Page 63 of Lost Lyrics

“Yeah.” The kids stood. Josh picked up Rex around his middle and carried him outside at somewhat of an awkward angle, but the puppy didn’t seem to mind.

Too cute.

“What are you going to call this little ball of fluff?” Flint asked, rubbing one of the kitten’s tiny paws.

“Why did you get me a cat?” I kissed its face and brushed its soft fur against my cheek. I was already in love with the thing, but I’d never wanted a pet. I lowered my voice so only Flint could hear. “I thought I was the onlypussyyou wanted?”

Flint stroked the kitten’s back. It purred and curled against my chest. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “You definitely are,Kitten.” Too much heat flared in my cheeks and between my legs.Damn.He eased back and a sexy smile played across his lips. “This little guy is just a pet. I’ve always liked cats, but my parents would never let me have one. When Phil nearly hit a cat on the night he died, I’ve always wondered what happened to it since it was never found. In a warped and weird way, I’ve always wanted to know whether it was okay or not. That cat played a part in bringing you to me.”

I arched an eyebrow. “So we need to call him PTSD?”

“What? No?” Flint grimaced and chuckled. “But you knew I was fucked up before we started dating.”

“We both were.”

“Yeah.” He softened his tone. “But we’re good now.” He rubbed the kitten’s ears again. “This little guy is from the rescueshelter. He’ll keep you company when I’m traveling or working, and vice versa. He’s perfect, just like you.”

“I’m not perfect, but thank you.” I guessed now I was a cat lady. That was a change I hadn’t seen coming.

I held the kitten against my breast and stroked my fingers along his back. I scratched the top of its head. “So, what should we call you? You’re a Flintlock. A little rock star. Relish attention. You’re handsome. Clearly like black. And you would look great in a leather collar.Hmmm. Sounds like someone else I know.” I winked at Flint, then held the kitten in front of my face and stared into his yellow eyes. “You’re just like a Danny Zuko, aren’t you?” I met Flint’s gaze again. “Like you on the night I got you to sing at Hayley’s. When we sang ‘Summer Nights.’ So it’s Zuko.”

Flint closed the gap between us and threaded his hand around my waist. A playful smile curled across his lips. “Not Greasy? Lightning? Putzie?”

“No.” I giggled. “Zuko.”

“I love it. Zuko it is.” He kissed me on the lips, lingering there for a few seconds.Hmmm. “Love you. Merry Christmas.”

“Love you. And thank you.”

Wow.Our family was expanding...and changing. Two new members had joined us today—Rex and Zuko. They’d no doubt be a handful. But life was good. Maddy and Slip had moved home two weeks ago. The guys had discussed their writing schedule. My show was a hit. We’d all jetted around the country to awards shows and events and still had more in the coming weeks. In a few months, I’d be married. I honestly don’t think I could get any happier.

After lunch, we sat around in front of Cole’s huge gas fireplace, laughed, and told stories. We opened presents. Torn paper, gift bags, ribbons, and boxes covered every inch of the floor.

As the kids played with new toys on the rug, Maddy tappedme on the arm. “Hey, can I steal you for a moment? I need to discuss something with you. Can we go outside for a sec?”

“Sure.” I handed Zuko to Flint. His eyes lit up—clearly happy I’d finally handed Zuko over. He laid the sleepy kitten against his chest and scratched its ears. Zuko purred away. I rose to my feet and followed Maddy outside. She ambled across the lawn and stopped by the hedge.

“Mads? Is everything okay?”

“I hope so.” Excitement and worry skipped in her voice. In the cool air, she tugged the sleeves of her sweater over her hands and fidgeted with her wedding rings. “So...I had a meeting with my agent yesterday. Carlos has come across a role that I’m interested in...but it’s subject to you.”

“Me?” I buttoned my glittery Christmas cardigan. For LA, it was freezing today. “Why me?” Her agent was a powerhouse in this town. Maddy was an A-list star. If he’d found her a role, it’d have to be for a fabulous hit show. Money and fame had never come between Maddy and me, and it never would. Our friendship meant the world to me. I wished her every success and would support her no matter what.

Maddy closed her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath, then blurted. “Because it’s forAngels in LA. To start the next season in March.”

“ARGGGGH!” I jumped up and down, then flung my arms around her neck. My heart skipped and danced through the clouds. “Yes. Oh my God. Yes! I’d love to work with you again.” When Tia had left the show at the end of our first season, they hadn’t replaced her. We’d had guest stars come and go, but no one had stayed long-term. There’d always been talk about adding a new main character, someone who’d blend in perfectly with our cast. Maddy would be perfect. “That would be brilliant.”

Here I was thinking life couldn’t get any better. But this wasdefinitely another leap forward.

“It’s not guaranteed.” Maddy stepped back and wiped her happy, teary eyes. “The studio wants me to audition. So before I even contemplate doing that, I needed to make sure you’d be okay if I did.”

She met my gaze, no doubt looking for any concerns or fears, but she wouldn’t find any. I’d loved Maddy since we’d met on a show when we were twelve. Our friendship had stood the test of time. We’d survived drama, love, and heartache, ups and downs and more. We were unbreakable.

Maddy clutched my hands. “I’d love to be on screen with you again, but I won’t go where I’m not wanted. I don’t want to rain on your parade, step on your gown, steal any of your light. Your show is your baby.”

“It’s not justmyshow.” I shook my head as happiness exploded in my chest. “You will add to it—not take anything away. Peyton and Mia and I are on an even playing field. No one outshines the other. You already know the girls, so if you join us, we’ll have so much fun. Just like old times.”

“Yeah.” A hopeful smile inched across her lips. “I’d like that.”

---