Besides, you know what they say. When a guy was mean to a girl, it meant he had a crush on her.
The guys knew better than to interrupt me during my warm-ups. It was something I didn’t mess around with, ensuring my voice was at its peak for each performance, since it allowed me to be up on that stage. I had to make sure I took care of it.
I soon forgot about Cadence and the unwanted fascination between us as I became entirely absorbed in my music.
Back in the venue, I stood just off the stage and waited for Hudson to hit the drums and start our set. That familiar sensation of adrenaline and excitement came over me. I was sporting an ear-to-ear grin as the guitars picked up their part and the melodies merged.
The roar of the crowd pulsed through my ears. Their passion and anticipation were so thick in the air I could stick my tongue out and taste it.
I didn’t get nervous about our shows. Sure, I felt normal jitters, but it wasn’t anything close to fear. I loved it up there. And honestly, the stage lights were so damn bright I usually couldn’t see into the crowd. The only people I was aware of were my bandmates.
So tell me why, as soon as I ran onto the stage, gripped the microphone in my hand, and sang those first few notes, I found those mesmerizing golden eyes once again.
I felt her gaze all over my body. And I fucking loved it.
Giving every piece of my soul into my performance, I locked eyes with her. I knew she was watching me so, naturally, I wanted to impress her.
Her and the rest of the crowd, of course.
But the mesmerizing way she moved her body to my musicenthralled me. If eye-fucking was a legit thing, I’d have fucked her all the way across the county and back. At least twice.
I hated that I saw her,desired her. I wanted nothing to do with her, but I was a glutton for punishment. And… there was just something about her eyes.
Hypnotic.
Alluring.
Irresistible.
I finished the set, praying no one could see the semi in my pants. The last thing I needed was a hard-on while on stage.
As I made my way back to our merch table, my love for music pulled me out of the haze once again. I became lost in the sea of people who came to meet us after the show.In those moments, I felt truly blessed to be doing what I do. I met new fans, greeted old ones, took photos, and signed merchandise. It was all I ever wanted to do. Make connections with people and inspire them.
I was weightless and walking on clouds. The high I felt coming off stage was potent enough that nothing could bring me down.
All the anger and stress that had swirled around me earlier—the worry about my sister, niece, and nephew—vanished. I was my best self when I was performing.
Standing for yet another photo, I contorted my face in any silly way possible, because you couldn’t take life too seriously. At least that was what I told myself when I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.
As I turned, ready to talk to another patron at the table, I caught Colton off to the side talking to Jade and Cadence.
“Omigod, I love your music,” a girl said, stopping me in my tracks. “You are seriously the coolest person I’ve ever met. I can’t believe this! Can you please sign my CD?” The girl looked like she’d just graduated high school, complete with theemo-kid starter pack of dark eyeliner, fishnets, and all-black attire.
“I’m glad you liked the show.” I tried to give her my full, undivided attention, but the sound of delighted laughter distracted me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Cadence throw her head back as Colton touched her arm. The sound, angelic and pure, grated on my nerves.
“This is seriously the best day of my life. Can we please get a picture? I think I’m in love with you.”
I forced out a laugh. “Of course, sweetie.”
I posed for the photo, doing my best to look like I wasn’t annoyed as fuck.
When Cadence smiled, those intoxicating eyes twinkled and her full lips curved. It was an entirely different side to her beauty. Her straight, white teeth stood in stark contrast to her dark hair.
She’d never smiled like that at me. But then, I’d never given her a reason to.
After the girl left the table, I called over to Colton. “Can I get a hand over here?”
Colton’s smile dropped for a second as he made his way over. “What’s up?”
