Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Sasha, Xander beside her, pulled her into a hug. “I bet you looked amazing on TV.”
Cassidy shuddered at the thought, well aware the camera put on the appearance of an extra ten pounds. “I’d rather not see for myself.”
“She was amazing.” Dash put his hand on her back. Chills she was growing used to when he touched her rippled along her spine. “I’m going to leave you in good hands,” he said. “I’ll catch up with you after our set. But first…”
She raised her eyebrows.
“I need a kiss for good luck.” Before she could respond, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, and it was no quick kiss. He slid his tongue past her parted lips and branded her with long, deep strokes that left her panting.
By the time he lifted his head, his breathing was heavy, too. “See you soon.”
Dazed, she managed a nod, and he left, giving off superstar vibes as he walked away.
“Umm, wow. That was not a for show kiss,” Sasha said, speaking low. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
Cassidy blinked in an attempt to refocus on her surroundings.
“I honestly don’t know. This is how he’s been acting for the last week.”
“Even when you’re alone?” Sasha asked.
Cassidy nodded.
“And you’re letting him back in?” she asked, her worry etched on her face.
“No. Not that way. Just … I’ll make the status of our relationship clear to him when tonight’s over. But can we not discuss this here? Or in front of him?” She tipped her head toward Sasha’s fiancé, and she nodded in understanding.
Xander stood by her side, quiet as he dealt with the lights, the noise around them, and no doubt the concert to come. She knew what it took for him to be here tonight. He was wound tight, but he’d put the woman he loved first. And Cassidy admitted, if only to herself, that as happy as she was for Sasha, she yearned for someone to care that deeply for her one day.
A glance at Sasha told her she was now staring at Xander, too. “Are you okay?” she asked him.
He nodded. “I’m fine, sunshine. Don’t worry.”
A warmth settled in Cassidy’s heart at the tender way Xander both spoke to and gazed at Sasha, who looked gorgeous. Her blond hair had been pulled back in a chic Meghan Markle style bun, soft tendrils falling around her face. Her silver gown’s sparkle was in no need of expensive jewels. The man hovering nearby was enough of an accessory.
And very silent as he’d listened to the women speak, leading Cassidy to wonder what Xander knew about his brother’s sudden change in behavior toward her. And why Dash was consistently acting like the doting boyfriend when all he needed to do was put on a public display now and again.
“I think it’s time to take our seats,” Xander said.
Sasha nodded. “Since I’m presenting early in the evening, I’m going backstage. You two be good.” She pressed a kiss to Xander’s lips and whispered something in his ear.
“Good luck out there,” Cassidy said.
Sasha grinned. “Piece of cake.”
And for her, being a talented actress, it was.
She strode away, stopping to talk to people she knew on her way. Famous people. Though Cassidy had met many stars in her time as Sasha’s assistant, she was still awestruck by many of her favorites.
Xander extended his arm. “Shall we go sit?”
She smiled and hooked her arm in his. “Let’s do it.”
A little while later, they were in fabulous seats close to the stage, and the lights dimmed. An announcer voiced the intro of the awards and then mentioned the opening act. The Original Kings. Applause followed, with people whistling and stamping their feet. The curtains opened, spotlights illuminated the stage, and there he was.
Axel had a brief drum solo, and then the band began to play a song familiar to all. Cassidy clapped along with everyone else in the room, and watched her brother take his place with the band, as pride filled her. She’d seen him with his original and famous band, Caged Chaos, and she’d loved watching him then, too. But the satisfaction she saw in his face was enough to tell her this move had been the right one for him.
Once she knew her brother was settled, she turned her attention to Dash, who strutted across the stage, singing, totally in his element. And so sexy she couldn’t tear her gaze away.
He’d removed his jacket, in which he’d looked hot enough, and now wore a fitted black tee shirt with leather jeans that molded to his perfect rear end. She bit down on her lower lip, forced to admit she was wet from watching him sing, aroused by the sight of his lean yet muscled body and the power of his voice.
The band segued from the fast opener to a slower tune, and the crowd went insane as he sang the familiar award-winning refrain.