchen, when I'd imagine a baby-faced Nathan cooking for his mom, tears stung my eyes.
It was in that moment I knew for sure.
I'd fallen for Nathan Walker.
And I couldn't even bring myself to worry about it.
He finished, laying his hands flat against the body of the guitar. He looked at me expectantly.
"So?" he asked easily, although I could see the nervous glint in his eyes.
"I loved it," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
He looked surprised. "You're not just saying that to stroke my ego?"
"Your ego doesn't need stroking. It was really good. You should play it for your band members."
"Maybe," he said doubtfully.
"Definitely," I countered. "In fact, I'll be upset if this song isn't on the next Cherry Lips album. And you wouldn't want to upset me, would you?"
He chuckled and shook his head. "The songs for the next album have already been chosen. But maybe I could do a single solo release or something."
"I'll be the first in line to buy it," I told him.
"I thought you weren't a fan?" he teased.
"I've come to appreciate your many talents."
Nathan shifted closer on the sofa, until we were face to face.
"Allmy talents?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Certain ones more than others," I acknowledged. I fisted my fingers in the fabric of his shirt, tugging him to me. "In fact, maybe you could show off some more?"
He leaned closer, bringing his mouth close to mine. "I thought you hated my big ego?"
"It's not ego if it's true," I murmured, echoing some of the very first words he'd ever said to me. "Maybe you should prove yourself to me."
Nathan's only response was to push me back into the sofa cushions and give me a thorough demonstration of his skills.
