Page 28 of Madness

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

DAKOTA

Ipull up to Lauren's house, my fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel. The brick house looms before me despite its small size, ordinary yet somehow intimidating. I've played sold-out stadiums, but this... this feels bigger.

I check my reflection in the rearview mirror, running a hand through my hair. The guy staring back at me looks more vulnerable than I'm used to seeing. Is this what Lauren does to me?

Taking a deep breath that smells of the jasmine blooming nearby, I approach her door. The muffled sounds of laughter and a child's excited chatter filter through. My hand hovers over the doorbell. What am I getting myself into? But the memory of Lauren's smile pushes me forward.

The door swings open, and there she is. Lauren's smile lights up her face, her eyes crinkling at the corners. For a second, I forget how to breathe.

"Hey," she says softly, stepping forward. Before I can respond, she rises on her tiptoes and presses a quick, soft kiss to my lips. It's brief, but it sends electricity through my entire body.

"Hi," I manage, grinning like an idiot. The scent of her perfume, something light and floral, lingers between us.

"Come on in," she says, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm almost ready."

I step inside, still a bit dazed from the kiss but immediately aware of the curious gazes fixed on me. A young woman with Lauren's eyes but with red hair, who must be Shannon, is sitting on the couch. And there, peeking out from behind Lauren's legs is a pair of big brown eyes.

"Dakota, this is my son, Roman," Lauren says, her voice softening as she looks down at the boy. The love in her eyes is palpable, and I feel a twinge of... something. Admiration? Longing? "And this is my cousin and soon-to-be-former roommate, Shannon."

I crouch down to Roman's eye level, ignoring the twinge in my knee from an old stage injury. "Hey there, buddy. It's nice to meet you."

Roman regards me seriously for a moment, his eyes wise beyond his years. Then, a shy smile breaks across his face. "Mommy says you play guitar," he says quietly.

I can't help but grin. "That's right. Maybe someday I can play for you. Do you like music?"

Roman nods enthusiastically. "I love drums!"

Lauren groans playfully. "Don't give him any ideas. The pots and pans have suffered enough."

As I laugh, I catch Lauren watching our interaction, a soft expression on her face that makes my heart skip.

Standing up, I meet Shannon's appraising look. She rises, extending her hand. "So, you're the famous Dakota," she says, her tone a mix of friendliness and caution. Her grip is firm, challenging. "I've heard a lot about you."

I match her grip, feeling like I'm being sized up. "All good things, I hope."

Shannon's smile is enigmatic. "That remains to be seen, doesn't it?" Her eyes flick to Lauren, then back to me. The protective intent is clear.

Lauren rolls her eyes. "Alright, enough with the interrogation," she says, grabbing her jacket. She kneels down to Roman's level. "You be good for Aunt Shannon, okay? Mommy will be back later."

Roman nods, wrapping his arms around Lauren's neck. As they hug, I'm struck by the depth of love between them. It's beautiful and intimidating all at once. Can I fit into this picture? Do I want to?

As we head out the door, Shannon calls out, "Have her back at a reasonable hour, rockstar. And remember, I know people."

Lauren groans, but I can see the affection behind her exasperation. "Ignore her," she tells me as we walk to my car. "She thinks she's funny."

"Nah, I get it," I say, opening the car door for her. "She cares about you. That's a good thing."

Lauren pauses before getting in, her eyes meeting mine. There's a moment of understanding between us, an acknowledgment of the complexities we're both navigating. She reaches out, squeezing my hand briefly before sliding into the seat.

As I close her door and walk around to the driver's side, I take a deep breath. The night air is cool against my face, grounding me in this moment.

I slide into the driver's seat, stealing another glance at Lauren. She's beautiful, the streetlights casting a soft glow on her face. But it's more than that. There's a strength in her eyes, a determination that draws me in.

"Ready for a night under the stars?" I ask, my voice softer than I intended.

Lauren's smile is a mix of excitement and nervousness that mirrors my own feelings. "Ready as I'll ever be," she says, reaching over to squeeze my hand again.

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