Page 112 of Love You Madly

There’s a nervous energy buzzing under my skin. Even though I saw him this morning, the hours apart from Owen feel like days. Last night was incredible. And I don’t know if he feels the same way but it was easily the best sex of my life. And that’s saying something because well… I was a trollop, remember?

The familiar rumble of Owen’s green Chevy S10–who I know now he’s named Trevor–pulls my attention to the end of the gravel driveway. The butterflies in my stomach must be hosting a frat party because they are most definitely drunk.

I know that I have a history of falling fast. I know that I might as well face it, I’m addicted to love–see what I did there? But seriously, there’s something about this man that tells me I’ve known him so much longer than just a few short months. I can feel it in my bones.

Owen parks and steps out of the truck, his eyes immediately locking on mine as a smile spreads across his face. There’s something so intense in his gaze, something that makes my breath catch in my throat and I actually have to remind myself to breathe.

“You look incredible,” he murmurs, his voice low and full of heat as he strides toward me. He wraps his arms around me in a hug before resting his hands on my hips and pulling back abit to look me over again. His eyes roam over me, taking in every detail from top to bottom. There’s something in his expression that makes me feel cherished, like I’m the only thing in the world that matters to him in this moment.

Before I can say a word, he pulls me close again and his lips are on mine. It’s a kiss that’s as intense as it is passionate, a melding of emotions that words could never fully capture. His hands slide up my back, pulling me even closer until there’s no space left between us. I slide my hand onto his chest and feel the steady beat of his heart against my palm, matching the rhythm of my own racing pulse.

When we finally pull apart, both of us are a little breathless, and I can see the playful glint in his eyes. “If you’re not careful,” he teases, his lips brushing against mine as he speaks, “we might miss the concert.”

There’s a lightness in his tone, but beneath it, I can feel the depth of his warning, the way last night shifted something between us. I laugh softly, the sound filled with a mix of relief and happiness. “Well, we wouldn’t want that,” I reply, my voice tinged with the same playful energy. “Although, if I was going to miss Halestorm for anyone, it would definitely be you.”

Owen’s smile widens, and he leans in for one more quick kiss, his lips warm and reassuring against mine. “Ditto,” he says with a wink. “But I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this concert, so let’s get you out of here before you end up ass up with your face in a pillow.”

“Halestorm, who?” I tease, pretending to pull him toward the house.

His smile evolves into a soft chuckle. “As tempting as that sounds, dollface, I think we’d both regret missing tonight.”

“Speak for yourself,” I pout even though he’s right. I’vebeen waiting a long time for this concert, and I love that I get to spend it with him.

“Tsk, tsk, my pretty Kitty. There’s plenty of time for that later.” He guides me toward the truck and reaches out to open the passenger door, and I can’t help but admire his movements.

“Okay, okay,” I say, lifting my hands in mock surrender. “Let’s go to the fairgrounds before I change my mind.”

As I slide into the seat, I catch a glimpse of the signatures on my red Converse and a smile tugs at my lips. The memories of the last concert rush back, and I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement.

Owen rounds the truck, grinning as he gets into the driver’s seat. He leans over to me to give me one more kiss before starting the engine. The truck roars to life, and soon, we’re heading down the gravel driveway, the excitement between us growing with every mile. The evening sun dips lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything as we drive toward the fairgrounds, ready to lose ourselves in the music and in each other.

The fairgrounds are alive with the hum of conversation, the distant rumble of motorcycles, and the scent of grilled food mingling with the faint sweetness of hay and freshly cut grass. Overhead, the sky deepens into twilight, a canvas painted in rich hues of indigo and violet, as the day slowly gives way to the night.

Owen is beside me, a steady presence whose warmth seeps into me with every touch. His hand rests lightly on the small of my back, his fingers occasionally brushing against my skin,sending little sparks of warmth through my body. There’s an intimacy between us now, something that wasn’t there before last night—a connection that feels deeper, more profound. It’s like the air between us is charged with something electric, something that makes me feel alive in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.

I sneak a glance up at him, my heart doing little flips at the sight of his relaxed smile. His eyes catch mine, and there’s something in them that makes me feel seen, truly seen, like he’s looking at me and seeing everything that I am, everything that I’ve been through, and still choosing to stay. Last night changed things, not just the way we touch but the way we look at each other, like there’s this unspoken understanding, a shared secret that binds us in ways words can’t describe.

As we walk, I take in the crowd around us—leather jackets, band tees, and the occasional flash of brightly colored hair. It’s a mixed group, people from all walks of life, drawn together by their love for the music that’s about to fill the air. The ground beneath our feet is a mix of dirt and gravel, crunching underfoot as we move closer to the stage where the band will perform. The excitement is palpable, a collective anticipation that makes the air buzz.

Before we get too close, Owen suddenly veers off toward one of the merch booths. “Hold on a sec,” he says, pulling me along with a playful grin.

“What are you up to?” I ask, curious as he sifts through a rack of t-shirts.

He picks one out, a black Halestorm tee with the cover art from the band’s first album splashed across the front, and holds it up for me to see. “How about this one, babe?”

I laugh, touched by the gesture. “It’s perfect.”

Without another word, he hands the vendor some cashand passes me the shirt. I pull it on over my tank top right then and there, grinning up at him as I adjust the fit.

With the new shirt clinging comfortably to me, we continue our way toward the stage. I can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement, not just for the concert but for the fact that I’m here with Owen, sharing this moment with him. It’s like everything that’s happened between us has been leading to this—this night, this concert, this feeling of being completely in the moment with someone who makes me feel like I’m more than just the sum of my past mistakes.

But then, I see him.

Adam.

The sight of him hits me like a punch to the gut, making me stop dead in my tracks. He’s standing near one of the food trucks, his arm casually draped around the waist of a tall, curvy brunette with glasses that I recognize from around town. She was a year ahead of Adam and Taylor in high school so we never went to school together–Katie. She’s laughing at something he’s said though I can’t hear them from where we are standing. The sight of him leaves me feeling paralyzed because I know he’s going to start problems as soon as he sees us.

Owen senses the shift in me and he presses his hand to the small of my back.

---