AllFreeNovel
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**
Usually, the band liked to mix it up and perform at some smaller stages, but because this was an abbreviated tour, mega-stadiums made up most of their venues. Nothing compared to the sound of sixty-five thousand people screaming, clapping, and singing along to music he’d helped create. Teag hit his sticks together, counting out the opening beat. The stage lights blared, and the crowd roared.
When he played, everything else disappeared. His whole world narrowed to the pulsing beat, his muscles working, the sound of chords and of Fiona’s voice, and the energy of the audience. That magical moment of synchronicity, when the band created something bigger and more powerful together than any one of them could produce on their own, never got old. Pure joy.
When the show ended, Teag gulped down a bottle of water and bounced on his feet, his body still amped up on adrenaline. One of the roadies handed him a towel and a t-shirt. He patted his chest dry and yanked the t-shirt over his head, catching a glimpse of Maria from the corner of his eye. She unabashedly stared at him while she thought he couldn’t see her.
Teag let out an exasperated sigh. His natural high faded, giving way to frustration. The woman wanted him, he was fairly certain, but she wouldn’t act on her feelings. He understood her reluctance. He wasn’t keen on having his own heart stomped on again, but he was still willing to take a chance. Maria’s own fear and stubbornness were holding her back—at least that’s what he thought, because lack of interest wasn’t the reason.
Ah, well. He’d tried to convince her he wanted more than one night, but she wasn’t having it, and he wouldn’t be that guy who pined away after a woman who rejected him. Nope. He was moving on.
As he headed to the green room, he gave Maria a casual nod. A crowd of fans waited behind a line of the stadium’s security guards. The band hustled into the room, and Fiona popped open a bottle of champagne.
“Before we let in the adoring public, I just want to say thank you. Ten years ago, we got together in Julian’s mom’s basement and played our first song together. It’s been quite a run, and there’s no one I’d rather play music with than you guys. You’re more than bandmates, you are family, and I love you.” She held her glass up.
They clinked and cheered. Even their security team clapped and whistled. Fiona nodded to the guard at the door, and he opened it. An enthusiastic group piled into the small space.
Teag surveyed the faces and found Cristina smiling pointedly at him. He maneuvered his way toward her.
“You made it. Did you enjoy the show?”
“We did. I brought a friend,” Cristina said, tilting her head toward another stunning young woman.
“How exciting,” Teag answered, injecting as much enthusiasm as he could manage into his tone.
