Page 69 of One More Song

“I love you, Asher Stone.”

“Is that because the album went platinum in a week?” His cock is still hard, and I wrap my legs around him as he enters me.

“Yes. That’s why. You know me, I always wanted a life of fame and fortune.”

Ash fills me up, my heart so full, my body bursting with heat. I exhale, his cock still so intoxicating. Like it was made for me. He’s put me under a spell, and I hope to God it never breaks.

“I’d give it all up,” he says, against my lips. “Just say the word.”

“No way. I love being your muse.”

He smiles, kissing me again. “I don’t want anything to change,” he says. “With us.”

I wrap my arms around his neck, knowing that tonight, the things I have to tell him, will change everything.

But first I want him to have this party - celebrate their album,NOCTURNAL MUSE.

* * *

The last time the whole band was at the house, it was a hard day - all of us saying goodbye. But now everyone’s here, smiling as if we are on top of the world.

And I guess they are.We are.

It’s late autumn, and the air is crisp, but the party is spilling from the house to the backyard. Cadence’s apple tree standing tall, our roots are here. Firmly planted. And I know that what I tell Ash tonight will mean we are even more grounded.

Dusky’s parents are here from Ireland, his mom is at the stove, working on a giant pot of stew. Ash’s mother is next to her, trading recipes, and she is slicing fresh baked bread. In the corner of the living room, Synn istalking with Millie and Keith. I bite my lip, not wanting to know if the three of them have some plan in the works.

Smiling, I move through the house, stopping to thank Tina for coming out for the party.

“I wouldn’t miss it, Ember. Though I must say, this is not the sort of party I was expecting.”

“No?” I look around. Some of Cadence’s classmates are here, weaving through the kitchen, stealing cookies from a tray. Some families from the neighborhood are here, and there is a bouncy house in the front yard.

Tina laughs. “You’ve changed these boys, Ember. A year ago ...” She shakes her head. “I was worried for them, Ash especially. But now? Now I know they are going to be okay.”

“I hope so. The band is going on tour next month. I won’t be there for most of it.”

“Are you scared?”

I shake my head. “I thought I would be. But things change, I trust Ash with my whole heart. And the other guys in the band? They’re family. Cadence and I will meet them for Christmas in London.”

“He’s lucky to have you, you know that, don’t you?”

I look across the house, Ash is at the kitchen island, laughing with his mom and Saint, looking so comfortable in his skin. I remember the man he was when we first met. He had so many walls up, was so angry, so alone. And then he let me in and everything changed. We changed. Together.

“We’re both pretty lucky,” I say.

Ash catches my eye and comes over, his arm wrapping around my waist. “Hey babe, dinner is ready.”

“Perfect.” We gather in the kitchen, and before anyone begins to dish up, Saint, Synn, Ash, and Dusky begin handing out glasses of champagne. I take one, but don’t take a sip.

“We wanted to make a toast before we ate,” Ash says. “We have so much to be grateful for.” He looks at me, and I see the emotion in his eyes. More than heat, it’s love. “And right now, I want to say how truly grateful I am for Ember and Cadence. Two girls who have lit up my life in ways I never thought possible.”

Cadence beams up at him, and he wraps an arm around her. “Ready to help me?” he asks her.

I look around the room, not sure what these two are up to.

“Mommy,” Cadence says, reaching for my hand. “We have a question for you.”

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