Playing to Win

That didn’t mean I wasn’t completely aware of every minute brush of my arm against Jordan’s or how after the third time we touched, she shifted so she pressed up against my shoulder.

Dang.

My heart raced as Payton settled on a stool and adjusted the guitar in his lap. He fiddled with the microphone and the auditorium filled with a loud screech.

“Oh, uh, sorry,” he muttered. An amused murmur rose up from the audience. And even from the back wall, I saw the red creeping up his neck, but he smiled and didn’t let it fluster him too much.

Payton introduced himself and the song he’d be singing and then his fingers strummed the first chord. And I’d never felt so proud.

About halfway through his song, Jordan’s hand slid through the crook in my arm. I glanced over to find her determinedly keeping her eyes on her brother, but she couldn’t hide her pulse thrumming wildly, almost as wildly as my own, in her neck.

Suddenly, Payton’s song couldn’t end quickly enough. And, I rationalized, I’d already heard his band play.

Payton played the final notes. I lifted my fingers to my mouth to whistle. Jordan let go of my arm to clap, too, but I couldn’t have that.

While Payton’s bandmates made their way on stage, I turned to Jordan and grabbed her hips. Her eyes snapped up to mine, then widened. I watched carefully as they flared with the same emotions roiling through me and I knew she wouldn’t be upset with me for what I was about to do.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Jordan

Asher took hold of my hips and gently pushed me toward the exit. The auditorium lights were dim and the empty vestibule where Asher paused was lit only by the light coming from the hall.

He led me to a dark corner. Stacks of chairs lined the wall creating the perfect hiding place.

Asher didn’t waste any time. As soon as we were hidden from view, his lips crushed mine.

Finally.

It had been too long. We had a lot to discuss, but that could wait. I missed him. I missed this. And I wanted his kiss more than anything.

My arms twined around his neck as he dragged my body closer to his.

“It’s you,” he said between kisses. “Just you.”

“I know.” And I did. I believed him. After Payton told me how miserable Asher had been, I decided I’d been wrong. Judged him harshly. How could he kiss me like this and then want someone else? He couldn’t. I didn’t believe it.

Asher pulled back enough to look into my eyes.

“You know?”

I nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen. I’m sorry I didn’t believe in you.” I glanced down at the buttons on his shirt. “It had more to do with my own insecurities than not knowing you wouldn’t hurt me like that.”

His breath came out a sharp sigh. “Jordan, I would never hurt you. Never on purpose, anyway.” His hands framed my face. “I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you.” He kissed me softly, demanding, and he ended it all too soon. “I’m sorry, too, though. That night at the park, I’ve been thinking about how hard it would be for me if it was you and there were a million guys screaming your name. I would hate that. But I’m not going to stop singing or performing. All I can promise is to be respectful of you and of my fans… and we have some. Jarom set up social media for us and it’s exploded.”

“Seriously?” I had no idea how to feel about that, but I appreciated Asher’s willingness to see things from my perspective. I’d never want him to give up his dream for me just like I’d never want to have to choose between him, or any guy, and hockey.

Asher nodded, and I knew right then, he was someone special. There were big things in store for this beautiful boy I’d fallen so hard for.

“If this is going to work,” I paused to gather my courage. “If this is going to work, we have to promise each other to be honest. To talk things out. And I promise not to shut you out, to listen.” I’d learned a lot over the last couple of weeks, valuable lessons I hoped I never forgot. I had to respect Asher enough to hear his side of things and not jump to conclusions. We could have avoided a lot of heartache otherwise.

Asher kissed me again and tears pricked my eyes. “So, we’re doing this? We’re giving this another shot?”