Page 127 of From Us, Forever

When he looked at me, it felt like just the two of us in the room. And the world was just background noise.

The band performed the exact setlist much to the girl’s dismay who were hoping for a heartfelt proposal in front of the crowd. I wasn’t disappointed because I knew it wasn’t happening today.

“You killed it, Jay.” I held him tight, dropping a quick kiss on his cheek. His woodsy seawater scent laced with his musky sweat seeped into my senses. Even sweaty and exhausted, he was divine.

“Thanks, sweetheart.” He smiled, rolling his T-shirt as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. The action put his abs on display and jealousy coursed through me when I noticed giggling roadies drooling over him. Yes, by now I should beused to this but I clearly wasn’t and never going to be. It didn’t matter where we went, he was always going to be gawked at and I was always going to protect him from unwanted eyes.

I immediately stepped in front of their gaze, covering him. “Don’t do that in public,” I bit out.

He chuckled, slipping his shirt back into place. “Come on, let’s go.”

It was around three a.m. when we got dressed to go to the launch party, and every person there looked—awake and glamorous. I guessed they were used to having late-night parties.

The band’s new album, ‘A Brand-New Blue Butterfly’ played in the background while we made the rounds greeting everyone. It was one of the most authentic pieces of work that the guys ever put out, every bit of it shined a spotlight on their individuality. And it all molded together as one great masterpiece.

Over the months, having been to a few events, I recognized a few faces and greeted them and some celebrities were even my friends now. How bizarre was my life?

I lasted all for thirty minutes before a yawn escaped my lips.

I knew with the way this was going; this party had just gotten started.

I set my drink aside and pulled Jay closer to me. “I think I’m going back to the hotel, I’m so tired,” I told him, looping my arms through his neck.

“Okay.” He smiled, nodding. “I’ll go with you.”

“No, Jay.” I shook my head. “This is your night and all these people are here for you. It’s disrespectful if you leave.”

“I don’t give a fuck.” His blues pinned me in place. “I’m not leaving you alone.”

Ever since the incident, he hasn’t left my side. I was either with him or with the girls with Tyler looming over me.

“Jay,” I started softly. “I know you’re worried but you have to leave me alone at some point. Tyler will drop me and I’ll be in a hotel room—safe and nothing is going to happen to me.”

His jaw ticked and he averted his gaze for a moment before they locked into me again. “Fine, but call me once you get there,” he paused, swallowing. “And please be careful.”

“I will.” I melted into him, giving him one last kiss. “I love you so much.”

“Love you, more.”

“Have fun, but not too much,” I called out, eyeing all the beautiful models in skimpy dresses as I walked out.

“Yes, ma’am,” he hollered after me.

Halfway through the room, I turned around and ran back to him again shouting, “Wait.”

He frowned, surprised as I leaped into his arms and captured his lips in a long, hard kiss. I even heard some cheers in the background but I didn’t care as I gave him all my love. I was breathless when we parted, his shocked eyes gazing at me with bewilderment.

“Just so everyone in this room knows that you’re still mine,” I whispered in his ear, and with that, I scrambled off him and walked away once more, this time with him grinning like a little kid who scored an extra candy.

I could still feel the high of the kiss as I huddled closer to his leather jacket that I stole, which smelled just like him as I exited the room. The silence of the night greeted me and itwasn’t long before Tyler dropped me at the hotel and I fell asleep the moment my face hit the pillow.

And I didn’t wake up until a pair of arms drew me close, wrapping me in his delicious heat.

I poked one eye open to see Jay softly snoring beside me, his warm breath fanning over my skin. He looked so innocent and childlike.

God, I loved him like this.

It didn’t matter if Jay didn’t want to marry me—I was content anyway.

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