Page 129 of Every Chance After

“Is it a yes?” he asks breathlessly.

“God, yes! A million times, yes! That was… wow, Grady… Maybe I’m in love with you, too.”

He laughs. “Let me know when you’re sure.”

Tugging me with him, he shakes the drummer’s hand, followed by Luke’s, and we all descend the stage as the regular band takes their places, looking a bit worried about topping Grady’s act.

Townspeople shake our hands, hug our necks, and pat our backs as we drift slowly through the remaining crowd. All smiles and joy. My drama with the Sullivans is long forgotten now.

So is Grouchy Tripp. He maneuvers us through, smiling and chatting like the friendly man I know he truly is. He even gives Wade and his friends warm embraces.

“Now, I get why you were so mad about that nightie,” Roy quips.

We don’t bother arguing but circle through the group to our table. The energy is so palpable that it’s hard to settle again. We’re flushed, giddy, and happy, and I’m ready to throw myself at him for the volcanic eruption of love spilling out of me.

Dinner arrives and vanishes quickly. I doubt I’ve ever eaten so fast, risking heartburn for my burning heart. I don’t even finish it, though it’s delicious, but toss my napkin on the plate as soon as he seems done.

He runs a hand over his short hair and gives me a questioning look. “That’s all I’ve got planned. How do you feel? What do you want to do? Anything? I could take you home if you’re tired. Or not. I’m open.”

He almost sounds nervous, prompting my coyest smile. I lean closer across the table.

“Grady Tripp, I swear, if you don’t get me out of here pronto, I might give this crowd a show theyshouldn’tsee. Please don’t make me wait any longer to get you all to myself.”

I tack on a little whine while nibbling my bottom lip, which has him laughing and blushing simultaneously.

“Yes, darling.” He motions for the check.

Inside The Beast, I slide into the middle of the bench seat and buckle in beside him. “Another benefit of an old car, right?”

He grins. “Absolutely.”

“Let’s go to yours, okay?” I ask.

“Do we need to run by your place? Check on the cats?”

“Nope. Wren is cat-sitting tonight.Allnight.”

His handsome grin widens. “Ah, my amazing girlfriend, the strategist. Good plan.”

“I like thinking ahead. Thanks for today. Best. Date. Ever. And the music! I’m so incredibly proud of you. How did it feel?”

“Natural. Better than I thought it would,” he says, “I should be thanking you. No more missing out on beautiful opportunities. Pianos should be played, right?”

“Right.” I snuggle against his arm, and he gently kisses my forehead.

“There’s one more song I want to play for you tonight if that’s okay.”

I inhale sharply—he’s going to playthepiano? “Time to shift bad memories into better ones?”

“For both of us,” he says, his right hand drifting to my leg and squeezing lightly.

The cool night air hits me sharply at his house when I exit The Beast, forcing me into my sweater. Tall, Longleaf Pines wave in the breeze overhead, and Carolina barn owls hoot in the distance. It’s darker than I’m used to here, where streetlights don’t reach. It feels so beautifully peaceful.

He leads me into a dimly lit and quiet house.

“Where are the dogs?”

He grins wryly. “Marigold is dog-sitting at the farm.Allnight.”

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