“It’s beautiful, Jax.” He took the box from my hands, carefully extracting the necklace and unfastening the clasp. He moved behind me as I swept my hair to one side so that he could secure the chain around my neck. Once he’d done so, he turned me to face him, and I glanced down to see my name shimmering up at me.
“Liv, you mean everything to me. You’re so special, and I’ve had the distinct honor of having you to myself these last several weeks. Now, it’s time for the whole world to see how amazing you are, and I have no doubt they’re going to love you too.” He slid his finger beneath the charm, lightly caressing the surface with his thumb. “I want you to share with the world who Liv is, but this part I want you to keep close to your heart.” With that, he flipped the tiny disc over to reveal ‘Jax’ inscribed in the same script on the other side.
“Jax,” I clutched the pendant gently against my chest, and tears filled my eyes. “I love you.” I threw my arms around his neck, pulling him down to me so I could kiss his perfect mouth. “I love you so much.”
He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, and I’d never felt more safe or loved. “I love you, Liv.”
Chapter 28
Jax
New Year’s Eve arrived, andthe energy of Nashville was electric. It was a cold but clear day, and fans had already started lining the streets early in the morning in anticipation of the evening’s festivities. Liv had been a bundle of nerves most of the day until she finally set off with Ella, Grace, Katie, and Antoni for an afternoon of getting glammed-up for the show.
Brady and the guys picked me up from Liv’s house, and we traveled downtown for all of the press Cash had lined up before the big show. We stopped by the bakery for a box of treats on the way because Dallas had a craving for cupcakes. Cash had masterfully leaked information about Jax & Livin the days leading up to the show, and the media was in a frenzy. Social media was buzzing with #Jax&Liv and #WhoIsLiv. We teased the unveiling of the new project during our interviews, but the world wouldn’t get a look at us until we finally took the stage together in front of millions of people, live on national television just before midnight.
People had started to piece together that Liv was most likely the woman I’d been photographed with at the Halloween party in Las Vegas, and the internet had been trying desperately to identify her. There were rumors about it being some up-and-coming pop star and even a famous actress. Of course, no one had even gotten close to the real thing.
Cash had also lined up a meeting with another record label executive, some guy who was anxious to meet us and throw his hat in the ring. According to Cash, the guy was adamant he could offer us something none of the other labels could, so he’d agreed to let him have his fifteen minutes after we finished up with press for the day.
After we wrapped up, we were sitting in our trailer relaxing for a moment when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Cash called. The door opened to reveal a dark-haired guy in a smart-looking suit. “You must be from 6th & 15th Records. I’m Cash Montgomery, and this is the band. That’s Dallas, Derek, Luca, and Jaxon.” He pointed to each of us, and we gave a nod of acknowledgment.
“I’m theownerof 6th & 15th,” he said. “The name is Benton Wyatt. It’s a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.”
“Nice to meet you, Benton. Please have a seat.” Cash gestured to the vacant lounge chair beside me. “I hear you have quite the proposal for us.”
“Jaxon.” Benton said my name like he was trying it on, completely ignoring Cash’s question. “I heard you have a new project you’re launching tonight.”
I smiled. “I do, with my girlfriend Liv.”
“Is that right?” Benton wore a look of amusement on his face.
“Would you like a cupcake, Benton?” Dallas asked as he opened the Tiffany Blue box on the small coffee table, grabbing one for himself.
Benton’s eyes lingered on the box, and though he looked like he was practically salivating, he declined. “No, thank you.”
“Liv is an amazing baker. She owns Livvie Cakes Bakery and Cupcakery,” Dallas gushed, taking a bite of his cupcake. I shot him an annoyed glance. “What? The cat will be out of the bag soon anyway. You can keep a secret for the next couple of hours, can’t you, Benton?”
“Of course I can.” Benton nodded, eyeing me. “It sounds like you’ll be looking for another contract soon.”
“We will, but we’re taking it one step at a time,” I said.
Benton looked like he wanted to say something else, but Cash spoke up before he could. “If memory serves me correctly, 6th & 15th houses strictly country artists right now.” Cash folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Why the interest in Midnight in Dallas?”
“It’s simple really,” Benton replied, shifting his focus to Cash. “I’m looking to expand the brand. Nashville is growing, gentlemen. It’s not all country music anymore, as I’m sure you know. I want 6th & 15th to represent a more diverse roster.”
“Starting with Midnight in Dallas?” Derek asked curiously.
“That’s right,” Benton agreed.
Luca eyed Benton suspiciously. “Okay, but why us?”
“You guys are one of the hottest acts on the scene.” Benton leaned forward, his attention back on me. “I want to be part of your evolution, and I think Nashville is the perfect home for your band.”
“As I’m sure you can imagine, we’re fielding a lot of interest,” Cash said. “What can you give us that no other label can?”
“How does a ten million dollar sign-on bonus sound?” Benton asked casually, settling back into his chair.
