Page 160 of Exes and Oh Hell No

Allie sways on her feet, blinking at the mic.

"Allie," the DJ says, sounding concerned. "You sure you wanna?—"

She shoves a hand in his face. "Shhh. I’m having amoment."

Chloe smirks. "You got this, girl."

She throws a fist in the air. "Yes. I’m gonna rock it. "

The first notes play, and she tilts her head, a dazed look on her face.

It’s a song I haven’t heard in years, but given Allie’s recent situation, it fits.

The music to “Life Goes On” by LeAnn Rimes belts through the speakers.

Allie sways with the beat—kinda—then opens her mouth.

The bar goes still as Allie sings.

The girl has always had an amazing set of chops, and even drunk, she’s fucking incredible.

My breath catches.

Movement from the door draws my attention.

Goddamn it.

My eyes lock on Connor as Jake, Daltyn, and finally, Cole slam into him like a four-car pile-up.

Connor is standing still, his eyes wide, staring at Allie like she just made his world stop turning.

I smile.

Allie’s voice is raw, sweet, unsteady but powerful, like she’s baring something she didn’t mean to.

The entire bar isentranced, but no one more than Connor.

Gone is his usual smirk, replaced by something I’ve never seen before.

His eyes are locked on her like she’s the only thing that exists.

Oh, shit. He has it bad for her!

I glance between them, my heart clenching.

This isn’t a joke anymore.

Not for him.

And for the first time since she met him, Allie doesn’t seem to notice.

She just belts out the lyrics with her whole heart, lost in the music.

She’s singing the song like the badass she is.

Her gestures and movements accentuate the lyrics, the words hanging in the air like a confession.

Connor’s chest rises, falls—too fast, too uneven.

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