Chapter 37 Kaylee
THIRTY-SEVEN
KAYLEE
“I’m so sticky and wet,” I moaned, pulling my damp shirt away from my skin. “I can’t believe how hot it is.”
Micah pressed his front against my back and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Ew, you’re just as bad.” I wrinkled my nose at him.
“I like you sticky and wet,” he said in my ear with a wicked lilt.
“Not the same thing,” I laughed. “Where’s the water bottles? We’ve only got a few minutes before Anya and Zain finish their acoustic set.”
Micah turned me around in his arms.
“Let me enjoy this for a second,” he said, pushing my limp curls behind my ears. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this, all rocked out and messy.”
“It’s the first concert of our new tour, you’ll have plenty of chances,” I told him.
He pulled me toward him and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
I sighed happily. We didn’t bother hiding the fact that we were together anymore, which meant we could hug, and kiss, and be as close to each other as we wanted.
And if anyone wanted to say anything about it, well, let them.
We didn’t let it bother us, not anymore.
We were secure in our relationship, and nothing would change that.
I looked up at Micah with what I was sure were adoring eyes. My heart swelled as his gaze reflected mine.
“I love you,” I said. “So, so much.”
Micah’s eyes went soft.
“I love you, too,” he said. That soft, loving look was replaced by a sharp gleam. Before I could wonder what had caused the changed, his face flashed with nerves, but then his expression quickly became determined.
“Wow, I literally saw you think a dozen thoughts one after another,” I laughed. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
Micah paused, looking deeply into my eyes, as if looking for the answer to a question he hadn’t yet asked. Then he took a deep breath and smiled.
“I’ve been waiting for the right moment, but maybe it’ll never come. I wanted it to be perfect, but maybe it doesn’t need to be.” Micah looked up at the ceiling briefly, then lowered his gaze to mine.
“I told you I wanted everything,” he started. “I wanted everything you could give me. And I want to give you everything of myself, too.”
He put a trembling hand in his pocket and pulled out a small, square box.
“Holy shit,” I said on an exhale, not daring to breathe.
The box was black, and lacquered, and fit in the palm of his hand. He lifted the lid. Nestled inside a bed of satin was a gorgeous, sparkling diamond ring.
I looked up at Micah, tears filling my eyes.
“Not doing this on stage, huh?” I asked though a watery laugh. “You’re missing out on the chance to make a thousand fans swoon.”
“The only one I want swooning is you,” he said, the serious expression on his face twitching with amusement. “Kaylee, will you give me everything? Will you marry me?”
“Of course I will,” I replied, my heart filled to bursting. “Yes. Yes!” I flung my arms around his neck, going up on my tiptoes, and pulled his head down for a kiss. He clung to me just as tightly, returning the kiss desperately.
“Sixty seconds!” a staff member called out.
We parted reluctantly, my heels hitting the floor.
“Put it on, quick,” I said hurriedly.
Micah took my hand and gently, taking his time, slid the ring onto my finger. Then he lifted my hand and placed a kiss on that very spot.
“I’ve got an idea,” I said.
“Better than this idea?” he asked with a smirk.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I told him.
I was behind my drum set. Anya held the microphone. Micah was on keys. We were ready to kick off the second half of our show.
I’d had just enough time to pull Anya aside and whisper to her my plans. Her eyes had widened as she’d looked down at my hand. Her mouth opened with a question in her eyes.
“There’s no time for the whole story,” I’d told her. “Can you do it?”
She’d nodded fiercely, a grin crossing her face, and then we’d taken the stage.
I heard my cue, hit the drums and felt Finn’s bass thrum through me. Anya began to sing, and I waited, waited for just the right moment. Then the chorus kicked in.
I won’t hide now that you’re on my side
the two of us are going to shine
I looked to Micah, concentrating on his keyboard. I hoped he was paying attention.
Won’t change my mind, I’m taking to the sky
‘cause you’re mine for all time
Micah’s head whipped up, looking directly at me behind my drum set.
‘Cause we’ve changed, Anya sang. We’re leaving this cage.
I met Micah’s eyes. They were glittering. I gave him a brilliant grin. He matched it with one of his own.
And now together, we’re on the stage.