Page 81 of Fame & Rhythm

The rest of the set flies by without a hitch, and by the end of it, I’m certain we’ve just made our first real fans.

Not just family.

Real fans.

The final song ends, and I take one last look out at the crowd, soaking it all in. Sweat clings to my skin, my vest sticking to me under the heat of the lights, but I don’t care. I’d stand in flames if it meant I got to be up here doing this, feeling this moment.

We rush offstage, Aston and Caleb right behind me, the crowd still roaring.

My heart races, my whole body buzzing.

Ten thousand people.

I still can’t believe it.

I head down the stairs, shrug off my guitar, and pass it to a crew member before wiping the sweat from my forehead, and then I pause.

Close my eyes.

And listen.

The cheers. The stomping. The energy.

It’s still there.

Still ours.

Strong arms suddenly wrap around me, and I squeal, opening my eyes to find Aston. He lifts me clean off the ground and spins me in a circle. I laugh, clutching onto him as we turn, the world still buzzing from the stage. When he slows, he slides me down his body, hands lingering as he steadies me. Then he brushes a strand of damp hair from my face, shaking his head.

“That was amazing,” he says.

I nod, a little dazed, my attention drifting to his lips. His hand cups my cheek, and I lean into it, breathing him in.

“Are you okay?” he asks, brows pulling together.

I blink, realizing I haven’t said a word.

“Shit! Yeah. Sorry. I’m just… still in it. I can’t believe how good that felt,” I say, my voice a little breathless.

He’s still holding me close. “You were incredible out there, Lennox,” he murmurs, resting his sweaty forehead against mine.

“You’re incredible all the time,” I reply honestly.

The way he smiles, it hits me right in the chest.

He leans in.

I move to meet him…

“To be continued,” Aston mutters, stepping back just as Dad’s voice echoes down the hall.

Perfect timing.

“Holy shit! You guys were amazing.” Dad barrels toward us, grabbing Ella on the way and pulling us both into a crushing hug. “I’m so proud of you, especially you two.”

I laugh, peeking over his shoulder at Aston. His parents are already swarming him, but he catches my eye and winks.

My stomach flips.