Page 112 of Trouble

“Do you want to leave?”

My answer is far easier than it should be. “No. But I don’t want to hide away either. It’s been so long since I’ve written music, and yesterday, it felt good to do it again. I felt like I was finally reclaiming a piece of myself.”

Declan watches me as if he’s deep in thought. Then he seems to accept what I’ve said and nods, his hands settling on my hips and squeezing. “Can I show you something?”

I don’t hesitate, knowing I want him to show me everything he’s got. “Okay.”

He doesn’t let me go as he lifts me, and I squeal as he heads toward the basement door. “You going to put me down?”

In answer, he holds me tighter, with one hand on my ass, then opens the door. “I won’t drop you.”

“I know.”

As he climbs down the steps, I don’t even consider worrying that he might drop me. Declan has brought me an innate sense of safety since the moment I met him. Even when I’m unsure about every other aspect of my life, I’m comfortable with this man.

“It’s not done yet, but the guys are coming over in the morning to finish it up.” He turns on the light, and as the space is illuminated, I suck in a breath. “This has been down here since Liv left for college, so it probably needs to be tuned,” he mumbles, setting me on the edge of a worn piano. It’s a dark brown wood and nothing fancy, but…

“And Shawn knew a guy who had a guitar.” He points to the instrument settled on a stand in the corner. Then he scans the walls, which are only half covered. “We got a good portion of it done today, but by Tuesday, this space is yours. If you want it.”

“Declan,” I whisper, though once again, I don’t have the words to convey the depth of my emotions.

“It’s not a fancy music studio like what you probably have in New York, but it will be soundproofed, and…” He sighs again. “Please, Melina. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep you. I know I don’t deserve you. You probably want a nicer studio, a bigger house. And if that’s what you really want, I can look into?—”

I cover his lips with my fingers. “What I want is you and Cade. My home is with you. Wherever the two of you are. I can’t believe you—” I shake my head, blinking back tears. This is unbelievable. He built a soundproof music studio.For me. Sure, it isn’t extravagant, but it’s the thought, the action, that shows me that he’s all-in.

“I don’t need a fancy studio, and if I want to make upgrades, I’ll pay for it. I’m not with you for your money.”

Declan chuckles, the lines around his eyes crinkling, making me fall more in love with him. “That’s good. I love what I do, but I’ll never compete with you or Cade when it comes to that stuff.”

I hook my feet around the back of his hips and pull him close, settling my arms on his shoulders and my chin on his chest. “I love you, Declan. Just you as you are. No bells or whistles needed.”

He presses his lips to mine, and when he pulls back, he rasps, “I love you so damn much, sweetheart.”

Everything about this moment is perfect except… “I wish Cade were here.”

Declan brushes my hair back. “Me too.”

“You know what that means?” I ask as I regard one half of my happiness.

“Hmm?” he murmurs, dipping low and pressing a kiss to my collarbone.

“It’s time to grovel.”

Eyes flashing, he pulls back and gives me that devious smirk. “You trying to tell me you want me on my knees, sweetheart?”

His teasing tone instantly banishes the weight that’s been holding me down all day.

“No. Though that wouldn’t hurt.”

Track 17

A YEAR WITHOUT RAIN

CHAPTER 47

Cade

“You knowit’s not the greatest idea to tire me out before the game, right, Coach?” Brooks groans as I force him through another set.

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