Page 124 of Beautiful Distraction

I heave a littlesigh and stroll through the open doors of the barn, freezing in place.

The entire ceiling is covered in red, heart-shaped balloons.The walls have been painted off-white. LED light curtains bathe the entireplace in a beautiful glow.

Pink confetti and rose petals litter the spread-out rug.

On the right side, tables and chairs have been set up, asthough we’re having a party. On the far end, people have gathered, among whichI spy Mandy, my parents, Josh, and Kellan’s brother Ryder. Even Cash is here,which must be a sure sign that someone has died because the guy’s either gluedto one of his clubs’ décor or the back of a bull.

I stare, unsure what’s going on, when my gaze catches Kellan’s.He’s dressed in a tailored suit that manages to emphasize his broad shouldersand narrow hips. And is that a haircut? Compared to his usual jeans and shirtand tousled hair, he looks so different I’m not sure this is the same personI’m dating.

People begin to follow his line of vision, and withinseconds, everyone’s staring at me.

What the heck?

Someone takes my hand. It’s the neighbor’s kid—achubby five-year-old girl in a beautiful dress.

“What’s going on?” I mumble.

The kid tugs at my hand, leading me through the crowd toKellan.

He’s standing on a makeshift platform, cradling a microphonein his hand. Behind him, Ryder and Cash arrange their guitar and bass.

Cash nods at me encouragingly, and Mandy smiles. I think I’mpretty good at reading faces, so I know something’s going on, but for the lifeof me, I can’t figure out what this is all about.

Why’s everyone here?

Was I so involved in my work that I forgot about a birthdayparty?

I shoot Kellan a questioning look. He nods at his brothers,and they start playing.

His beautiful green eyes pierce me a moment before he startsto sing, his voice raw and gritty and breathtaking.

She chipped my car

No words she said

Left me behind with ascar

As she drove milesaway

In a Ford as old as mypop

So I called Ryder,who’s a cop

Who are you,

My check torn in two

My heart in a strangeplace

Don’t know your name

Wish I could see youone more time

To tell you that I’llmake you mine

To teach you how tomake love on the floor

Make you plead andscream for more

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