Page 117

“You did it. I’m so proud of you.” He kissed me so sweetly I had to blink back tears. “Off you go.”
“Oh, right. Of course.” I led my bandmates up on stage, air kissed Cassidy Jones on each cheek and took the award from her. “Thank you.”
Then I was behind the mic, gazing out at the packed auditorium. Everything I’d ever dreamed of, all culminating in this one moment. “Okay, this is pretty amazing. First, we’d like to thank our agent, Jen Maxwell. You’re the absolute best. Second, Marcus Reed, for your unwavering patience and support. To our families, we love you. Thank you for putting up with us.”
Everyone clapped. I took a moment to soak it all in before I continued. “Last, but not least, I would like to thank my husband, Grayson Rivers.” I smiled down at him, my pulse leaping when he smiled back. I wouldneverget sick of that. “You took a chance on us when we were just a grungy band playing in the backblocks. Your faith in us, your guidance and your support mean the world to us. For me, personally, you are my rock, my light, my everything. I know that to the outside world, you seem broody and maybe a bit cold. But to me, you are a giant teddy bear, with a really amazing…” I waited a beat, letting him think the worst, then finished with, “personality. Never stop being you. I love you with all my heart.” I blew him a cheeky kiss and exited stage left with my bandmates.
Backstage, it was chaos, with everyone pressing forward to congratulate us as we were led to the waiting area for winners.Grayson was already there, looking so proud. And hot. I threw myself at him.
“You scared the shit out of me out there.”
“Gotta keep you on your toes.” I laughed, giving him a hard kiss. “This is the third best night of my life.”
“Yeah? What’s the best?”
“The night we met. Coming in a close second, our wedding.”
“Stefania…” He pulled me close, burying his face in my hair. Even after three years together, it was like he was surprised at how much I loved him. I wasn’t. I’d meant every word I’d said on that stage.
“God, I love you so much!”
“I love you too.”