Page 248 of Fame & Rhythm

We made it.

I look up just as Aston walks toward me, that big, goofy grin on his face, the one that always makes me smile back without even trying. “How insane is this, Lennox?” he asks, nodding toward the stage as the crowd starts cheering louder.

“I forgot how addictive this feeling is,” I admit.

He laughs softly and pulls me into him. I rise onto my toes and kiss him, slow at first, then deeper as he responds, his hand sliding into my hair, drawing me closer. The energy from the crowd hums through my veins, but nothing compares to this, to being here, with him.

He pulls back slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“What?” I ask, breathless.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Remember when we were five, under the willow tree, and we promised we’d be best friends forever?”

I laugh softly. “And you saved me from that evil spider.”

“Yeah,” he says, his expression softening. “I think… even back then, I knew. Maybe not how, but I knew you’d always be my person. By thirteen, I knew I was completely gone for you, but if I’m honest?” He shrugs slightly. “I think I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember.”

My heart melts. “You’re such a romantic,” I tease.

“Only with you,” he replies, flexing his tattooed arm. “Don’t ruin my rock star reputation.”

I laugh, my gaze drifting over the ink he’s added over the years, the tribal work along his ribs, the bold design across his chest, the bird on his neck filled with music notes… and my name woven into the one we got together.

He’s breathtaking.

And somehow, he’s mine.

“It took me a bit longer to catch up,” I admit, meeting his eyes again. “But I’m so glad I did.”

He leans in and kisses the tip of my nose. “So… after everything,” he says quietly. “We’re solid now, yeah?”

“Always.”

I kiss him again, harder this time.

A hand smacks my back, breaking us apart, and I groan.

Caleb just grins. “You two can act like an old married couple later. Right now, we’ve got a stage to own.”

I laugh as Aston squeezes my hand.

“Come on,” Caleb adds, gesturing. “Hands in.”

We move into the circle. Ella and Chad are already there, followed by Caleb, Aston, and me. We glance around at each other, the energy buzzing between us, that familiar connection snapping back into place like it never left.

It’s time.

And together, we chant…

The music flows for all to hear.

You cannot help but stop and cheer.

The walls will tremble, shudder, and break,

‘Cause no one can handle the sound of Staked.

One, two, three…