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“I know we messed this up before, and I don’t want to do that again. I wish the world was different, and we didn’t have to hide, but I understand it. Our decisions affect not only us but the whole band as well.”

“I know,” Elena scoffed.

“And if this is going to work, I have to learn give and take.”

“I’m sorry,” Elena laughed as she reached for her phone on the table, “could you repeat that? I want to get the exact quote right so I can write it in my diary and never forget the day that Skylar Ford admitted she wasn’t perfect.”

“You know, this isn’t a great way to start off a relationship, right?” Skylar laughed along with her, but she noticed how Elena stopped and looked at her seriously. It caught Skylar off guard that she nearly snipped a, “What?”

Elena lowered her eyes from Skylar’s as she intertwined their fingers together. Slowly, she looked back up at Skylar with a shy smile on her face.

“Are we really starting off a relationship?”

“Hmm,” Skylar coyly pretended to contemplate the question, “let me think.”

Elena rolled her eyes and pulled her hands away from Skylar. She stood and waved a dismissive hand at her, but the smile never left her face. Standing, Skylar took hold of Elena’s hand once more as she spun her around into an embrace.

“That was a move straight out of a rom-com, you know that, right?”

“I do.” Skylar winked. “And I also know that I don’t want to be in a relationship with anyone but you. I’ve wanted a second chance for years and never thought it would happen. And, Elena, I can promise you I’ll do anything I can to make this time around different.”

“I will too.”

“Well, I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

“Ditto.” Giggling, Elena leaned in and kissed Skylar. She had no doubt it would have escalated to something more if Johnny hadn’t walked down the hall yelling it was five minutes to show time. “I’ll see you on stage.”

“And later tonight.”

Elena winked. “You know it.”

Chapter 19

Elena

The first two weeks of the tour were over, and Elena was thankful to be back home in Santa Barbara for a few days. After staying on the tour bus since the tour started, Elena had decided to take advantage of the weekend of shows in California to sleep in her own bed. Of course, she wasn’t in bed alone. Skylar had decided to stay with her as well, much to Elena’s relief.

Since they’d agreed to keep their relationship on the downlow, Elena had become keenly aware of how much she wanted to hold Skylar’s hand or kiss her while in public. Now that they were in the safety of Elena’s home, she felt freer than she had in weeks. She found herself sneaking kisses from Skylar as they made dinner together and holding her hand as they walked along the private beach at the house.

And the thing they’d done in the swimming pool the night before was definitely something Elena wanted to happen again later that day.

As for now, they were seated at Elena’s normal table across from each other at the Mexican restaurant. A half-empty bowl of queso and an empty basket of chips sat between them, along with their two large margaritas. Skylar had convinced Elena to split the chicken fajitas with her, and she was certain she’d never been fuller than she was at that moment. Clearly Skylar didn’t feel the same as she popped another cheese-covered chip into her mouth. Elena picked up her drink and leaned back in her seat.

“I honestly don’t know how you’re still eating.”

“I love food,” she shrugged with her mouthful of food. Skylar grinned, and Elena would know that sly smile anywhere. “And what can I say? I love to eat out.”

Elena spit her margarita out of her mouth. “Skylar!”

Skylar chuckled as she handed Elena a napkin. She dabbed her mouth as she laughed along with Skylar. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Yeah, but you love it.”

“I guess I do.”

Skylar leaned in toward her as Elena did the same. They were mere centimeters from kissing before they remembered where they were and quickly pulled away from each other. Elena quickly downed the rest of her drink, even if she knew that was the reason they’d almost crossed their No PDA line.

“We’ve got to be careful,” Skylar started with a defeated sigh. “I’m sorry.”