Page 21 of Always the Baker

“Hi, pooh. You look great, and I wouldn’t miss this.” I hoped my voice didn’t betray how nervous I actually was. “This place is… Wow.”

Brax chuckled as he released me and took off his shades. “Yeah, it’s a bomb venue for something like this. Wait until you see the setup out front.” His eyes scanned my frame as he held my hands. I’d put on a full face of makeup, higher heels, and a white form fitting dress with gold accessories for the evening. “Wow, sweetheart. You look stunning.”

My smile was bashful as I lowered my gaze. “Thank you, Brax. Are you ready for your set?”

“I’m always ready.” He winked, and my pussy pulsed. “Actually, I’ve got a surprise for you. But you’ll have to wait and see.”

Before I could ask what he meant, someone called his name.

“Gotta go, but I’ll see you later, okay?” Dropping one of my hands, he looked toward the big guy. “Pete, this is my good friend, Billie. Billie, this is my manager, Pete. He’s going to take care of you and look out for you, aight? If you need anything and can’t find him, look for the guy who just called my name. That’s Devin, my friend and agent.”

“Okay. Will do. Good luck out there. I know you’re going to do great.”

“Thank you, beautiful.”

As he walked away, I couldn’t help but smile. Despite the opulent surroundings and my fish-out-of-water feelings, Brax made me feel… normal. Like I belonged here, even if just for a moment.

“Hmm,” Pete said, making his way next to me. “I thought you were just a fan that snuck your way back. My apologies.”

“It’s fine, big guy. Just help me find a seat close to the stage, please.”

With a chuckle, Pete extended his arm, and I wrapped mine around his. “I got you.”

Pete led me out to the main floor. It was nothing like I’d ever seen before. I thought Brax was exaggerating when he said the space would be filled with candles and low lighting but that wasn’t the case. I’d never seen so many small candles in one place. They littered the floors around the seating and small area where Brax’s chair, guitar, and microphone was. It was so beautiful and serene.

As I took a seat on the front row, I powered my phone off, since there were several signs that said no videos or pictures. Minutes passed but it didn’t take long for the small space to fill. The lights dimmed, and Brax took the stage. The crowd went wild as he launched into his first song. I found myself swaying to the music, caught up in the energy of the room.

Halfway through his set, Brax paused.

“This next song,” he said into the mic, “is for someone special. Billie, sweetheart, this one’s for you.”

My jaw dropped.Did he just…? The opening chords of a ballad filled the air, and Brax’s soulful voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I felt my eyes getting misty as I listened to the lyrics about taking chances and following your heart. About living your dreams and falling in love in the process.

I’d never had anyone dedicate a song to me before, let alone write and sing one. It was overwhelming, thrilling, and terrifying all at once. As Brax sang, his eyes locked on mine. I realized I was in way over my head. But for once, I didn’t care.

As the last notes of Brax’s song faded away, the crowd erupted into cheers. I was still in a daze as my heart pounded. Brax gave a final bow and disappeared backstage.

A few minutes later, the bald man in the suit from earlier approached me. “Miss? Mr. Adams would like to see you.”

I followed him through a maze of corridors with rattled nerves. We stopped at a door marked ‘Private,’ and the guard knocked.

“Come in,” Brax said.

I stepped inside, finding Brax lounging on a leather couch with his shirt off. Between the tattoos and muscles, I swallowed back my desire. He grinned when he saw me, and my stomach did a little flip.

“There she is,” he said, patting the spot next to him. “My muse.”

I sat down, trying to act cool, but inside, I was flipping the hell out! “Muse? I think you’re confusing me with someone else.”

He laughed a hearty, warm laugh that made me feel all tingly. “Nope, definitely you. So, what’d you think of the show?”

“It was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”

Brax raised an eyebrow. “Never?”

“Never. The energy, the crowd, it was all so intense. And the song…” I paused and smiled. “The song was beautiful. Thank you. You’re one of one, Brax Adams.”

“Yeah?” He leaned closer, his knee brushing against mine. “I’m really happy you came, and I’m even happier that you enjoyed yourself—and the song.”

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