Page 90 of Sixty Days Of Summer

As the early morning light, soft and golden, slips through the blinds, I reach out, brushing a strand of hair away from Scarlet’s face. She’s asleep, completely at peace, and for a second, I just take it all in. Everything is clear now. I love her. Probably have for way longer than I even knew. But saying it out loud last night? That shit changed everything. There’s no going back now. Not after this.

For the first time in my life, I’ve let someone in. Really fucking let them in. I laid it all out for her—the shit I never thought I’d say aloud, let alone to anyone else. And the crazy part? It felt right. No hesitation, no second-guessing. She’s theone for me. I get that now. No one else will ever get this close, not the way she has. It’s terrifying, sure, but fuck, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had.

I pull her into me, careful not to wake her just yet. I need to hold onto this. Hold onto her. It’s just us, no more chaos. I’m hers, and she’s mine. That simple truth makes everything feel… lighter.

She stirs, her eyes fluttering open, and when those big, sleepy eyes land on me, I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips.

“Good morning,” she murmurs, her voice soft and raspy.

“Morning,” I reply, leaning down to kiss her, slow and gentle.

Her smile widens against my lips. “I’ve got the perfect day planned for us. I’m going to show you all my favorite spots in New York.”

“I can’t wait,” I say, smirking as my voice dips low, “but you know I’d prefer to keep you in this bed all day.”

She flashes that wicked grin, her fingers trailing down my chest, sending a spark through me. “Oh, really? You think you can handle me in bed all day?”

She laughs, slipping out of my hold, and I let out a frustrated sigh.

“I’ve got the whole day planned,” she says.

“And I’ve got other plans in mind,” I say, grabbing her wrist, pulling her back to me. My lips brush against her ear. “You better make it worth it, ‘cause I’m this close to saying screw your plans and just keep you here.”

Her laugh is light, but there’s fire in her eyes. I’m tempted to lose myself in her right here and now, but the idea of her sharing her favorite things with me draws me in just as much.

With one last heated kiss, I let her go, watching as she heads toward the shower, my eyes roaming down over her tight body.

I’m about to follow her when my phone rings, and Xander’s name lights up the screen, stopping me in my tracks. I pause, torn between going after her and taking the call. With a frustrated sigh, I swipe to answer and lift the phone to my ear.

“Hey?” I say.

“Just checking in. I wanted to see how you’re holding up after that interview yesterday,” Xander says.

I glance toward the bathroom, hearing the water running, and smirk. “Everything’s good. Better than good, actually.”

An hour later, disguised and ready, we plunge into the bustling chaos of New York City. The streets pulse with bright lights and towering buildings, an overwhelming mix of car horns, bursts of laughter, and the mouthwatering scent of street food that makes my stomach rumble. This place is a circus—way more intense than Los Angeles.

Our first stop is a cozy little coffee shop tucked away near Central Park. Scarlet’s eyes light up as she orders two steaming cups, the rich aroma wrapping around us, adding a warmth that feels almost intimate. We settle by the window, letting the city's pulse wash over us as we watch the world buzz by. The soft hum of conversations and the clink of cups create a laid-back atmosphere, but all I can focus on is her. She talks about all the previous times she's come here over the years, her voice filled with stories and memories, and I can’t help but be captivated, completely drawn in.

Sitting here with her, it really sinks in just how far we’ve come. This isn’t just another day in New York—it’s us, buildingsomething real, something solid that’s been quietly growing between us for a while now.

I take a slow sip of coffee, but my eyes stay fixed on her, captivated. I get lost in the way she speaks, how her hands move with each story, and the way her face lights up with every word. It’s these little moments, so genuine and effortless, that pull me in deeper and make me fall even harder.

Afterward, we stroll through Central Park, surrounded by vibrant green trees and a gentle breeze brushing against my face. The future doesn’t feel hazy anymore—it’s clear, almost within reach. I can sense it in the sweet scent of blooming flowers, feel it in the warmth of the sun filtering through the leaves. It’s like I’m watching our life come together, piece by piece, with Scarlet and me building something lasting, something real. In this moment, I’m absolutely certain of it. She’s my safe haven, my anchor in this vast, unpredictable world.

"What are you gonna do once the tour’s over?" I ask, keeping my tone casual, though inside, the thought of not seeing her everyday hits hard. The idea of her not being there, of not being able to reach out and touch her or watch that smile light up her face—it feels like a punch straight to the gut.

“I don’t know,” she says, her voice trailing off into silence. As we head back toward the bustling city street, I watch her carefully. “I guess I’ll have to find another band that needs a drummer.”

“It should be easier now that people know your name and how kick-ass you really are,” I reply, trying to reassure her.

She glances at me, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I suppose. But some will still try and use me for the connections I can make.”

I fucking hate hearing that. The thought of someone using her, taking advantage of her just because of her last name. It doesn’t sit right with me at all. I want to protect her from that,to make sure she knows her worth is more than just who she’s related to. She deserves to shine on her own, not in someone else’s shadow.

We leave the park and wander through the city, stopping by a quirky little bookstore she loves—the kind that smells of old paper and fresh coffee. Then there’s the rooftop garden she once stumbled upon—a hidden oasis high above the concrete jungle that is New York. The moment we step inside, we’re wrapped in the intoxicating scent of blooming flowers and fresh herbs. Tiny fairy lights hang around the space, their soft glow sparkling in the sunlight, adding a hint of magic. Each spot offers a glimpse into her world, and with every stop, I find myself even more captivated by her.

As we sit together in the silence, I know we need to head back to the hotel before soundcheck at three. But for the first time, I don’t want to leave for my music. I don’t want to break this closeness, this moment we’re sharing. It’s not like me—music has always come first. But right now? All I want is to stay here with her, wrapped up in her world.

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