Page 158 of Waiting to Lose
The band played through the night, singing Kodaline’s “The One” as people in white coats walked around with trays of hors d’oeuvres and champagne.
Jake had watched her dance with her family and laugh with his parents. On occasion, when he was staring at her across the room, he would see her glancing around, stopping only when she saw him. They didn’t need to speak. They communicated with their eyes. He knew she loved him, and his feelings for her were beyond words.
Rob whispered to the band and made his way toward Kendra. A few moments later, the band began to play “Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth. Jake and Madi’s eyes locked onto each other. Jake placed his glass down and straightened his tie, excusing himself from his sister. Madi saw him approaching and smiled. He held out his hand to her and she placed her fingers into his. He kissed her hand as he led her to the stage and pulled her against him.
Jake held her hand against his chest. Her other hand rested on his neck and his other hand was on her back. They swayed to the music. Kendra’s movement caught Madi’s eye. Rob held his hand to her and asked her dance. She didn’t say a word. She just took his hand.
They heard Rob say, “This song could have been written about you.”
Madi sighed and Jake smirked, not taking his eyes off of her. She glanced back up into his eyes and bit her lip.
“Are you having a good time?” he asked her.
“The very best time. Did I say thank you yet?”
“About thirty times,” he laughed, kissing her nose.
“Did I tell you yet tonight how much I love you?” she asked.
Jake’s brows creased as he pushed a strand of hair from her lips. “No, I don’t believe you have. But I don’t need to hear you say it. I already know.”
Madi closed her eyes as she shook her head.
“What?” he asked.
“Just you,” she said.
Ang stepped behind Jake and tapped him on the shoulder. “I’m so sorry to bother you, Jake, but the chef has a question.”
Jake turned to Madi and she smiled, releasing his hand.
“I’ll be right back,” he promised.
“I know,” she smiled.
Jake turned and winked at Ang appreciatively before going backstage. It was time.
A few moments later, a black baby grand piano was wheeled out onto the stage. Everyone stepped back, clearing a path. Madi stared in wonder as she sipped her champagne.
Jake took a deep breath and smiled to himself before striding toward the piano.
Madi smiled the minute she saw him, and it lit up the room and his heart.
He adjusted the mic on his lapel as he stood near the bench. His voice broke the chatter in the room.
“Madi, would you join me?”
Madi blushed as she handed her flute to Ang and lifted her dress, making her path to Jake.
“What are you doing?” she hummed.
Jake lifted her onto the side of the piano and she gasped in embarrassment.
“My muse,” he said, pointing toward her. Everyone laughed and clapped. Madi covered her eyes with her hands.
“She’s blushing, but she knows it true,” he said into the microphone. He sat down at his bench and stared at the keys for a moment before his eyes rose to hers.
“The beautiful girl in front of me walked into my life as part of a contest. She found a broken, damaged man and put his pieces back together with her smile, her feistiness, her humor, and her boundless compassion and understanding. I know everyone in this room knows that it’s impossible to keep your secrets hidden from her. Maybe it’s the questions she asks, or the way her big brown eyes sear into you and make you believe that she could make you whole.”
