Page 30 of Rockstar's Accidental Marriage

Eventually, we stop, stepping closer to the water. The waves covering the tips of our toes, the coolness of the ocean feeling good against my skin.

“You’ve been working too hard,” Sam says suddenly, his voice breaking the stillness.

“I’m fine,” I say automatically, though even I don’t believe it.

“You’re not,” he counters, turning to face me fully. His free hand brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering just a second too long. “You look exhausted, Emily.”

I open my mouth to argue, but the concern in his eyes stops me.

“Maybe I have been pushing myself too much,” I admit reluctantly.

“Maybe?” he says, his lips twitching into a faint smile.

I roll my eyes, but the tension in my chest eases just a little. “I have been overdoing it a little. Satisfied?”

“More like you’re running yourself into the ground,” Sam says, his tone soft but serious.

The honesty in his voice and how he looks at me like he actuallycaresmakes my heart stutter. And before I can talk myself out of it, I step closer, my free hand resting lightly on his chest.

“Sam,” I start, but whatever I was going to say gets lost as he dips his head, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss so gentle it takes my breath away.

The world tilts, the feel of his lips sparking something deep and dangerous inside me. As the kiss deepens, heat pools low in my belly. My fingers curl into his shirt, wanting to pull him closer and feel that passion again.

But just as quickly as it started, he pulls back, his breathing uneven.

“Emily,” he says, his voice strained. “You’re exhausted.”

“I’m fine,” I whisper, though my legs feel weak.

“No,” he says firmly, his hand brushing my cheek. “You’re not. And I’m not going to take advantage of you like this.”

The sincerity in his voice, the tenderness in his touch, makes my throat tighten.

“Come on,” he says, taking my hand again. “I’m walking you back so you can go to bed—alone.”

The warmth in his eyes makes me feel safe, but it also fills me with longing. The walk back to the house is quiet, the tension between us replaced by something more intimate. When we reach my door, he stops, turning to face me with a small smile.

“Get some sleep, Cupcake,” he says, his voice gentle.

And he leans down, pressing a chaste kiss to my cheek before reluctantly stepping back.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Sam,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.

As he walks away, my body aches with need. The chaste kiss he left on my cheek burns like a brand, and I can still feel the phantom touch of his hands. My bed feels too big, too empty, and my skin tingles with memories of how it felt to have him there, his body moving over mine, his hands mapping every curve… I hug myself, imagining being wrapped securely in Sam's arms, and a smile tugs at my lips as I drift off to sleep.

Ten

Sam

The roar of the crowd hits me the moment I step onto the stage. The sold-out Jacksonville Arena is alive, fifteen thousand people packed into the seats, the air electric with anticipation. The energy is unlike anything I’ve felt in a long time.

Cass leads the way to the center, his guitar slung casually over his shoulder, his easy confidence radiating off him. Nate’s already behind his drums, twirling his sticks, while Vince and Luke adjust their instruments. I grip my guitar, and the familiar weight steadies me as I take my spot.

Cass steps up to the mic, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. “Jacksonville, it’s good to be home!”

The crowd goes wild, the floor beneath us vibrating from the sheer volume.

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