He chuckles. “Me? You’re the one who looks…” He stops and lets out a breath. “I came to say, break a leg.”
I nod. “I got the cookies, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He shrugs, and then he’s holding my gaze again, and time seems to stop. Silence stretches between us like an ocean. A memory fills my head of his face hovering over mine, his lips capturing mine in a hot, searing kiss. I want him so much.
Too much.
I push the thoughts away. I can’t afford to think them right now.
“I’ll see you after?” My voice sounds like a plea.
He takes a few steps toward me, stopping just in front of me. I pull in a breath, filling my senses with his divine scent.
He lifts a finger to my cheek and strokes it
gently. His eyes stay on mine, piercing and intense. “You were made to rule the stage, Liz. Out there, they’ll have no choice but to love you.”
I want him to kiss me, but his encouragement is almost as good. “Thanks,” I breathe.
He takes a deep breath and steps away just as my call comes through the speakers, then he leaves without a word, and it feels as if he’s taking my heart with him, tearing it out of my chest.
Which makes no sense, because he’s had my heart for a long time now.
I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with Aidan Court.
“Five minutes, Liz.” I hear Cruz announce from outside my door.
I take a deep breath. Later, I’ll think about Aidan. I’ll think about everything that’s not the play.
For now, the only thing that matters is giving the audience, and Aidan, the best performance they’ve ever seen.
The applause is deafening. Cheers ring out inside the auditorium. A group in the audience is throwing loose petals at the stage. Tears fill my eyes.
I did it.
We did it.
Kyle is squeezing my hands, and Arthur can’t stop smiling.
“Congratulations,” he shouts over the applause.
“Congratulations,” I shout back as my father, Aidan, and the rest of the production crew join us on stage. We bow, and the applause peaks again.
It’s magical.
Backstage, my father has tears in his eyes as he draws me into a tight hug.
“You were spectacular, Liz.”
“Thanks dad.”
“I…” His eyes close. “Your mother would have been so proud.”
My eyes sting. “I know.”
He releases me. “See you at the party later.”
He goes to schmooze with his business partners and sponsors and after a few more excited hugs, congratulations, and cheers backstage, I return to my dressing room to take off my final costume and makeup for the night.