Smitten

“If you need some privacy when she gets here, feel free to use Greenroom Five. It’s mine for the night.”

“Thanks, man. Hey, uh, Reed? I’ve been meaning to say something to you for a while now.” I exhale. “I’m sorry for what happened at your party.”

He looks at me blankly.

“When I ripped you a new asshole after you’d talked to Alessandra about her music. In retrospect, it’s obvious you were trying to help her grow and develop as an artist. I was out of line when I said you’re ‘always’ a prick. I’m sorry.”

Reed shrugs. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” He winks. “Although, now that you mention it, I do recall that I was happy to see you get onto your white horse to defend Alessandra’s honor.” He smiles. “Georgie’s kept me in the loop. I’m happy to see how everything’s worked out for you two.”

“Thanks. I’m happy for you and Georgina, too. Alessandra’s kept me in the loop.”

Reed says something in reply, but I don’t catch it. Because . . . over his shoulder . . . I finally see her . . . Alessandra!

Without another word to Reed or anyone else, I take off running toward my woman like a dog chasing a car. “Alessandra!”

When she sees my sprinting, flailing frame, she takes off running toward me, until we meet in the middle and crash into each other. I grab her and clutch her to me, like a soldier returning to my woman after war. And, in response, Alessandra throws her arms around my neck and presses the length of her body against mine with full force.

Euphoria.

That’s what’s ripping through me like lightning.

Joy.

Elation.

Love.

Love.

Love.

In this moment, I feel happier than I’ve ever felt in my life. I feel whole. Alive. Relieved to finally be where I’m meant to be. I’m home.

She tilts her face up to me, her lips parted slightly, and I finally do the thing I’ve been dying to do for so long. I lean in and press my lips to hers, and give her the most passionate, heartfelt kiss of my life.

And it’s everything.

Electrifying.

Healing.

Perfect.

Alessandra’s lips are sweet, like I knew they’d be. Only better. Her scent is intoxicating. Her body warm in my arms. As her tongue dances with mine, it feels like we were born to kiss each other—and only each other. Like we were designed for this, by a higher being. We’re two parts of a whole, Ally and me. Meant to be.

As I kiss my love, my cock hardens to its full length and strains against her, aching to burrow inside. An explosion of fireworks is ricocheting inside me as our lips devour and our tongues dance. So much so, I begin grinding and jolting against her, too aroused and overwhelmed with excitement and lust and love to stand still.

I’ve had some amazing moments in my life, especially these past few years. Getting signed to River Records. Opening for Red Card Riot. Song after song miraculously hitting number one. Getting to witness tens of thousands of people singing along to songs I’ve helped create. I’ve been to awards shows. Experienced all my childhood dreams coming true. But this moment beats them all. I’m in love with this girl. And the best part is I’ve got no doubt she’s in love with me, too.

Slowly, the world around us begins to infiltrate our bubble. I begin hearing titters and applause. And then, outright hoots and whoops. All of a sudden, I realize Alessandra and I have an audience. And they’re obviously deeply amused.

Shit.

It’s a common thing to see people making out in greenrooms, of course. That’s rock ’n’ roll for ya, baby. But never like this. Not when so many of the people here are my friends—and so many of them have heard about my long-distance love. Not when it’s so obvious the two people kissing in a greenroom are doing so much more than making out. They’re two souls becoming one.

Grudgingly, I disengage from Alessandra and nuzzle her nose. “Looks like we’ve given everyone a show.”

“Who?” she says innocently. “We’re not alone?”

Smiling, I grab her hand. “Come on, baby. Let’s talk in private.” I pull her toward the greenroom door, getting backslapped here and there along the way.

“You’ve got five minutes!” Owen calls out to me, just before we’ve reached the doorframe. “Reed wants to personally introduce Alessandra to a few journalists before they get distracted!”

“Got it!” I call back. “We’ll be in Greenroom Five!” I look at Alessandra and say the next thing for her benefit, not Owen’s. “I just need a few minutes alone with my hot girlfriend.”

We walk down a hallway and stop in front of Greenroom Five, where a large bald man with a beard is positioned.

“Hey, man. I’m Fish from 22 Goats. Reed said—”

“Owen told me.” The dude opens the door and motions. “It’s all yours, Fish.”