Page 84 of Before We're More Than Friends
“What are we singing?” Raina asked.
Oliver faced me and her. “Do you both know ‘Classic’ by MKTO?”
Raina smiled. “I love that song.”
“Me too,” I said, smiling as well.
“Perfect,” Hayden said before tapping his drumsticks together. “One, two, three, four.”
Everyone started playing their instruments, and Raina swayed to the beat before singing the first verse. Her light and raspy voice hit me like a tidal wave, a chill traveling down myspine. She was only a few seconds in, and I knew I was going to lose this competition.
She sailed through the pre-chorus before leading into the chorus, belting out the lyrics as she danced, smiling wide. In the moment, as her hair swayed with her movements, she looked freaking stunning. Hot.Sexy.
Raina Vermont was freaking sexy.
Sweat ran down her forehead toward the middle of the song, but her voice didn’t let up. Her glittery makeup was still intact, adding to the beauty in her expression. Her performance reminded me of something from a kids’ sitcom, and I was waiting any second for her to take the mic and jump on something.
When she looked into my eyes, hers piercing me, her grin widened. A zap of electricity coursed through my chest. It was like she was singing to my soul. I smiled as I took her in, wishing I could stay in this moment.
And I hated it. I hated that I loved this so much, that I couldn’t stop watching Raina as she belted into the microphone with her angelic voice, that she looked freaking perfect as her hips—gosh, how had I never noticed those hips?—swayed.
I hated that she was the sexiest girl on the planet right now.
When she finished singing, sadness crashed over me as Arielle and I applauded Raina and the band. I wanted to rewind the past three minutes and bask in Raina’s presence, the sound of her voice, and her beauty I’d never admired so much before.
Gosh, I’m so freaking in love with this girl.
Coming here was a terrible idea.
“I think Dallas liked that a lot,” Raina said with a smirk, fanning herself with her hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that happy.”
Yeah, I needed to run for the hills if I wanted any chance to save myself. “You’re awesome,” I said, my cheeks on fire.
“Let’s see if you’re better.” Raina sat back in her beanbag. “Man, my blood is pumping.”
Mine too, for the wrong reasons. I drew in a breath, walking to the microphone stand with my guitar. I looked over at Hayden, who nodded and smiled.
“You can do it,” he mouthed.
I managed to give him a weak smile back.
Hayden tapped his drumsticks together. “One, two, three, four.”
I closed my eyes as the music started, trying to drown out my fears.Focus on the music. You’re sitting in the tree with Toby, belting this song until your lungs burst.
It took me a moment to realize I was already singing the first verse, strumming my guitar. Raina and Arielle watched me with smiles, though Raina seemed more invested, a look in her bright eyes I couldn’t determine.Maybe she’s looking at me the way I was looking at her.
Don’t entertain that idea. I averted my gaze and focused on my lyrics, but by the chorus, I was belting out word for word as I locked eyes with Raina. Suddenly, we were the only people in the room, and everything that came out of my mouth was for her.
Sweat ran down my back and forehead, making me feel anything but sexy. But it didn’t matter. In this moment, it felt like I was baring my heart to Raina Vermont, the girl I’d fallen for through years of letters and messages without ever seeing her beautiful face.
How had it taken me this long to start singing again?
The rest of the song flew by. Before I knew it, the only thing that was left was the instrumental. Sweat stung my eyes as I wiped my forehead. Sheesh, I needed a shower.
Raina and Arielle applauded me with big grins.
“I told you I know talent when I see it,” Hayden said as hesat up from his seat, wiping sweat off his own forehead. “I could give Simon Cowell a run for his money.”
