Page 78 of Fame & Rhythm

It’s just us.

“I’m sorry about today,” Aston says quickly, stepping closer. Our guitars brush. “I don’t know how long we’ve got before your dad notices, but I need you to know… I wasn’t avoiding you on purpose. I swear. All I’ve wanted to do all day…” he leans in, voice low, “…is kiss you.”

My breath catches. “Then kiss me,” I whisper.

He glances around, then smiles, and closes the distance. His lips meet mine, soft but sure. Heat rushes through me instantly, my body reacting before I can even think.

And then it’s over.

Way too soon.

“God, I’ve wanted to do that all day,” he murmurs.

I smile, still a little dazed. “Why were you avoid—”

“All right, kids, you’re on,” Dad cuts in, stepping over. “Go out there and have a blast.”

I look back at Aston.

He winks.

And just like that, everything feels right again.

We move to the edge of the stage as the announcement booms over the speakers. “And now, the band you’ve all been waiting for… give it up for Staked!”

The crowd erupts.

I glance at Aston, and we both grin while my heart pounds like it’s about to burst.

The lights dim.

We step out onto the stage.

The roar of the crowd hits us full force, thousands of people screaming, jumping, waiting, and as I take it all in, one thing is crystal clear…

It doesn’t get better than this.

Chapter Fifteen

Annie

We take our positions on stage, and I look out over the sea of faces, smiling, dancing, clapping—they are already with us.

Relief washes through me.

I plug in my guitar and glance at Ella. She smiles brightly back, steadying me. She’s okay.

Chad settles behind the drums, tapping the bass a couple of times, and that’s our cue.

I turn toward Aston. He catches my eye, grinning like this is the easiest thing in the world, like we’re about to walk into a backyard party instead of a stadium packed with thousands of people. “Let’s rock it, Lennox.”

My laugh comes out breathless as I nod.

The opening beat thunders through the speakers, vibrating up through the soles of my boots. The crowd erupts, arms already in the air, voices rolling toward us in one deafening wave, and every nerve ending in my body crackles to life.

This is it.

My first show.