In the elevator, I lean against the wall and close my eyes, replaying the events of the evening in my mind.The raw emotion at Harper’s grave, the tenderness and passion with Chase at his cottage ...For the first time in years, I feel a glimmer of hope.Maybe I can find a way to heal, to move forward without completely abandoning my past.
The elevator dings and I make my way down the hall to my room.As I fumble for my key card, the door next to mine opens and Kelly steps out, looking disheveled.
“There you are!”she exclaims.“I was starting to worry.”
I give her a small smile.“I’m fine.Just ...had some things to take care of.”
Kelly’s eyes narrows as she takes in my appearance—slightly damp hair, flushed cheeks.A knowing smirk spreads across her face.
“Things, huh?Would those things happen to involve a certain handsome guitar player?”
My cheeks flush even more under Kelly’s scrutiny.“Maybe,” I admit with a small smile.
Kelly’s eyes light up.“Ooh, details please!Was it good?I bet it was good.”
I laugh and shake my head.“A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”But I can’t quite hide my satisfied grin.
“Fine, keep your secrets,” Kelly says with a dramatic sigh.“But seriously, are you okay?After yesterday ...”
The reminder of my breakdown sobers me quickly.“I’m ...better,” I say carefully.“Chase and I talked.About a lot of things.It helped.”
Kelly nods, her expression turning serious.“I’m glad.You know I’m here if you need anything, right?”
“I know,” I say softly, touched by her concern.“Thank you, Kelly.For everything.”
Her grin grows wider as she leans in to share her news.“Brendon called today.They want you to perform at a show in Nashville next weekend.And it’s not just any show.”
My eyes widen in surprise as she names the venue, which can hold up to a thousand people.It may not be the biggest audience I’ve ever played to, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
“That’s amazing!”My heart is beating fast with excitement.Offers are already coming in before the show tomorrow night.This could be the turning point I’ve been waiting for.Even if it means leaving Chase behind.We both knew this was only temporary—just for old times’ sake.
The thought of leaving him and never seeing him again fills me with dread.I can’t bear the idea of walking away from the relationship, but I also can’t give up on my own dreams and ambitions.If only he would be willing to leave everything behind and join me on this crazy journey.Perhaps he would.A glimmer of hope sparks within me, and I hold onto it tightly.It is the only way we could make things work.If he truly cares about me as much as I do about him, maybe he will take a chance and start a new life with me.
Later, when I’m in bed as I drift off to sleep, I fantasize about all the possibilities our future could hold together.
Him performing on stage with me, playing, loving, sharing our lives together just as we always should have been.
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
Chase
I wakeup and take a moment to clear my head.Did last night really happen with Bayleigh, or was it just a dream?The smell of her on my sheets confirms that it was real.I’ve dreamed about her for years, her scent, her taste.But being with her in real life is so much better.She’s like a drug, addictive and irresistible.No matter what drama she puts me through, I am always there, begging for more.
As I think back on our passionate night together, a grin spreads across my face.Her body against mine, the way she cried out my name—I want more of it all.I want her every night in my bed, and to wake up with her in my arms every morning.
I know it’s not healthy how consumed I am by her.But I can’t help it.I’ve spent so long pining for her, waiting for her to come back and give my life purpose again.
I rub my hand over my face, thinking about how pathetic it all sounds.But she has this power over me that I can’t break, no matter how hard I try.And trust me—I’ve tried.
My eyes drift to the watch on my bedside table.Today is the big day—the day that will make or break Bayleigh’s career.If she succeeds, she’ll get to go back to touring, making music, and living the life of fame and fortune.
But if she doesn’t ...I don’t even want to think about it.It’s too painful to imagine a future without her in it.
I can’t help but ponder if life will be simpler for us if she doesn’t achieve her dreams.Maybe then she’ll come back and we could have a real chance of being together.She could move in with us at the ranch and lend a hand.Perhaps she could even teach music at the local school.We could finally have the family we’ve always dreamed of.We aren’t too old for that, are we?But deep down, I know it isn’t just about moving away from Nashville’s hustle and bustle to the slower pace of Sweetgum Valley.If that had been enough for her, she wouldn’t have left.And if I had been enough, we would have found a way to make it work together.
But I promised to support her, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.Whether or not tonight is a success, I won’t let it fail because of me.All I want is for her to be happy, and if this is what she wants, then that’s all that matters.
Being near her this week has been bittersweet.It’s only intensified my desire for her.
