He sighs, leaning back in the booth. “The constant travel, the performances, the studio time… it’s hard to balance it all. There have been times when I’ve had to choose between being there for my brother and fulfilling my professional obligations.”
As I listen to what he’s saying it dawns on me that maybe I’ve not really grasped the extent of his fame and success. “Axel,” I say slowly, “just how famous are you?”
A smile tugs at his lips. “You really don’t know, do you?”
I shake my head slowly. “I’m sorry, I’m not really up to date with popular music. I’m more of a country music guy myself.”
Axel chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Well, let’s just say my last album went platinum. And my number one hit, ‘Shattered Heart’… it topped the charts for months.”
Shattered Heart?Oh my God, even I’ve heard of that one!
My jaw drops. I’m sitting here with a real life rock star, and I had no idea.
However as I gaze at him and see a flash of fear in his eyes, I realise that none of that matters. Fame, success, the glitz and glamour… it’s all superficial, and it’s got nothing to do with the man sitting across from me—the man who’s sees something in me where others don’t, the man who shows a genuine interest in me, who’s protected me. The man who’s shared his struggles, who, despite his celebrity status, is still just a person, longing for connection and understanding. Axel is what matters most.
“Congratulations. I’ll admit that even I’ve heard of ‘Shattered Heart.’ I guess I’ll have to give it more of a listen now I know it’s one of your songs. But don’t expect me to become a pop music convert overnight. I’m a country boy through and through,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
Axel tosses his head back and laughs, the sound rich and warm. “Fair enough. And who knows? Maybe I’ll write a country song just for you.”
I grin, my heart fluttering at the thought. “I’d like that, Axel. I’d like that a lot.”
We have one more glass of wine, this time a shiraz, and conversation turns to reminiscing about our day of sightseeing. Eventually we rise from the booth, and make our way out of the cellar bar, and into the tiled lobby. The lights are brighter out here, and people are walking in all directions, making their way to the various venues on board.
We walk side by side, our shoulders nearly touching. I notice a few glances directed our way, curious eyes lingering on Axel. I’ve not noticed people staring before but maybe I just wasn’t looking. Axel appears different now from how he was last night when he was wearing more edgy clothes and his hair was loose and eyeliner surrounded his eyes, but obviously not so different that his fans don’t recognise him. A group of young women huddle together, whispering as they point their iPhones in our direction, attempting to snap photos.
Axel seems unfazed by the attention, his pace never faltering, but I wonder how he manages to maintain his privacy in the face of such constant recognition. As if sensing my thoughts, he leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. “You get used to it,” he says, “but it’s never easy, always being in the spotlight.”
“I can’t imagine living like that,” I say keeping my voice low. “Being scrutinised, every moment captured by cameras.”
“I’m lucky. Most of the time when I’m out and about I’m left alone. It seems most people just want to catch a glimpse or a photo. Sometimes they approach for a selfie. But after a performance? It’s as if all bets are off, so I need security to keep the fans away. That’s why moments like these are so precious to me. Moments where I can just be myself, without the glare of the media.”
We step out onto the top deck intending to get some fresh air but it’s party central out here. There are people everywhere. The pool is full, the hot tubs crammed, and scantily dressed people are dancing under the stars to eighties pop.
Axel turns to me. “Would you like to come back to my suite? I’m starving. We could order some room service, maybe continue our conversation?”
I nod. I’m definitely not ready for the night to end. “I’d like that.”
Chapter Eleven
Axel
IleadKyleintomy suite, happy to have more time with him. As we step inside, I watch his eyes widen as he takes in the opulent surroundings. I try to see the suite from his point of view—crystal chandeliers shining overhead in the double-height ceiling, the deep velvet sofas in the sitting area, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the moonlit ocean.
“Wow,” Kyle breathes, his gaze roaming the space. “This is incredible. I feel like I’ve stepped into a palace.”
I chuckle softly at his wonder. “It’s a bit over-the-top, I know, but it has its perks. Can I give you the grand tour?”
He nods eagerly and I guide him further into the cavernous living area, pointing out the fully-stocked bar, giant flat screen TV, and sleek sound system. We cross to the formal dining area with its sideboard of fine china and ostentatious floral arrangement.
“This dining table alone is bigger than my entire cabin,” Kyle jokes, running a hand along the polished mahogany. “In fact, I think you could fit my whole room in here ten times over.”
“Well, size isn’t everything,” I reply with a wink.
He holds my gaze and I feel that undeniable spark again, the air thickening between us. Clearing my throat, I gesture toward the staircase. “The bedroom is up in the mezzanine. Best view on the ship.”
I swear I see a hint of a blush on Kyle’s already tanned cheeks before he glances away. The thought of leading him up to that king-size bed makes my pulse race and my mind wander to all the things I want to do to him. I imagine peeling off his clothes, kissing every inch of sun-kissed skin, taking him apart piece by piece…
Get it together, I scold myself. Don’t scare him off by moving too fast. Kyle deserves to be romanced, treated like a treasure. I want to savour every moment, learn everything about him, earn his trust. However long it takes. Shame the cruise ends in a week. God, only a few days ago I was dreading the cruise. Now I wish it would never end.
