17. Blair
CHAPTER 17
Blair
As he turns to order, I study his profile. The strong line of his shoulders, the way his t-shirt clings to his muscular frame. He's as breathtaking as ever. Why did it take so long for us to find each other?
Vance glances back, catching me staring. Heat floods my cheeks, but I don't look away. His eyes darken, and for a moment, the noise fades away. It's just us.
“Here,” he says, pressing a cool glass into my hand.
“Thanks.” I take a long sip to steady myself.
We're playing with fire, being here together. I’m not sure how long he can look at me like that without us ending up in the bathroom or back in his truck. But as Vance's hand finds its way back to my waist, I can't bring myself to care. We weave through the crowd, Vance's hand a steady anchor at my back. My eyes land on a small table near the stage.
“There,” I say, nodding towards it.
Vance guides us over, pulling out a chair for me. Such a simple gesture, but it makes my heart flutter. He’s such a gentleman.
As I settle in, Vance leans in. “Let’s make this a night to remember.”
A laugh bubbles up from my chest, light and carefree. It's been so long since I've felt this... unburdened. “You're on, soldier.”
No complications, no guilt. Just us.
He gets up and signs us up – coming back to snuggle up right next to me.
I lean back in my chair, letting my gaze wander over Vance's face. The light accentuates his strong jawline, but it's his eyes that captivate me. They crinkle at the corners as he smiles.
“What?” he asks, catching me staring.
I shake my head, smiling. “Just... taking you in. Still in shock.”
His hand finds mine on the table, his thumb tracing circles on my skin. “Believe it. I'm not going anywhere.”
After all this time, all the longing and separation, he's here. With me.
“Next up, we have... Vance!” The DJ's voice booms through the speakers.
Vance stands, giving me a wink. “Wish me luck?”
“Break a leg,” I say, squeezing his hand.
As he walks towards the stage, I admire the way he moves. Confident, purposeful. He doesn't try to command attention, but every eye in the room seems drawn to him. My soldier. My Vance.
I bite my lip as I watch him take the mic. Whatever comes next, I know one thing for certain - I've never felt more alive than I do right now.
The opening chords of Born to Run fill the air, and Vance's rich baritone follows. His voice, deep and soulful, wraps around me like a warm embrace. I can't tear my eyes away. The way his fingers curl around the microphone, the subtle sway of his hips to the rhythm - it's mesmerizing. My foot starts tapping involuntarily, my body pulsing with the beat. Memories flood my mind: stolen moments, whispered promises, the ache of separation. But here, now, his voice drowns out all the doubts and fears.
“God, he's good,” I mutter, more to myself than anyone else.
The last notes fade, and the bar erupts in cheers. Vance's eyes find mine across the room. He hands the mic back to the DJ and makes his way towards me, weaving through the crowd with that effortless grace.
My heart races as he approaches. Without thinking, I reach for his hand, intertwining our fingers. “That was incredible.”
He leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “I'm full of surprises, Blair.”
I turn to face him, our noses almost touching. “I can't wait to discover them all.”
The DJ's voice cuts through our moment. “Next up, Blair!”
My stomach drops. I swallow hard, suddenly nervous. Vance's hand squeezes mine reassuringly.
“You've got this,” he murmurs, his dark eyes full of confidence.
I nod, taking a deep breath as I stand. My legs feel shaky as I make my way to the stage, the crowd's chatter fading to a dull roar in my ears. The DJ hands me the mic, and I scan the song list, my heart pounding.
There it is - the perfect song. I select it, and the opening chords fill the air.
I close my eyes, letting the music wash over me. When I start to sing, my voice is surprisingly steady, carrying the weight of all those lonely nights, all those unspoken words.
“I dreamed of you through endless days…”
My eyes find Vance in the crowd. He's leaning forward, elbows on the table, completely focused on me. The intensity of his gaze makes my breath catch, but I don't look away.
“Every mile was a prayer…”
As I sing, I feel exposed, vulnerable. But there's strength in it too - in finally giving voice to everything I've felt. Vance's expression softens. I pour my heart into every word, every note. It's just him and me in this moment, having a conversation only we can understand.
As the final notes fade, applause erupts around me. I blink, suddenly aware of the crowd again. My cheeks burn as I hand the mic back to the DJ and make my way off the stage.
Vance is there, waiting. His arms encircle me, pulling me close. “Blair,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. “That was incredible.”
I laugh, the sound bubbling up from a place of pure joy. “Really? I was so nervous.”
“Couldn't tell,” he says, pulling back to look at me. His eyes crinkle at the corners, a smile playing on his lips.
“I need a drink after that.”
Vance nods.
He returns moments later with a glass and hands it to me. I take a sip, savoring the burn.“I've missed this,” I admit, running my finger along the rim of my glass. “Missed you.”
Vance reaches across the table, his calloused hand enveloping mine. “I missed you too, Blair. More than you know. I know things are complicated, but…”
I hold my breath, waiting. My pulse quickens.
“I'm all in,” he finishes. “Whatever comes next, I want to face it with you.”
Emotion clogs my throat. I reach up, cupping his face. “Me too.”
Vance leans down, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss. I melt into him, savoring the moment.
The road ahead won't be easy, but with Vance by my side, I'm ready for anything.