Chapter 24
Brian
I’d never felt anything like this.
The smiles and selfies and constant quoting of Lake Paige lyrics. I hadn’t realized this artist had created an entire subculture of friendship and empowerment around her music, but it was on full display tonight.
It had taken minutes for the daughters of Dylan’s best friends to bring Kit and Greta into the fold. Now they were all glittered up and screaming nonstop. It was energizing and exhausting at the same time.
I loved it.
Jess looked so beautiful it was difficult to keep my eyes off her. She glowed with happiness, and the slinky dress didn’t hurt.
Dylan, of course, had racks of clothes delivered to the hotel penthouse for all the women and girls to choose from.
Room service had brought up snacks, and the girls had engineered a fashion show that eventually transitioned into a dance party. I’d never seen Kit so animated and excited. She was in her element, chatting with the older girls and consulting on shoe choices.
In typical Jess fashion, she’d chosen a bright pink dress with sparkly straps. The makeup artist had made her lips look even more delicious and kissable than usual, making it impossible for me to stop staring at her mouth.
I wanted it. To kiss her, to hold her. To show her how much I cared about her. But I couldn’t cross that line. Not yet.
Thankfully, we’d been so busy that I hadn’t had much time to even contemplate it. I’d been put on photography duty, and I took my role seriously, memorializing every moment for the girls.
At the stadium, we were whisked through a VIP entrance and up elevators manned by men with earpieces. It was all very official and unlike any experience I’d ever had at a ballpark.
Beckett led us through a maze of hallways, then ushered us into a well-furnished room to wait.
While the kids choreographed yet another elaborate dance routine, I stood by Jess, watching her face as she took it all in. She was so beautiful. But what caught my attention now that I’d had time to get used to the extra fullness of her lips was the sheer joy on her face.
Every detail mattered to her. Every moment was special. Not just today, either. She was like this all the time. Dancing and singing and cooking and smiling through all of life’s mundane moments as well as the exciting ones.
It made me want to share all of them with her.
And the curiosity was killing me. I wanted to know what she looked like first thing in the morning.
I wanted to watch her face light up when I surprised her with flowers.
I was desperate to discover if she would flush, like she used to, when I made her come.
Focus, Brian.
For now, this had to remain friendly and nothing more.
It was going to be a long weekend if I couldn’t keep my fantasies in check.
Before my mind got away from me again, the door opened, and two burly security guards entered, followed by Lake Paige herself. She looked like a smaller, younger version of the billboard currently in front of this stadium. Long brown hair, signature red lips, and an infectious smile.
The screaming and excitement took over, and I shifted back into photographer mode.
She chatted with each of the kids, giving hugs and high fives, complimenting their outfits and asking about their favorite songs.
When a warm hand landed on my arm, I looked away from my phone’s screen. At my side, Jess wore a wobbly smile, her eyes misty. “This is amazing,” she mouthed.
As Lake approached Greta, I bumped Jess with my elbow. “Get in there.”
She threw her hands up. “Oh no. No old ladies in the pictures.”
“You look gorgeous.” I pinned her with a serious look. “Now get in there and take photos with your daughters.”
Finally, she shuffled toward Lake. And when Lake threw her arms open for a hug, Jess stumbled, starstruck.
As they embraced, she peered down at her girls and wiped a tear from her eye.
The four of them posed, making peace signs and silly faces.
Lake took time to make each of them feel special before moving on to the next fan.
Eventually, though, she was whisked away to the stage.
The moment the door shut behind her, the room erupted again.
“I’m deceased,” Kit declared, a hand over her heart, her tween angst on display. “Bury me, Mom. This is the best day of my life.”
Jess playfully rolled her eyes. “Can we at least wait until after the concert before making funeral plans?”
“Fine.” Head thrown back, she sighed. Then she turned to me. “Thanks, Brian.” She pushed a strand of glitter hair behind her ear and tackled me in a huge hug.
Greta piled on, and then Jess wrapped her arms around both of them, her hands barely making it to my back.
I was unprepared for the affection, and it was a bit of a shock just how good it felt to be appreciated like this. Making Jess and her kids happy made me happy too.
