A lump forms in my throat. “I’m crazy about you, too.”
His eyes deepen with a desire that ripples anticipation through me. Cupping my cheek, he leans in and gives me a long, breathless kiss. As my heart skitters and soars, I’m struck with the knowledge that I’m not just crazy about him. I love him. Maybe I always have.
Several moments later, he places his phone down beside him. We sit in silence for several long minutes. It’s cold. I hug my arms.
“You’re probably freezing.” He slides his arm around my shoulders and pulls me close, rubbing his hand over my arm to warm me up. Questions percolate in my mind. I need to ask him about his split from the band to see if there’s any truth to Rachel and Max’s assertion. Surely Axel didn’t go around his band and sell a song to the competition. From what I can tell, Axel doesn’t need the money. I angle towards him and search his rugged face. “How ya holding up?”
He steels his jaw. “Okay.” A second later, his lower lip trembles as tears slip down his cheeks. He removes his arm from my shoulders and swipes at the tears. Then he chokes out a laugh. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I reach for his hands and cup them in mine. “You’re going through a lot.”
He takes in a disjointed breath. “I’ve spent so much time being furious with my dad. I couldn’t understand why he was being so bullheaded about my music and my association with Dex.” He coughs and then clears his throat. “And now it all seems so petty and insignificant.” He looks at me through hollow eyes. “I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t make it.”
Tears blur my vision. “I’m so sorry,” I say hoarsely.
“Thanks for being here with me. You can’t imagine what it means to have your support.”
My stomach churns. I can’t live the lie a moment longer. A verse from John runs through my mind.And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.I can only hope that’s what happens. To the depth of my soul, I don’t want to lose Axel. And yet, our relationship is built on a lie. I just hope that he can find it in his heart to forgive me.
I squeeze his hands. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
He looks baffled. “Okay.”
A shaky laugh falls from my lips. “Here’s the thing. I’m not really a?—”
The door bursts open, and Cassie comes running out. “Mom just called. Dad’s awake!” She bursts into tears. “He’s talking. He’s a little confused about what happened and where he is, but the doctor thinks he’ll make a full recovery.” She bursts into tears.
“That’s fantastic!” Axel leaps to his feet. He flings his arms around Cassie as the two of them weep. Watching them makes me cry, too.
Finally, they break apart.
“That’s the best news ever.” Axel looks up at the ceiling. “Thank God above. Our prayers have been answered.”
“Yes, they have,” Cassie exclaims joyfully. She mops her eyes and chuckles. “Who knew we were such crybabies?”
Axel wipes his eyes and gives me a sheepish grin. “Sorry you had to witness that.”
“I’m not.” I dab my eyes. “It was beautiful.” More tears come. “I’m just so glad he’s okay.”
Cassie flaps her hand. “Get up here, you.”
I rise to my feet.
“Group hug.” Cassie grabs me and pulls me in. The three of us embrace.
When we draw apart, Axel turns to Cassie in surprise. “It certainly didn’t take you long to warm up to London.”
She crinkles her nose. “Warmmight be pushing it, but we’re a work in progress.”
Axel looks at me. “It may not seem like it, but that’s huge for my sister. She’s never liked anyone I’ve dated.”
Cassie furrows her brows. “That’s not true.”
“Name one person,” he challenges.
She points. “London, I like her.”
Axel laughs. “Okay, I’ll take it.”
