Starstruck (Heartstrings Duet #1)

53. song to you

[ 53 ]

SONG TO YOU

BAXTER

“SONG ON FIRE” BY NICKELBACK

I meet Lennon’s gaze from across the stage, my heart working its way up my throat.

When Isa suggested I come on during her set to perform with Lennon, I was hesitant. I knew there was no way she would go for it, but Isa assured me she would convince her.

Seeing her now, staring into her golden-brown irises, I realize Isa never told her the plan. She had no idea I was coming out for this, and the look on her face suggests she’s entirely out of her depth.

I need to do something. I need to say something to make her stay, because if I don’t, this plan isn’t going to work. So as my eyes scan her body, a smirk growing on my lips, I let the words, “Hi, Trouble,” fall into the mic for everyone to hear.

Her mouth opens and closes before she shakes her head, beginning to take a step backward.

I hold out my hand, a moment of panic flashing through me as I say, “Lennon, wait. Just one song. Please sing with me. ”

Her throat works as she swallows, her eyes flashing out over the crowd, which is dead silent as everyone waits in anticipation for what’s going to happen next.

When she hesitates a moment too long, someone begins chanting, “Sing with him!” over and over again, until the entire crowd has joined in.

Lennon rolls her lips together, looking down at her feet before meeting my gaze.

Holding her microphone to her lips, she says, “One song. That’s it.”

My smile grows bigger than it has in weeks.

She takes a cautious step forward as Isa grins at me, winking as if to say I told you so . I have a strong feeling Lennon will be sharing some choice words with her later, but I’m sure she’s prepared for that.

Lennon comes to stand directly in front of me as Colt and Levi make their way to the stage. Isa hands her mic to a crew member backstage before grabbing her guitar and taking her spot next to Colt.

“What are we singing?” Lennon asks for only me to hear.

I glance at Isa, who sends me a nod to let me know Lennon has heard the song we planned. The same one I accidentally wrote as a duet for Lennon and me after the first night we spent together.

“‘That Girl.’”

She sucks in a breath, realization dawning on her. I’m sure after Isa and I recorded it, she told Lennon I wrote it about her.

“I don’t know it very well. I’ve only heard it a few times, and that was months ago.”

That may be true, but Lennon’s a songwriter. She can memorize lyrics without even realizing it.

“Just follow my lead. Can you do that for me, Trouble?”

She gazes up at me with sadness in her eyes, but she nods. Not wanting to give her a chance to change her mind, I signal to our friends to begin, and the opening chords to the duet begins .

“Alright, Toronto, here’s a new one for you.”

I hit my mark and begin to sing, letting the words I wrote about Lennon wash over us. I hold her gaze as the lyrics fall from my lips, her eyes beginning to water as she listens, waiting for her cue.

When we reach the first chorus, I take a step toward her.

Are you that girl?

With the darkness in her soul

The one who captivated my senses

And made me lose all control

Lennon doesn’t hesitate for even a second before the woman’s part of the chorus comes pouring out of her.

Are you that guy?

With the fire in his eyes

The one who made friends with the devil

And has me hypnotized

My smile grows wider as I begin the second verse. She may not know it well, but she catches on quickly to her cues and sings the song with ease.

Hearing these lyrics coming from the woman they were written about is a kind of satisfaction I’ve never felt before.

The song continues, Lennon’s comfort level growing with each second that passes. The words flow out of her, and her eyes stay locked on mine the entire time.

The rest of the world fades away as we sing, the passion between us evident as we focus solely on one another.

The song comes to an end, and Lennon and I stand there, chest to chest, both of us breathing heavily from the tension between us. I have never felt chemistry this strong with anyone, and singing with her in front of an audience for the first time only reaffirms how in love with her I am .

I don’t know who I am without her.

The crowd erupts in cheers, pulling Lennon’s attention from me.

She looks out over the audience, a forced smile plastered on her face as she says, “Thank you, Toronto! We’re going to take a brief break before the rest of Baxter’s set.” Then before I can stop her, she turns and rushes offstage.

I follow her, the only thing I’m worried about being her. Colt, Levi, and Isa are close behind me as I reach Lennon, grabbing her arm and spinning her around to face me. She has tears streaming down her face as her golden irises find mine.

“Lennon…” I say, defeated. I’d hoped performing together would help melt a bit of the iceberg standing between us, but based on her expression, I don’t think it worked.

“I can’t do this right now, Baxter. I have to go get ready to introduce you for real .” She tears her arm away from me. “Whatever that was…it changes nothing.”

“Lennon, wait—” I plead, but she continues walking away.

Isa rolls her lips together as she sidles up next to me. “That went well.”

I shoot her a glare. “ Well ? She’s pissed . At both of us.”

She shrugs. “She’ll come around. Are you still performing the other one?”

I nod gruffly, my arms crossed over my chest.

“Good.” She grins. “Good luck out there.”

“Thanks,” I huff.

I have a feeling I’m going to need it.