We were herded out of the conference room minutes later, and as we followed the group to the owner’s box, I was struck by how much fun I was having. I wasn’t usually one for crowds and noise, but the energy was undeniable, and it felt special to share this with Jess.
When the opening act came on, she danced and sang, jumping in with the kids’ dance routines.
When Lake took the stage, energy crackled in the air.
It seemed impossible that one could feel complete safety in a crowd of sixty thousand people, yet here I was, without a care in the world.
I was surrounded by glitter and friendship and hugs.
And our entire group, even grumps like Beckett and me, had a great time.
Each time Jess brushed up against me, my blood heated and I had to remind myself that I was playing the long game. Laying the foundation for a connection I didn’t yet understand but needed more than I needed my next breath.
So much was unknown, but in my bones, I was certain that this woman was worth all of it. I’d just have to be patient and hope that one day, she could be mine.
The security posted at the entrance to the owner’s box had passed out light-up bracelets, which were now flashing in time with the beat.
Blinding lights flashed as Lake strutted across the stage, and as backup dancers appeared, a round of fireworks exploded overhead.
The crowd sang along to every word, never tiring, never missing a lyric.
With my heart in my throat, I snuck looks at Kit and Greta, who were shaking and jumping wildly.
I’d only ever felt this kind of affection a few times in my life.
Liam, of course, had stolen my heart the day he was born.
And I was partial to Sully’s and Cal’s kids.
It blew me away how quickly these two girls had chipped away at my heart and found homes there.
As the music slowed and Lake launched into her famous love song “Hold Me,” cell phone lights turned on one by one. My bracelet flashed blue, pulling my attention down to where my hand rested at my side.
Like this, Jess’s fingers were a few inches from mine. As I stared, the need to touch her, to hold on tight, overwhelmed me.
It took more willpower than I’d like to admit to fight the urge. With a sigh, I turned back to the stage, trying to ignore the persistent tug in my chest.
I was still battling with myself when Jess, as if reading my mind, clutched my hand and smiled up at me.
Time stopped as we looked at one another, the music, lights, and crowd fading into the background.
It was dark, but there was no hiding the emotion in her eyes. It was palpable, a deepening connection that neither of us could fully embrace yet.
Heart racing, I turned back to the stage, focusing on the feel of her palm in mine. This was more than I could have hoped for. When tomorrow came, I’d have to take a step back, erect those boundaries again. But for tonight, I’d hold on and enjoy every moment.
This was meant to be. It was right. Thank fuck my friends had pushed me to do this.
Nothing could happen. That was still true. But if this moment was anything to go by, at least Jess got it now.
She understood she was special to me. That I’d do anything for her and her kids.
The only downside? I’d have to admit to Lo and Sloane that they were right. That a gesture could speak volumes, even while I was still prohibited from telling her how much she meant with words.
God, they’d be insufferable.
But this sensation, the strange combination of excitement and comfort as we held hands, made it all worth it.
During intermission, while I was at the bar area inside the box, fetching waters for the kids, a hand landed on my shoulder with enough force to make me fumble the bottles I was holding. I managed to hold on to them all as I turned and found Beckett Langfield watching me.
“Thank you,” I said, emotions still rushing through me. This man was a billionaire, one of the firm’s most valuable clients, and a sort-of friend. He owed me nothing, yet he’d helped me get here, to the top of the world.
He eyed Jess and the girls, who hadn’t left their spots, and raised his whiskey glass to me. “Happy to be of service. Don’t duck it up.”
With that, he strolled over to his wife and two of their daughters.
Once I’d handed out waters, I focused on breathing, working to center myself.
“Brian.” Kit rushed toward me and threw her arms around my waist. When she looked up, her eyes were wet and her small face was stained with tears and rainbow glitter. “This is the best day of my life,” she sobbed. “Thank you.”
Before I could react, Greta and Jess were joining her. All three of them squeezed me as they bounced up and down. “You’re the best, Brian,” Greta said, her voice muffled.
I held them as tightly as I could, savoring the moment.
Across the room, Beckett caught my eye and raised his glass.
Shit, he was right. I could not duck this up.