Page 97 of Fame & Rhythm

“Annie, talk to me.”

I swallow hard, my throat thick, not even sure where to begin.

“Annie, please… you’re killing me here. Was it that bad?”

I shake my head again. “No. Not at all, Ast. It was… beautiful. So damn beautiful, I can’t even…” My voice breaks as fresh tears spill over.

“Hey, hey… I’m sorry. Don’t cry,” he murmurs, turning me gently to face him.

I lean into his chest, wrapping my arms around him as he strokes my hair, pressing his cheek against my head.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” I whisper. “That was the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.”

I feel his smile before I see it, his lips brushing against my hair. “I meant every word, Annie.”

I lift my head, wiping at my cheeks as I look up at him.

“You’re beautiful to me… in every way. And I’ve always known you were mine.”

A soft laugh escapes me, even as my chest swells. “So… I’m yours?”

He leans his forehead against mine. “Only if I can be yours.”

I nod, closing the small space between us and kissing him softly. “That’s it then… we’re officially together?”

His smile spreads, warm and certain, as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Always, baby.”

My heart skips.

I kiss him again, slower this time, softer, like sealing something real between us. His arms wrap around me, holding me close as the world fades away.

And right now…

Everything feels perfect.

I’m wrapped up in Aston, in the music, in this moment where nothing else exists.

Where I’m his… and he is mine.

And I never want to come down from this feeling.

Chapter Nineteen

Annie

“Annie?” Mum’s voice cuts through the moment, and I quickly pull away from Aston, sliding off his lap as she walks toward us beneath the willow tree.

I glance at him.

He’s smirking.

Busted.

I shift to sit beside him as Mum approaches, smiling. “Hey, Mum.”

“Hi, sweetheart. Your father’s ready to start again. I thought I’d come get you before he decided to himself.”

I bite my lip at that. Yeah… definitely better this way.