Page 62 of Fame & Rhythm

I instinctively wrap my legs around him, needing the closeness, needing more of him, and a quiet sound escapes me, surprising us both.

His eyes flicker open, locking with mine.

For a moment, everything slows.

The kiss softens, then deepens in a different way—less frantic, more… intentional.

My fingers tighten in his hair as I hold onto him, grounding myself in this moment.

In him.

The tension between us shifts, settles into something heavier, and I don’t want it to stop.

Not now.

Not ever.

I close my eyes again, letting myself get lost in it.

In him.

If I’m honest, part of me has always known Aston would be my first kiss. And something tells me… he won’t be the last first either.

My fingers slide into his hair again, holding him close as the kiss deepens.

His lips leave mine, trailing along my jaw, then down to my neck. The warmth of his mouth sends a shiver through me, stealing the breath from my lungs. My head tips back against the pillow, my chest rising and falling too fast.

He moves back up, finding my lips again, and I meet him there without hesitation.

Nothing else matters.

Not the band.

Not the tension.

Not the confusion.

Just this.

Just us.

And then…

My door slams open.

“What the fuck?” Dad yells.

Chapter Twelve

Annie

Aston’s lips leave mine, and I’ve never seen someone get up so quickly. He jumps off me using lightning speed and stands on the floor at the end of my bed as Dad just plain gawks at him.

“Have you got a boner?” Dad yells.

Oh my God! I open my eyes wide in horror as Aston moves his hands to cover his groin.

“No, sir,” he lies, shaking his head.