Page 98 of Double or Nothing

We may have taken the long road to get here, but we’re together now, and there is nothing Val can do to destroy it.

I won’t let her.

Chapter 44

Sutton

When I walk off the stage, my eyes are glued to Kat. So focused on her, I barely notice Jack standing next to her, no doubt contract in hand.

Ignoring whatever greeting or compliment he gives me, I sweep Kat into my arms and twirl her around. I’m beyond happy, every dream I ever had coming true in this one moment. This is everything I ever wanted in life—my girl and my music.

“You were amazing.”

When Kat told me she had never heard a song of mine or watched a show, I was a little surprised. It was very telling of how hurt she was and how deep that anger and pain ran. She said Liz told her every song I wrote was for her. Liz wasn’t wrong. Despite telling myself I didn’t give a damn about Kat or try to erase her from my memory by banning anyone from mentioning her name, everything I did was for her.

Just like the show tonight. It was all for her. Not that I don’t give each show my all, but this one, I gave even more. I put my heart into it. My soul, too. Every chord, every beat, every lyric, all for her. Being able to see her off to the side of the stage, her lips smiling and her body swaying, only made it better.

“I am what I am because of you, baby.”

Jack clears his throat to get our attention, and I assume to stop the deep kiss I pulled Kat in for.

“You were great tonight, Sutton.”

“Thanks, Jack,” I reply, begrudgingly pulling away from Kat.

“The contract for the residency is on my desk, just waiting for your signature. If you’ve made your decision,” he tells me. I can see the hope in his eyes.

“I have.”

Jack continues to stare at me expectantly. The stoic look on my face doesn’t give away anything, not a damn clue what that decision is.

Kat smacks my arm. “Oh, will you just put him out of his misery?”

“I’m staying. I’ll take the residency.”

I swear, the man looks even more excited than Kat and I feel. He claps his hands, then pulls me in for an unexpected hug.

“You won’t regret this. The Sapphire is your home now, your family. Whatever you need… it’s yours.”

As much as I appreciate the sentiment behind his words, I already have everything I need right here. Mac’s standing off to the side, smiling. Kat’s in my arms. Everything and everyone I love is right here.

Nothing is going to stand in our way.

“Let’s go sign that contract,” I tell Jack. “I have some celebrating to do.”

“Here it is,” Jack says as he lays the contract and a fancy pen on his desk.

I stare down at the paper for a moment. I’ve signed plenty of contracts in my career, but aside from the initial one with Dante five years ago, none have ever been this important.

“Sut, are you sure you want to do this?” Kat’s voice is soft, filled with fear.

“Of course, I do, Kitty Kat. I just can’t believe I’ve made it full circle. The first contract I signed was to get me out of this town, and this one is pulling me back in.” I look over at her. “You’re pulling me back in, and there is no place I would rather be.”

Taking the pen in hand, I put ink to paper and sign my name. It’s a done deal.

Vegas, I’m here to stay.

***

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