Music of the Heart

Unblinking and unmoving, I stared at Lily for a moment as I let the depth of her words wash over me. Glancing over my shoulder, I eyed all the beautiful red, pink, yellow, and purple roses overtaking my room. I thought of Jake’s countless texts along with his actions at the elevator.

Nibbling my bottom lip, I finally questioned, “So what do I do to make it right with us?”

A beaming smile filled her cheeks before she leaned over to hug me. “Well, first of all, you need a white dress!”

And that’s how I came to be trailing behind her as we searched for Runaway Train, or most importantly Jake. At the sight of Frank talking to some other roadies, I rushed past Lily.

“Where’s Jake?” I demanded breathlessly.

His gaze roamed over my attire, and then he smiled. “Want me to take you to him?”

“Please.”

“Sure thing, Angel.”

He led me through a series of rooms. Rhys, Brayden, and AJ were in the second one, decked out and waiting for their call to go to the stage. When they saw me, they whistled and cat-called. I guess I must’ve looked like I was on a mission because they didn’t try stopping me. “Go on and get your man, Angel!” AJ called.

We’d left the room with the guys when Frank stopped. He motioned to a shut door. “He’s in there. Of course, he’s left strict orders not to be disturbed.” With a wink, Frank then added, “But I’m pretty sure he’ll want to see you.”

I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

Frank turned and left me alone in the hallway. My nerves caused me to wobble as I pushed myself forward. My hand trembled as I knocked on the dressing room door. “Are you all f**king deaf? I told you I wanted to be left the hell alone, so go away!” he growled.

Testing the doorknob, I found it unlocked. I had to draw in a few calming breaths before opening it. Jake sat hunched down in one of the chairs with a scowl etched across his face. At the sound of the door closing behind me, he jerked his head up. “I said—” The rest of his words died on his lips at the sight of me. His eyes bulged as he shot out of his chair. He just stood there, staring at me with an expression of absolute disbelief.

The corners of my lips twitched in a smile. “Don’t tell me that I’ve rendered you speechless?”

“Angel, you actually came.” He then motioned at my dress. “And you’re wearing white.”

I nodded. “For you.”

He closed the gap between us in two long strides. “Does this mean you accept my apology, and you’re willing to give a major f**k-up like me another chance?”

I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped my lips at Jake’s summation of himself. “Yes, it does.”

Jerking me to him, he planted a long, lingering kiss on my mouth. “Oh God, you make me so, so happy,” he murmured against my lips.

“You make me happy too.”

After he pulled away, Jake’s brows furrowed. “But what finally changed your mind? I mean, I was about ready to have my mama call you and plead my case.”

I laughed. “That might’ve helped, but it was Lily who helped me see the bigger picture.”

“Really? Wow, I’m impressed with her mad skills of persuasion.” He grinned. “Damn, I’m glad she came through for me. I guess I owe her big time, huh?”

“No, I don’t think you owe her anything. She was just being honest about the person you really are.”

“Thank you, Angel,” Jake replied with a smile. “Now let me get a good look at you.”

With a little twirl, I spun around to give him a view of the dress. Although the bottom was made of chiffon, the bodice had intricate white beading and sequins. With its spaghetti straps, it did an amazing job showing off my cle**age. It was tasteful, but sexy all in the same token.

Jake licked his lips. “Oh Angel…you look absolutely breathtaking.”

I grinned. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“Jake, it’s time,” Rhys called from the doorway.

“One sec,” he replied.

With a nudge, I pushed him to the door. “You need to go. After all, you can’t keep your adoring fans waiting.”

Jake’s expression grew serious. “There’s something I have to say to you before I go out there.”

My heartbeat accelerated so fast I felt lightheaded. “Okay,” I murmured.

Cupping my cheeks in his hands, Jake stared intently into my eyes. “I love you, Angel.”

I jerked back at his declaration. “You do?”

He smiled as he ran his thumb along my cheekbone. “Yeah, I do.”

Blinking in disbelief, I continued to stare at him. Finally, I whispered, “Oh Jake,” before I threw myself at him. “Say it again,” I commanded, my voice muffled against his chest.

“I love you, Abby,” he whispered into my ear.

“I love you, too. So very, very much,” I replied, squeezing him tight.

“I never thought I’d ever hear you say it.”

After he wrapped his arms around my waist, he pressed his forehead against mine. “I could say the same about you.”

“Jake!” Rhys called again.

“Fuck, I don’t want to go out there. I just want to stay right here with you.”

“We’ll have time together after the show.”

Jake’s expression darkened. “It’s never enough time, especially since you have to fly back tomorrow.”

“We’ll figure something out. We always do.”

“Maybe next time instead of those douchebags from Vindicated we can have Jacob’s Ladder open for us.”

I laughed. “That would be awesome.”

“I’m totally serious, Abby.”

When he used my real name, rather than Angel, I knew he really was. “But—”

He pressed a finger against my lips to silence me. “All I have to do is bring it before the suits, and usually when I go after something, I get what I want.”

I shook my head and couldn’t keep the smile from forming on my lips. “There you go with that ego again.”

“Come on.” He then took me by the hand. He led me along the darkened corridors. We reached the stage just as AJ was making his usual grand entrance. Jake pulled me almost to the edge of the wings. “Stay here for the show, okay?”

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Right here? I’m practically on the stage,” I protested.