But I refuse to tell him that.
Reaching for my hand, he uses it to pull me into his open arms. “Don’t be mad. I just want you all to myself for a little while longer. Is that so bad?” I try to hold on to my anger but when he drops a kiss to the top of my head, I soften completely.
“No, I guess not. But I need to call Caroline and you are not paying my bills.”
His deep laugh vibrates beneath my cheek, causing me to smile. “Whatever you say, babe.”
Present
Linc’s fans come out in droves today to meet him. He signs countless autographs, and promises to sign more once he finishes performing his new single, “When We Break.” We found out on the way over here that it’s currently sitting at number one on the charts. I can’t contain my excitement, much less the smile smothering my face. He’s trying to play it cool but deep down I know he’s dying inside. This is the first single to ever hit number one within the first week of release.
I am so damn proud of him.
“He’s incredible.” His personal assistant, Kacey, stands next to me as we both watch Linc perform. He owns the stage, his fans echoing his every word.
Kacey has been his assistant for a little over a year now. Apparently, his last assistant couldn’t keep her legs closed. Linc told me the girl slept with half the road crew and got pissed when he wouldn’t sleep with her.
That made me smile.
Thankfully, Kacey is the exact opposite. She’s soft spoken but professional and firm when she needs to be. She definitely keeps Linc’s butt in line, making sure he stays organized.
Wearing black-framed hipster glasses, skinny jeans, Vans, and a Johnny Cash T-shirt, she looks like every bit of a twenty-four year old but when I look into her dark brown eyes, I can sense an old soul. One that has no doubt experienced a strong dose of life.
“He is,” she replies. “He talks about you constantly. I feel like I’ve known you all my life.”
I smile, wondering just how much Linc has shared with her. Then I nod toward the stage. “He’s lucky to have you.”
“I know. He’d be lost without me. I don’t know how he made it this far,” she teases. “But I love his goofy ass. He’s like the brother I never had.”
The crowd erupts as Linc brings the song to a close, pulling my attention back to the stage. They are all chanting for more as he leaves them with his signature two finger salute.
He strides toward me with purpose, a mischievous smile on his handsome face. “C’mon.”
I take a step back. “No, Linc, what are you doing?”
“I wanna sing you a song,” he says, tugging on my hand.
“Well, go sing it.”
“I can’t. I need you out there with me when I do.”
“Um…no, you don’t.” I tug on my hand but his grip only tightens.
He stops pulling and steps closer to me, his face hovering above mine, flooding me with his soothing presence. “I need to do this. Please, come with me.”
Blood pumps through my veins anxiously as he leads me to the center of the stage. The bright spotlight doesn’t faze him a bit. I squint my eyes, trying to adjust to the blinding light. “I can’t believe you,” I say, covering my face. I can’t see their faces, but I know they’re there and they are all focused on me.
Nervousness swamps my belly as his deep voice settles the excited crowd. “No matter where I’ve been or where I’m goin’, this woman has always been right here,” he says, placing his hand over his heart while his eyes stay locked on mine. They all cheer, their high-pitched screams causing my ears to ring. He tosses them one of his heart-stopping smiles before turning his eyes back to me. His confident gaze immediately calms my nerves and my fears. It feels like it’s only the two of us on this stage or in the entire world.
Tears burn my eyes and throat.
The roar is deafening, cutting through our intimate moment. Linc gives my hand one final squeeze then lifts his chin, motioning to a stool being placed behind me. With his help, I take my designated seat. “You know, sometimes in life we have to trust that fate will lead us to where we’re supposed to be. I’m just glad it led me back to you. I’ve never played this one live before. It’s brand new. Hope you like it.”
He strums his guitar, tweaking the strings until he finds the right melody.
Loving you has always been easy
Something I was born to do
