Page 73 of Giving Chase

"Quite a twenty years."

She turns in my arms, facing me. "Was it worth the wait?"

"Every second." I brush back a strand of purple-tipped platinum. "Though I wouldn't mind not waiting anymore."

"No?"

"No." I kiss her temple. "I've got some new songs to record. Need a label President's opinion on them."

Her laugh vibrates against my chest. "I might know someone. Though I hear she's dating a rockstar now."

"Lucky guy."

"Lucky girl."

The party swirls around us - Michelle directing photographers to "capture the moment," Justin showing Will something on his phone, Mark deep in conversation with Robert Plant of all people. But here in our corner, it's just us.

"Eliza?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you. In case that wasn't clear from the very public declarations and worldwide trending topics."

She kisses me, right there in front of everyone. No hiding. No pretending. No professional distance.

"I love you too. In case that wasn't clear from the last twenty years."

"Crystal clear." I pull her closer asOff the Recordstarts playing. "Want to dance to yet another one of our songs? Now that everyone knows they’re our songs?"

Her smile is everything I've ever tried to capture in melody.

"Lead the way, rockstar."

The night spins on, a blur of celebration and congratulations and joy. But all I feel is her hand in mine, all I see is steel grey eyes and purple-tipped platinum, all I hear is the music that brought us together and the truth we're finally free to speak.

Everything about today I once thought was impossible. The band. The induction. Eliza. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think things could be this good. I used to buckle under pressure that wasn’t even there. I created all of my own demons. But I’ve also fought them.

Today, it feels like I won.

Never Tear Us Apart

ELIZA

The first thingI register is sunlight warming my face. The second is Chase's gaze.

"How long have you been watching me sleep?" I murmur, not opening my eyes.

"Long enough to memorize every beautiful detail." His fingers trace my cheekbone, trail down my neck. "Though I've been doing that for twenty years."

I blink awake to find him propped on one elbow beside me, hair adorably mussed, eyes dark with want.

"Last night was real?" I ask, though the delicious ache in my feet from dancing until dawn answers that question.

"All of it." He brushes back my hair, then follows the path with his lips. "The induction, the performance, the party..." His smile turns wicked. "The way you kissed me in front of the entire industry."

"Seemed appropriate after your speech."

"Seemed perfect." His mouth finds that spot below my ear that makes me gasp. "You're perfect."

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