Page 78 of His Greatest Muse

Technically, Paisley and I aren’t supposed to be in the recording booth with the boys, but Noah took one look at my pout and fluttering lashes this morning and told the studio manager to kick rocks. Reggie being here has helped too. He’d never turn me away.

Paisley relaxes against my chest when Reggie tells the band to go back and redo the last chorus. They nod in response.

“Thanks, guys. We’re almost done today,” Reggie says into the mic. His sympathetic smile is a comfort, even through the glass separating us. That man is a miracle worker.

My eyes find Noah for the millionth time today. He’s already watching me, a softness gleaming in his eyes that I’ve grown attached to over the past week and a half. Ever since my victory party.

I don’t know what it was about that night, but he’s been different since. More at peace, if that’s even possible for him. Somehow, we’ve grown even closer than we used to be. Like by removing the remaining boundaries between us, we’ve fallen completely in sync. It’s been good. Really,reallygood. Labels have never been my thing, and I know they aren’t Noah’s, but he’s mine in every way that matters. I no longer fear that. It was stupid to in the first place.

I’ve been avoiding the conversation with my father about what happened in the locker room, though. Not because I’m ashamed of anything but because I know what he’s going to say, and I don’t want to hear it. There isn’t a single thing he could say that would make me change my mind. I might not have a damn clue what being in a relationship with Noah is going to bring, but as long as we keep going in the direction we are right now, I’m buckled up and ready for the ride.

I wiggle my fingers at Noah and grin. He doesn’t smile back, but the small tip of his chin has the same effect.

“He has a crush on you,” Paisley whispers, her amusement thick in the words.

I cock my head at her and tap her knee. “You think so?”

“I know so. My daddy said that my friend Brody had a crush on me because he wasalwaysstaring at me. He told me that I had to tell him to eat dirt and leave me alone, but I don’t think you should do that to Noah if you have a crush on him back.”

I lean forward and softly ask, “Do you want to hear a secret?” She nods frantically. “I totally do have a crush on Noah.”

Her gasp is adorable. “Are you . . . boyfriend and girlfriend? Like in the kissing movies?”

“Just like in the movies.” The kind featuring a tortured bad boy instead of a Prince Charming.

She releases a dreamy sigh and nuzzles her cheek into my shoulder. The move reminds me of when Adalyn would cuddle me when we were little. I always wanted a little sister, but instead, I got a brother who would have rather carved his eyes out with a rusty spoon than come to his big sister for a cuddle when he was sad. I love him anyway, even if he makes it hard sometimes.

“That’s a wrap for today, guys. Good job,” Reggie says.

Dagger’s the first one out of the booth. He hauls ass, disappearing as Paisley hops off my lap and starts for her dad. Justice crouches and lets her wrap her arms around his neck. Josh gives me a nod and Noah a risky slap on the back before following Dagger.

I meet Noah by the exit and step into his body on instinct, letting him tug me close. Tipping my head back to meet his waiting eyes, I say, “You sounded good today. The next album has to be almost done by now, right?”

“Two songs left,” Justice answers for him. He follows us out of the booth with Paisley on his back. “I don’t know what you’re doing to him, T, but please don’t stop. He’s never been more focused than over these past couple weeks.”

I pat Noah’s stomach and laugh. “I’ll try my best to keep him inspired.”

“That’s all I can ask,” Justice says.

“Let’s not act like Noah’s the only one here who’s been succeeding. Tinsley here hasn’t lost a single fight so far,” Reggie speaks up from his place at the soundboard.

We’ve all missed him these last couple of weeks. It’s nice to have him around while they nail down the rest of this album. He’s the band’s father figure, and sometimes I think that despite their ages, the guys need one of those around here from time to time. Especially Dagger. He’s an impossible person to try to get to know. His stubbornness might rival Noah’s.

“Don’t flatter me, Reggie,” I tease.

“It’s not flattery, sweetheart. I haven’t missed a single fight on the television. We even got the proper channel and everything.” He puffs his chest at that last part. I nearly swoon.

“Don’t tell me that you’ve been forcing your sweet wife to watch my fights!” I scold half-heartedly.

“She likes them, I swear. You should have seen her last night when that Becks girl nearly knocked your tooth out.” He blows out a harsh breath. “I thought she was going to throw the remote at the television.”

Noah’s abs tense beneath my fingers at the reminder. It was a tough fight. Probably the hardest I’ve had thus far, but it made the win that much sweeter. I felt invincible. Hell, I still did when I walked into the gym this morning. Hunter had me regretting that arrogance after a few deadlifts.

I flash my teeth quickly to show they’re all still there and then say, “We’re all good. A little bit of a scare always makes for good television.”

“Why can I never watch Tiny on TV?” Paisley asks her dad, tone biting.

“You’re too young, bug,” he answers.

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