Page 266 of Fame & Chaos

She winces. “They’re impossible to miss.”

I sigh. “Rob’s putting a positive spin on the whole thing. If it works, we’ll come out the other side stronger.”

“That’s good.”

“It also means…” I hesitate. “We’re going back on tour. Headlining this time.”

She immediately turns around. “Oh my God!” Before I can brace myself, she’s throwing her arms around my neck. “Caleb!” She kisses me so quickly I barely have time to react. “This is amazing!”

I blink… not exactly the response I’d been expecting.

“Headline tour!” she squeals. “You’re finally headlining!” She suddenly stops bouncing and studies my face.

“Why don’t you look excited?”

I smile weakly. “The last tour…”

Understanding softens her expression. “I know.” She slips her hands into mine. “I also know I’m not that girl anymore.”

I hold her gaze. “If Sasha shows up again…”

“I won’t run,” she answers without hesitation. “I trust you. And living without you…” She shakes her head. “I’m never putting us through that again.”

I search her eyes. “You mean that?”

“I’ve never meant anything more.” She smiles. “This is your dream, Caleb.” She squeezes my hands. “I’m not going to let fear steal it from you.”

Emotion catches in my throat. “I love you.”

“I know.” She grins. “But I love hearing you say it.”

I kiss her hard, unable to stop smiling.

When we finally pull apart, she laughs.

“You won’t be saying that six weeks into the tour when I’m crying down the phone because I miss you.”

“Then come with me.”

She raises an eyebrow. “You already know I can’t.”

“Worth asking.”

She laughs. “It always is.” Then she throws both hands into the air. “Headline act!” She starts dancing around the kitchen, laughing to herself, and I can’t help laughing with her.

She’s completely impossible.

And completely perfect.

Before she knows what’s happening, I scoop her into my arms and spin her around the kitchen.

She squeals, laughing so hard she almost drops the bowl.

The sound fills the house.

And for the first time in a very long time…

Everything feels exactly the way it is supposed to.