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I glance at Cass, who gives me a small nod, and then at the rest of the band. “To my brothers—Cass, Nate, Sam, Vince—you guys are the best damn bandmates anyone could ask for. We built this thing together, and I wouldn’t trade a single second of the journey.”
I shift slightly, gripping the award tighter, my voice dropping just a little. “To my dad—Jim Sterling—you taught me that no matter how hard things get, you never stop fighting for what matters. I hope I make you proud.”
A beat of silence, then I take a slow breath and do the thing I never planned on doing—but somehow, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
“And, lastly,” I say, my voice unshakable now, “to the woman who reminds me what all of this means, who’s made me see the music in a whole new way.”
Lila’s eyes widen, lips parting slightly, but I keep going.
“You walked into my life when I least expected it. And whether you know it or not, you’ve been inspiring me ever since.”
The crowd reacts, murmurs, and whispers rippling through the room, but I don’t break eye contact with her.
“Thank you.”
The cheers are deafening.
And as I step back, my heart is pounding—not from the award, not from the cameras—but from the way Lila is looking at me.
Like I just changed everything.
Because I probably did.
The energy in the grand ballroom is electric, charged with the high of victory. The band just won Album of the Year, and the celebration is in full swing—music thumping, champagne flowing, and the entire party pulses around us.
I should be riding that high with them.
But I can barely focus on any of it.
Because Lila is in my arms, and that’s the only thing that matters.
We’re dancing, her body pressed against mine, moving in sync with the slow, sensual beat, and all I can focus on is how she feels. The way her dress slides like water beneathmy fingers, how it clings to every damn curve, it’s testing every last shred of my self-control.
She hasn’t said much about my speech yet—about the words that laid claim to her in front of thousands of people.
But I see it in her eyes. She’s feeling dazed and a little breathless.
And that’s enough for now.
I pull her closer, not caring who sees. Lowering my mouth to her ear, my voice rough and low, I murmur, “I meant every word.” My hand splays across her bare back, feeling her shiver at my touch. “You do inspire me.”
Her breath catches, and she looks up at me with those eyes that see straight through the rockstar facade. I have to fight the urge to kiss her right here in front of everyone.
Instead of responding, she presses closer, her fingers curling into my jacket, her body molding against mine like she was made for me.
I want her.
More than I’ve ever wanted anything in my entire life.
When Emily and Sam tell us they’re staying and that they’re riding back with Cass and Kendrick, my pulse kicks up a notch. A private ride back with Lila? In that dress?
“You sure?” I stammer out.
“Please,” Emily rolls her eyes. “Like you’ve been paying attention to anything else all night anyway.”
My decision is made for me—I’m done with this party.
I need to get Lila the hell out of here. Fast.