I leaned in, focused on her. “What ifwehad a project together? Our own duo.”
“What?” she blurted, startling herself with how loud her voice was. “No way. You’re joking.”
“Not at all. I think we work well together, Liv. I love writing with you, and it comes so easily. It’s like we’ve performed together for years. Do you know how rare that is?”
“Yeah, but I’m no performer.”
“I call bullshit.” I looked at her pointedly. “Maybe you haven’t been on a stage in a while, but you belong on one. Look, I know you think it’s too late for you, but it’s not. You could still do this.Wecould do this—together.”
“I don’t know, Jax.” She shook her head. “I was a different person back then. That was ages ago. I don’t even know if that woman still exists.”
“Then who have I spent the last couple of days with?” I challenged her. “Becausethatwoman is still passionate about music. That woman belongs on stage, singing her stories for the world to hear.”
Her expression softened, and she stared out the window wordlessly for a moment. Finally, she turned back toward me. “You really think that?”
“Iknowthat.”
“And you really want to do this? With me?”
“Yeah,” I said. “I do. I know it’s a lot to think about, but will you promise me you’ll at least consider it? We’ll keep writing over the next couple of weeks, and you can decide if and when you’re ready.”
“I wouldn’t want it to come between you and the band, though.” She frowned.
“It doesn’t have to,” I said. “Lots of people do side projects or even join other bands while maintaining their original projects. Look at people like Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile, and Steven Tyler. Even the Jonas Brothers made it work.”
She eyed me momentarily as if trying to decide if I would suddenly tell her this was all part of some elaborate joke. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
My smile stretched to my ears. “Thank you.” At least I knew I’d have the next couple of weeks to hopefully convince her that we could have a future together, both on and off the stage.
“Two jalapeño mac-n-cheese pies.” Suzanne appeared at our side, placing our plates in front of us. “Can I get you guys anything else right now?”
“No, thank you.” I smiled, looking over at Liv. “I think we’ve got everything we need.”
Chapter 11
Liv
My mind felt like ithad been on a Tilt-A-Whirl ride. First, I’d kissed Jax, and then he’d suggested we start our own musical act. My head kept telling me what a bad idea this was. I was far too old, and I could never be good enough for a man like him. He was a handsome, successful, and much younger rockstar. Yet I felt my heart being pulled more and more in his direction. I loved the way his eyes always seemed to find mine and how easily we fit into each other’s lives. I found I was having to remind myself about the age difference and the fact that he’d be back on a tour bus soon, but I’d still be here.
Writing songs with him was one thing, but becoming a bonafide performer? That was entirely different. I was still grappling with the idea of even beingwitha rockstar, let alone becoming one myself. Part of me wanted to say yes on the spot. This had been my dream for so long, but I was a different person back then. Now, I had the bakery and Ella and Grace. I had different responsibilities than I did all those years ago. Add to that the potential complications of us having feelings for each other, and you had a recipe for disaster.
Though I’d told Ella I was helping Jax write some songs, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to tell her about the kiss or his crazy business proposal. I could tell she suspected something was up by her knowing glances, and I already knew what she would say. But could I really risk going all-in with someone only to be replaced again?
Despite how much I tried to deny my feelings for Jax, I wanted to soak up as much time with him as I could. We spent every day that week together. He hung out with me in the kitchen at work for more baking lessons, and we went to the pie shop a couple more times.
Nearly a week after we first met, Jax and I were at a fall festival at the local botanical gardens with Ella, Grace, Cash, and Dallas. Jax and Dallas sported beanies and sunglasses in an effort to disguise themselves, but Brady came along too, just in case they got recognized by any crazed fans. It was a sunny but chilly day and that meant it was even busier than usual. People were scattered everywhere, taking in the beautiful fall flowers, pumpkin houses, and live bluegrass music. Families picked out pumpkins to paint, and carts were staggered along the gardens serving delicious and overpriced fall fare.
“What do you ladies want to do first?” Cash directed his question to Ella, Grace, and me.
Grace beamed. “Let’s go watch the band.”
“I like the way you think, Grace.” Dallas sniffled, tugging his beanie further over his ears. We moved to the stage area and found an empty space in the grass to sit. Jax sat just behind me, close enough that I could almost lean into him. I noticed Brady sat a little off to the side, presumably to give us some privacy.
“Brady, come sit with us.” I waved him over.
“Yeah, man,” Jax agreed. “I know you’re here to help us in case anything crazy happens, but we want you to hang with us too.”
Brady scooted over closer. “I just didn’t want to intrude on your date.”
