Page 57 of Always the Baker

I playfully shoved his shoulder. “Fine, you’re on. But don’t blame me if I use up all the storage space in your fancy bus with my art supplies.”

I noticed a few people giving us curious looks. One guy even snapped a quick photo with his phone.

“Um, Brax?” I whispered. “I think we’re being watched.”

He squeezed my hand. “Yeah. You okay?”

I took a deep breath. “I think so. I think I’m getting used to it.”

“We can go back to the bus if you want,” he offered.

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. Promise.”

Brax beamed at me. “Good girl. Now, how about we give them something to really talk about?”

Before I could ask what he meant, he gave me a deep, lingering kiss. I heard a few gasps and clicks of cameras, but in that moment, I didn’t care. I was too busy laughing and holding onto Brax for dear life.

As we steppedoff the tour bus, I felt a surge of excitement mixed with relief. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of cities, concerts, and stolen moments between Brax’s performances and my painting sessions.

“You ready for this?” Brax asked, squeezing my hand.

I grinned up at him. “Born ready, pooh. Let’s show them what we’ve got.”

We walked into the venue, dodging crew members and equipment. The air buzzed with pre-show energy, and I could feel Brax’s excitement radiating off him. The camera flashes didn’t bother me this time. In fact, I smiled and posed.

“Billie!” he called suddenly, pulling me to a stop. “I almost forgot. Come here.” He led me to a quiet corner backstage, fishing something out of his pocket. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

My heart did a little flip. “Brax, you didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to,” he interrupted, holding out a small, velvet box. “Open it.”

Inside was a delicate, silver charm bracelet. I gasped as I recognized the charms. They were tiny replicas of landmarks from each city we’d visited.

“Brax, this is… How did you even…”

He shrugged, looking pleased with himself. “I have my ways. Do you like it?”

“I love it. Thank you.”

As he fastened it around my wrist, I thought about how far we’d come. From that chance meeting in the city to weathering the storm of public scrutiny, and getting past my untruths… We’d faced it all together.

“I used to think I didn’t belong in your world. But now? I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Brax’s eyes softened. “You are my world, Billie. The music, the fame, now… it’s all just noise without you. I love you.”

“Aww, pooh. I love you too.”

17

Billie

I stood back,wiping sweat from my brow as I surveyed the mural I’d just finished on the side of a downtown coffee shop in The Hills. My arms ached from hours of painting, but a smile tugged at my lips. This piece felt different somehow—a little bolder, more alive.

“Oh wow. That’s incredible!”

I turned to see a guy in a sharp suit staring at my work. Great, another finance bro probably about to mansplain art to me. I braced myself.

“Thanks,” I said cautiously. “Just finished it actually.”

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