“Yeah,” I lied, pushing a hand into my stomach as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
My hair was done, my makeup was on point and my new dress, one Skye had found for me this afternoon, was shorter than I normally wore, but I felt sexy. Sliding my feet into my shoes, I bent over and buckled them up.
“You’re a shitty liar, Cassidy,” Skye giggled.
“I’m just…”
“Worried lover boy’s not going to like the show?”
“No!” I replied quickly. Too quickly. When Skye gave me the look, I crumbled. “Fine. I want him to like it okay.”
“He will.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Yeah, Cass, I do.”
“How?”
“Because you forget. I spent time with him this afternoon and he’s as worried as you are.”
“He is?” That surprised me. What did Hayden have to worry about? All he had to do was show up, sit in his seat and watch. I was the one who was going to be singing and dancing and prancing about in six-inch heels trying not to fall on my face.
“Of course. But I have an idea on how to put both of you out of your misery,” Skye declared, looking like she was up to something.
“Oh yes, wise one. What’s your brilliant idea?”
Looking mighty proud of herself she marched over to the dressing room door and threw it open to reveal the most perfect sight I could imagine.
Hayden was standing there looking like everything I ever wanted. From the dark jeans, the white button-down shirt, and navy blazer. His hair was slicked back and still damp from his shower and in his hands was a beautiful bunch of bright sunflowers.
“Wow!” he exclaimed, stepping through the door and moving towards me.
“I’m going to give you two a minute.” I heard the words but I wasn’t paying attention to anyone other than the man standing in front of me with a crooked smile and a backstage pass dangling around his neck.
“What are you doing back here?” I asked breathlessly as I smoothed out a nonexistent wrinkle in my dress, suddenly self-conscious.
“Skye suggested I’d be a bit calmer if I stopped by before the show,” Hayden answered honestly, setting the flowers down on the table and continuing towards me. “You look stunning.”
My cheeks burned under his compliments. Compliments got tossed in my direction all the time, it was a hazard of the job but very rarely were they real. They were mainly thrown out of obligation and what people thought they should say to me, but when Hayden said them, they felt real. Like he meant them.
“Thank you. Now, do I get a kiss?” I asked hopefully.
“I don't want to mess you up.”
“I’ll make it worth your while,” I promised, sliding my hands around his waist under his jacket and snuggling in against him.
Standing there in Hayden’s arms, breathing in his scent, I felt all my anxieties and worries lift. The calming effect he had on me was incredible. And I knew I never wanted to let him go. I was in such big trouble.
When Skye reappeared, she burst my serene little bubble.
“You two good now?” Skye asked, looking mighty pleased with herself.
“You’re lucky I love you, Skye,” I reminded her as I regretfully detached myself from Hayden.
“Great! Remember that.”
“Why?”
