Dump and Chase (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 1)

I really don’t know how this day could get any better.

Brooks House is packed to the brim. I’m not sure what’s so special about this Thursday, but everyone is out. There is a wait for a table, and my tip jar is overflowing. It’s been a great night. Everyone has been really receptive to my playlist, and the requests that have come in have been fun to perform. The only downside is I haven’t heard from Aiden. Like, at all. I wasn’t sure if I should text him, so I just let it be.

Which is driving me crazy.

With my eyes closed, I let my voice fill the room as I move my fingers along the piano. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is one of those songs that isn’t done well without the all-out passion coming from the heart. I remember when I was nine and my mom taught me this song. We’d sing it while we did dishes, cleaned my room and the bathroom. It brings a smile to my face because I can still see my mom pressing into my gut and telling me to sing out into the world. I still use that advice to this day. Especially when I’m onstage.

When I finish the last lyrics, my pinkie hitting the final note on the piano, I open my eyes as my voice drops off. The room erupts with applause, and I sigh softly before reaching for a drink of my water.

That’s when I see him.

Aiden sits at the end of the bar, one foot up on the lower rail, while his other is against the floor. He’s wearing a fitted suit, a powder-blue color that makes his eyes seem blue instead of gray. His hair is down, tucked behind his ears, and his eyes, well, they’re on me. A small grin pulls at his lips, and my breath catches. I want to close the distance between us. I want to wrap my body around his and kiss that naughty mouth of his. Only problem is, not only is Stella here, but so is Fallon.

Speaking of Fallon, she comes around the bar, hugging him tightly, and I know I have to look away. Or she’ll see me with stars in my eyes only for him. Everything around me is crackling. I’ve missed him terribly. I look down at the piano, and something inside me wants to play Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly.” I move my fingers along the piano, and when I start to sing, I feel his gaze on me. Unable to keep my eyes closed, I open them to find I am right. Aiden is watching me, his eyes so intent on me as I sing the song that reminds me of him. Of us.

Fallon comes over to him with a plate of food, setting it down in front of him, and she looks over to me, a big grin on her face. Aiden says something, and she agrees, her eyes bright as she looks down at her firstborn. You can’t deny how much she loves Aiden. Sometimes I think he’s her favorite, and I can’t blame her. He’s absolutely amazing. When she walks away, his gaze moves over me once more, and the look in his eyes leaves me completely breathless.

I tear my gaze from his—or at least, I make it seem that way for the simple fact that I know people could be watching. When I finish the song, I notice he gets up as the crowd claps and cheers me on. But all I see is him, and all I hear is my heart pounding in my chest. He comes up to the piano and leans on it before sliding a napkin toward me.

“Stella and my mom think I’m up here requesting a song, but really, I wanted to ask if you’d come over tonight.”

My lips quirk. “I would really like that.”

“Good. See you when you get off?” I nod, and then he taps the piano. “Also, sorry I suck. My phone died, and I left my charger in Calgary. I would have used someone else’s, but no one would give up their chargers. I may have a bit of a reputation for stealing them.”

“Likely excuse,” I tease, and he grins.

He taps the napkin and then winks before walking away. I watch his tight ass in those slacks, and I can’t wait to meet him back at his place. I’ve missed him so damn much. I look down at the folded napkin, and when I open it, my heart explodes in my chest.

I missed you. A lot. I really want to kiss you and hold you in my arms. Don’t make me wait long. It’s already been long enough. Bring a bag, because you aren’t leaving.

-Aiden

I look up just as a sexy grin moves across his lips, and I swear I fall for him all over again.