“I’m not sure, it’s a surprise.”
“It must be someplace fancy.”
“I hope so.” We share a grin.
“Something smells good. Whatcha making?”
“Lasagna, garlic bread, and an Italian salad.”
My stomach growls. “If Seth weren’t due to show up any minute, I’d eat some lasagna before heading out.” Mom’s lasagna is legendary.
Mom laughs. “You and your hollow leg.”
I reach over and grab a carrot, plopping it into my mouth.
“I loved the article you posted this morning.”
“Thanks.”
When everything imploded, and I wrote that article admitting my wrongdoing and coming clean about my identity and feelings for Axel, I thought it might wreck my career. However, it did the exact opposite. My readership skyrocketed, which elated Harmony and evidentlyThe See’sowner because they were willing to overlook the fact that my true identity was exposed. Not only was my probation lifted, but I also got a bonus and a big, fat raise.
Axel got back together with his band. Max sought treatment for his gambling addiction and was eventually allowed back into the band.
Things with Axel and me are great. I never knew that I could love someone so much. The only downside to our relationship is that I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like when he’s out on tour.
This weekend, he asked me to stay at my parents’ house so that we could both be in Mt. Pleasant over the weekend. Ever since his dad’s accident, Axel makes a point of visiting his parents and Cassie as often as possible. Thankfully, Axel’s dad has made a full recovery.
The doorbell rings.
“He’s here,” Mom sings with an insinuating grin.
The past rewinds in a snap. I remember standing here and talking to Mom in the kitchen while she was making a salad all those years ago when I was waiting for Axel—Seth to pick me up for the dance. I guess we’ve come full circle.
Butterflies flap in my stomach as I smooth my hands over the dress. I go to the door and fling it open. Axel greets me with a broad smile and holds out a bundle of long-stemmed red roses. “For you,” he says with a touch of grandeur.
“Thank you.” I take the roses and bring them to my nose, appreciating the fragrant scent.
Axel’s gaze moves over me in a slow, thorough way that quickens my breath. “You look incredible.”
“Thanks,” I murmur and lower my eyes, brushing my lashes against my skin. Having him look at me this way. Well, it’s heaven. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop crushing on him. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m awake. Of all the women in the world, Axel wants me. It’s glorious!
“You look great, too.” He’s wearing an open-neck, button-down shirt, a sports coat, and slacks. We must be going somewhere nice because it’s not often that I can separate Axel from his beloved jeans.
He leans in and kisses me full on the mouth. For a second, I’m completely caught up in his spell to the point where when he asks, “You ready?” with a cocky grin. I blink.
“I’m ready,” I say with a chipper smile to cover up my daze. Axel knows the strong effect he has on me and often uses it to his advantage.
I lift the roses. “Let me take these to Mom so she can put them in water.”
He follows me into the kitchen.
“Hey, Seth,” Mom says brightly. “You clean up nice.”
“Thanks,” he grins and kisses her on the cheek. They talk about music for a few minutes until Mom says, “You kiddos had better get going.”
Axel drapes an arm around my waist and grins. “It smells so good, maybe we’ll just eat here.”
Mom laughs. “Thanks, but I believe someone has been chomping at the bit for you to take her out on the town.” She makes a point of looking at me.
