“Thank you,” he says, as if it’s a compliment. He gestures toward the fountain with a tilt of his head. “You mind if I join you, or is this a no-drummer zone?”
I laugh lightly, nodding toward the bench closest to the fountain. “I guess I can make an exception.”
We walk side by side, the sounds of the city fading as we settle onto the bench. Xayden leans back, one arm slung over the backrest, his posture relaxed in that effortlessly confident way that only he can pull off.
“This place is nice,” he says after a moment. “Quiet.”
“Exactly why I stopped here,” I admit, my gaze drifting to the fountain. The sunlight glints off the trickling water, and I let myself relax.
Xayden watches me for a moment, his grin fading into something more thoughtful. “You needed a break, huh?”
I nod. “Don’t we all?”
“Fair,” he says, twirling a small twig he must’ve picked up on the way here. “Tour life isn’t exactly a spa retreat.”
I laugh again, the sound surprising me with how easy it feels. “No, it’s not. But it has its moments.”
“Like this one?” he asks, tilting his head toward me, his eyes warm and unreadable.
I glance at him, caught by the sincerity in his tone. “Yeah,” I whisper. “Like this one.”
For a moment, we sit in silence, the kind that feels comfortable instead of awkward. The faint breeze carries his scent—leather and spice—and it wraps around me, grounding me in the moment.
“You know,” he says, breaking the quiet, “I wasn’t lying about following you.”
I raise an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh? Should I be concerned?”
“Not unless you hate the idea of me looking out for you,” he says, his grin returning but softer this time. “I figured you’d need some time to yourself, but I didn’t want you to be alone for too long.”
The honesty in his voice catches me off guard, and I look down, fiddling with the bracelet on my wrist. “Thanks,” I murmur, my fingers brushing over the charm. “I mean it.”
His grin widens slightly, but his eyes stay on me, thoughtful and unguarded. “Anytime, Ash.”
Before I can respond, he shifts, leaning closer, his arm brushing against mine. “And just so we’re clear,” he adds, his voice lower now, “you’re not just an excuse. Or a reward. You’re…” he trails off, his gaze flicking to my lips for a brief second before meeting my eyes again.
“I’m what?” I whisper, the words barely audible.
“You’re everything,” he says, his voice steady and sincere.
The air feels charged, heavy with something I can’t quite name, and when he leans in, I don’t stop him. His lips meet mine in a kiss that starts soft, testing, but quickly deepens. Mystomach does a happy flip and my hands find their way to his shirt, curling into the fabric as I lose myself in him.
When we finally pull back, he watches me, both of us catching our breath. His hand comes up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering.
“Just so you know, in case I haven’t made myself clear,” he murmurs, his grin returning, “I’m not letting you escape again.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re impossible.”
“Yeah,” he says, brushing his thumb over my cheek. “But you like me anyway.”
I don’t bother denying it.
CHAPTER 41
Ashlyn
The days passin a blur of little moments. It’s not the big, sweeping gestures that undo me—it’s the quiet things. The way Jake always has a cup of tea waiting for me after soundcheck, or how West will sit beside me during rehearsals, silently strumming his guitar as if he’s creating a soundtrack just for us. Todd pulls me out onto the stage each night, his hand firm and steady in mine, like he’s daring the world to question why I’m there. And Xayden… he’s always there with his grin, his teasing remarks, and the way his hand brushes against mine like he can’t help himself.
It’s all so… real. So achingly sweet that it makes my heart ache in ways I don’t know how to handle. I forget the cameras are there, forget that Shelley’s grand plan is still in motion. Because when they bring me out on stage and sing to me, it’s not for the cameras or the crowd. It’s for me.
