Jax surprises me by adding a new riff between the chorus and second verse, and I sing solo with a smile on my face.
“Every storm, nights are heavy. Scars remind me where I’ve been. In your arms, I feel steady. I found my strength again.When the silence lingers, you lace our fingers, reminding me of what’s true.”
And when it comes time for the bridge, we both stand from our stools and sing into one microphone while staring into each other’s eyes. Longing, love, and adoration fuel me to get through the remainder of the song as we sing in perfect harmony.
“You’re my revival, my place of survival. Your arms are the home I never lost. I might be fragile, but you make me feel whole again. Make me sing again, my muse. You’re my revival. Yeah, you’re my revival.”
The crowd erupts in cheers so loud I can’t make out what Jax is saying until he slings the guitar behind him and pulls my back to his chest, wrapping me in his arms. He leans down and murmurs into my ear, “You’re incredible! I’m so fucking proud of you.”
I’m buzzing from the adrenaline high performing with him has given me. I grab hold of the microphone stand in both hands and with my voice shaky from sheer exhaustion, I thank the crowd. “Thank you so much for having us tonight, Nashville! I’ve missed y’all so much!”
Jackson keeps an arm slung over shoulder as we make our way off the stage. I lean into him and don’t even try to hide the way I’m breathing him in.
God, he’s everything.
Once we’re in my dressing room, I use all of the energy I have left to throw myself into his arms.
“Jax—thank you! You were amazing out there.”
He rubs his hands up and down my back, making me burrow further into his embrace. “Literally anytime, baby. Just say the word and I’m there.”
I pull back just enough so I can look up at him. “I didn’t even have to tonight—you just knew I needed you.”
The bashful smile he sends my way is my favorite. He clears his throat. “That was my favorite performance of yours you’ve ever done, and not just because I was on stage to join you.”
“Mine too. But it’s definitely because you were with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You could’ve.”
“I never want to have to,” I whisper my admission. And it’s true. Performing without him beside me might never be possible again now that I know how magical it feels with him next to me.
Jackson
I’m just about to pull my wife in for a kiss when the dressing room door flies open.
My shoulders tense as I spin my head around only to come face to face with Kyle Blackwood. And instead of the ease I should feel around Tae’s manager, I’m even more on guard.
“Do you always barge in without warning?” I practically snarl the question.
Kyle’s face scrunches up in disgust. “Didn’t realize you were in here.”
I don’t even try to hide my disdain for him or my hands that are fisted at my sides now. “Thank your lucky stars I am. Because if Taevin were to be in here alone, and, I don’t know, changing, you wouldn’t be walking out of here.”
“Is that a threat?” Kyle laughs, shutting the door behind him. My hackles rise when I see the look on his face.
“Kyle? What are you doing?” Taevin asks, but he ignores her.
Staring solely at me, his gaze narrows. “You shouldn’t threaten me.”
I scoff, crossing my arms at my chest. “And why’s that?”
His eyes drop to where my biceps are threatening to break free from my T-shirt.
He lets out another laugh. “All those years ago, you just let her walk out of your life without putting up any kind of fight.” He raises his arm to gesture at Taevin without so much as looking at her once again. I don’t dare take my eyes off of him though.
Shaking his head, he continues. “See, that’s the problem with rich boys like you who grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth; you don’t appreciate a rare thing when it’s right in front of you. Taevin has the kind talent that only comes around once in a generation. No one in the music industry is as talented as her or as gifted lyrically when it comes to songwriting. I knew it the moment I saw the videos of her performing. Thanks for that, by the way, I hear if it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have gotten on that stage at the fair all those summers ago.”
I feel as though I’ll be sick knowing I’m the reason he’s been put in her life.
