Page 17 of The Wiener Across the Way

“Alright, everyone, we’ve got a couple more songs to go. Let’s bring it down a notch and get cozy, shall we?”

Even though I’d indicated the next song was going to be a quieter song, they all erupted into squeals and screams. They knew what was coming.

The next song was another fan favorite. A ballad called “Cozy Nights”. It was a love song that didn’t exactly have a happy ending. I’d left the lyrics ambiguous, and there was plenty of speculation as to which of my former boyfriends the song was about.

Once the opening notes of the piano rang out, the crowd quieted, and the lights from people’s phones went up over their heads. It was one of my favorite sights in any concert. I loved seeing those pinpricks of light glowing and swaying with the music like a million sparkles, joining the stars up above.

My voice carried the poignant lyrics into the night, and I stole a glance in Declan’s direction. I shouldn’t be able to see him, but with the dimmed lights, and the glow of the phones in the audience, I spotted him. His eyes were locked on me, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

The song ended, and the crowd erupted into applause. I took a deep breath, prepping for the finale. My feet and lungs were aching, but I pushed it aside, rallying for the end of the show.

This was the big climax of the night, and I gave it everything I had, the notes soaring, my heart pounding, and that last little bit of adrenaline pushing me to really take us out with a bang. The crowd was a sea of movement and cheers, and I let their energy carry me.

There was nothing like the exhilaration of a good crowd and their enthusiasm. It was an addictive feeling. Kind of like a really great orgasm.

I could use more of both.

That sounded like a much better idea than adding in another workout.

SIMPLY THE BEST

DECLAN

Iwas in so much damn trouble. I’d thought Kelsey was cute and adorable the day I’d met her and Wiener the Pooh. She had this sweet and engaging, girl next door thing going on that had starred in several of my fantasies since then.

But I’m sure that’s how most people felt about her. The princess of pop, America’s sweetheart. A talent to be cherished and savored for all generations. Her voice, more powerful and emotive than I’d ever realized, filled the air, her songs a mixture of energy and soul that the entire audience couldn’t help but get swept up in. I watched, captivated, as she moved across the stage with a grace and confidence that was utterly mesmerizing.

Not to mention that ass had me on fucking fire. Every time she shook it in one of her dance moves, I just about came in my goddamned pants. I had to think of stats from boring-ass baseball and count the beads of the Bestie bracelet Jules had puton me just to keep my penis from poking right the hell out of the front of my jeans.

Each note she hit, each word she sang, resonated in a way I hadn’t expected. It was more than just a performance. This whole experience was a display of raw talent and passion. The crowd was completely in her thrall, and so was I.

Kelsey Best, the pop sensation most people knew only from headlines and her music, was in her element and it was sexy as fuck.

The stage lights dimmed, casting a magical glow over the amphitheater. The crowd quieted, and for the first time in hours, we sat down on the long stone steps that acted as seats at Rust Rocks. She opened her mouth and pure fucking magic came out. It was a slow song, one I’m sure I’d heard before, but most of what I had on my playlists were the upbeat, poppy stuff. Good stuff to work out to. This... this was something else entirely, and it wound its way from my ears, down my spine, and settled deep in my stomach.

I leaned back, trying to appear nonchalant, as I pulled out my phone to lend another light in the audience, but the truth was, I was anything but. Or rather, I could be so much more to her.

She was a force of nature on stage. No wonder people went feral over her. I got it. I wanted to rush up onto the stage right now, pick her up, and carry her away to savor. I wanted her for myself.

Jules elbowed me, her grin teasing. “I think you’re drooling, big bro.”

I shot her a mock glare, but she just laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Can’t blame you though. She’s amazing.”

“She’s... yeah, she is.” It felt ridiculous, this sudden, intense rush of feelings. I knew the difference between the crush of a fan and something real. But this, watching her pour her heart intoher music, it felt like something more than either of those things. There was an undeniable pull, something that went beyond her celebrity.

And I was the fucking fool who’d told my agent today that I wouldn’t do the fake dating thing.

I.

Said.

No.

Alexis growled at me. Like actually growled and told me she wasn’t making any moves until the weekend. She had to have known I’d change my mind after seeing Kelsey in concert.

Kelsey sang this love song about being cozy with the one you love, and I swear to god she was looking right at me. Why would she do that to my heart? I was dead now. Deceased. Dust.

Jules nudged me again. “You’re totally smitten, aren’t you?”

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