Page 25 of Rockstar's Accidental Marriage

Emily isn’t avoiding me anymore. Gone is the too-polite stiffness. She doesn’t roll her eyes or snap when I make a joke—at least not every time. And when she does glare at me, there’s a softness behind it, like she’s letting me off the hook before I’ve even earned it.

She’s smiling more, too. Not the forced, professional smile she used to plaster on her face during meetings, but a real one. The one that makes her eyes light up and reminds me why I’ve been so drawn to her from the start.

And me? I’m trying to be better—more serious.

The jokes haven’t stopped, but they’re different now—less sharp, more playful. I’m finally treating her how she deserves to be treated as our manager, not just the clipboard-wielding taskmaster she pretends to be.

The band notices, too.

“You two finally kiss and make up or something?” Luke asks one afternoon, his tone light but curious.

“Or something,” I reply with a grin, sidestepping the question.

He doesn’t press, but I can see the relief in his expression. The whole group feels lighter, like they’ve been holding their breath for weeks and can finally exhale.

Even Cass seems to notice.

It's after dinner, and everyone else has gone inside. Only Cass and I are left. We’re sitting outside the buses, drinking a beer.

Cass leans back in his chair, and his eyes get a faraway look. Then he glances at me, his expression thoughtful.

“You’ve been good to Emily lately,” he says, his tone casual but loaded with meaning.

I shrug, taking a sip of my beer. “She’s doing a good job. I’d be an idiot not to recognize that.”

He nods, his gaze steady on me. “She is. But it’s not just about the job, is it?”

I glance at him, caught off guard by the shift in his tone. “What do you mean?”

Cass exhales, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. “I mean, it’s been a long road to get here—you and her. I don’t know exactly what happened to break all that tension, but whatever it was, the rest of us are grateful. The entire band feels better. Kendrick says she hasn’t seen Emily this relaxed in months.”

I grin. “Relaxed? She still carries her tablet around like it’s her lifeline.”

Cass chuckles, but the sound fades quickly. “Seriously, though, Sam. Emily’s not just some random manager we hired. She’s my sister. And she’s putting her heart into this band and making sure we’re not just coasting but thriving.”

“I know that,” I say, my voice pensive.

“So, does this mean you and Emily might start dating?”

I suddenly choke on my beer.

Cass thumps my back. “Damn, are you alright?”

“Yeah,” I manage. Stopping to clear my throat. “That just took me by surprise,” I mumble, evading the question.

"I noticed," Cass observes dryly, a brief silence hanging in the air. He then glances at me curiously. "Listen, I don't like seeing Emily upset," he says, the protective older brother in full force. "I don't want to have to worry about you treating her right," he says, his tone casual, but his eyes hold a sharp, assessing gaze.

I glance at him, unsure how to respond. "I don’t plan on doing anything to upset her. If that’s what you’re getting at."

"Honestly, I thought you were going to screw things up," he admits with a shrug. "But you're not. You're stepping up. And I appreciate it."

Approval from Cass wasn't something I actively sought, but hearing it feels good.

"Thanks. I think," I chuckle, shaking my head. "I'll try my best not to mess up."

Emily and I settle into an almost companionable rhythm as the band continues to tour, each month easier than the next. We’re both taking things slow, but it feels so good not to argue thatneither of us wants to rock the boat. The sexual tension is still there, simmering just under the surface, but it’s easier to ignore after our last steamy encounter.

The sponsorship deals begin to roll in faster than ever, and the rest of the guys, even Vince—who spent months grumbling about Emily’s ‘corporate’ approach—are starting to come around.

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