Page 61 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
She nudged him playfully with her shoulder. “Get up there and show Nashville what they’ve been missing.”
Taking a deep breath, Gunner nodded and stood up. As he made his way to the stage, Aubrey couldn’t help but notice the subtle transformation. His shoulders straightened, his stride becoming more purposeful with each step. The dim lighting caught the planes of his face, highlighting the determination etched there.
Gunner took the stage, his presence immediately commanding attention. He adjusted the microphone, his fingers brushing against the strings of the guitar someone handed to him. In that moment, Aubrey saw the seasoned performer emerge, the man who had once set country music ablaze with his talent.
As he settled onto the stool, guitar cradled in his arms, his eyes found Aubrey’s in the crowd. He gave her a small smile before turning to face his audience.
The first chord struck, and Aubrey’s breath caught in her throat. Gunner’s fingers danced across the strings, coaxing out a melody that seemed to wrap itself around her heart. His voice, smooth as honey, filled the room.
Aubrey felt a shiver run down her spine. The raw emotion in Gunner’s voice transported her back to that night in Atlanta when they’d first met. The electricity between them, the connection that had sparked instantly, it all came rushing back, amplified by the power of his music.
Around her, the audience sat transfixed. A woman at the next table wiped away a tear, while a grizzled old man nodded along, eyes closed in appreciation. Aubrey glanced around, marveling at how Gunner’s music seemed to touch each person uniquely.
“God, he’s incredible.” She swallowed hard, fighting back unexpected tears. She’d known Gunner was talented, but this,this, was something else entirely. His music spoke of pain, of hope, of redemption.
The patrons around her swayed gently, completely caught up in the spell Gunner was weaving. A couple nearby held hands tightly, exchanging meaningful glances. In that moment, Aubrey understood the true power of live music, its ability to bring people together, to make them feel less alone in their struggles and dreams.
A beat passed. Then applause surrounded Aubrey. She found herself on her feet, clapping until her hands stung, her heart filled with hope that somehow, her being here in this moment meant that Gunner could mix his separate worlds of Nashville and Timber Falls.
* * *
A few hours later, the elevator doors slid open with a soft ping, revealing the sleek hallway of Gunner’s Nashville condo building. Aubrey stepped out first, and she turned to flash Gunner a smile that made his heart skip.
“Ready for the grand tour?” Gunner drawled, fishing his keys from his pocket. His fingers trembled slightly as he unlocked the door.
Aubrey’s eyes widened as they stepped inside. “Oh, Gunner,” she breathed, taking in the open-concept space. “This is gorgeous.”
He watched her intently, drinking in her reaction. The condo was a far cry from his rustic house back in Timber Falls, all clean lines and modern furnishings. He’d always loved how it blended country and city, much like himself.
“Make yourself at home,” he said.
Aubrey moved farther into the space, her fingertips trailing along the back of a sleek leather couch.
“I can’t believe this view,” she murmured, approaching the floor-to-ceiling windows that dominated one wall. The Nashville skyline sprawled before them, all glittering lights against the night sky.
Gunner came up behind her, close enough to catch the faint scent of her perfume. “Pretty spectacular, ain’t it?”
Aubrey turned to face him, and her smile beamed. The sight hit Gunner like a punch to the gut, memories of their week in Atlanta flooding back. Her eyes had held that same mesmerizing gleam then, in a different city, under very different circumstances.
“It reminds me a little of Atlanta,” Aubrey said softly, as if reading his thoughts. “God, I’ve missed this so much.”
Gunner swallowed hard. “The city?”
She nodded, a wistful smile playing at her lips. “The energy, the lights… It’s intoxicating.”
“Kinda like you,” Gunner murmured before he could stop himself. He watched a blush creep up Aubrey’s cheeks.
“Smooth talker,” she teased, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice that tugged at Gunner’s heart. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close, to show her that she belonged here too, in the city, in his arms, in his life.
Instead, he cleared his throat. “How about I show you the rest of the place?”
As they moved through the condo, he found himself seeing it through new eyes. The guitar mounted on the wall, little reminders of his past triumphs and failures. The collection of vinyl records, each holding a piece of his musical journey. The framed photo of Timber Falls Ranch, an anchor to his roots.
Aubrey took it all in, asking questions and offering genuine compliments. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Gunner felt a weight lifting from his shoulders. He hadn’t been back here since he left, a mess of a man. He’d been avoiding it, unsure if he could trust himself. But watching her in his space now, he realized how good it felt to come back here, healthy and happy.
“You know,” Aubrey said, turning to face him with a playful glint in her eye, “I think we need to warm this place up a bit.” Her fingers deftly unbuttoned his shirt, her touch leaving a trail of fire on his skin. She pushed the fabric off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. “God, you’re so sexy,” she rasped, her eyes darkening with desire.
Gunner’s breath caught in his throat. He pulled her close, his hands roaming the curves of her body as he kissed her neck. “Not half as sexy as you, darlin’,” he drawled, his voice husky with want.
