Page 59 of Exactly What I Needed
Asher’s amber eyes began searching the crowd as he screamed into the microphone. He wore his signature black joggers and cut-off hoodie that hid absolutely nothing. I was frozen in place, wondering what they were doing here. And excited. I couldn’t believe he was here.
He wasn’t supposed to be here. I’d hurt him, so why was he here?
Jaxon and Drake strummed their guitars, playing to the hauntingly delicious music. Kieron head banged, his drumsticks crashing against the cymbals.
I stared, shocked. Desperation coursed through me. He had come.
Even after what I’d said, he’d come.
Slowly, I weaved around a few people as stunned as I was, inching closer and closer to him. There was a pain in his eyes despite the passionate way he sang. The song reached the bridge, the notes becoming hollow. Continuing to creep forward, my skin prickled as his gaze finally latched onto mine.
He choked over a word, his voice cracking on a note.
Without another falter, he regained his composure and tore his eyes away. My heart plummeted to the ground; he wasn’t here for me. He was here to fulfill a promise he’d made. That was it. Gripping tightly to the microphone, he belted out his lyrics in perfect harmony.
My fingers rose to my neck, and I grabbed the ring that hung on a chain. His ring.
He was here.
No way would I let this pass by.
Taking a deep, encouraging breath, I shoved myself forward. I was going to march right up front and make him see me. He was going to have to acknowledge me. Who cares that Sydney was here too. Or that anyone else was here. He would have to talk to me.
“Ow,” a guest mumbled as I pushed forward.
“Excuse me,” I mindlessly replied, weaving through the crowd as the first song came to a close. Asher touched his earpiece and smiled.
“Gotta say sorry for being late. It’s been a crazy couple days. We had a breach of security and had to relocate while still trying to get our newestsingle prepped for next weekend. How’s everyone doing?” Asher said, as Drake strummed a couple notes.
The rather large crowd in front of me, swamping the stage, screamed in excitement.
“And where’s the birthday girl?” he asked.
My heart stopped as I froze.
A hand suddenly slammed around my arm and dragged me forward. My eyes shot to Sydney who was grinning from ear to ear. “Surprise!” she said as a spotlight snapped to us.
“Surprise?”
“They really did have to move, but they said they’d simply be late. I thought I’d prank you!” She grinned, and my mouth fell open.
“That was a cruel, cruel joke,” I stammered as she shoved through the crowd that parted.
Giggling, she wiggled her brows. “I knew you liked them more than you’d admit out loud!”
I rolled my eyes, but bit back a smile. Little did she know…
“HERE SHE IS!” Sydney shouted, tossing me toward the stage. I reached out, trying to latch onto her before she disappeared, but with no luck. There was not a soul between me and the stage.
Slowly, I lifted my gaze from the grass to Asher. He squatted down directly in front of me, and a hauntingly pained look twisted his face. For only half a second before he blinked and reached toward me.
His arm snaked around my waist, and he hoisted me up with ease, slinging me over his shoulder. I shrieked as he carried me back toward themicrophone. Shrill screams of excitement crashed around me as I hung upside down, with a very nice view of his ass right in front of me.
“This one’s for you, birthday princess,” he said and set me down on my feet as Jaxon joined in the strumming and Kieron trilled on his drum set. Setting the microphone into the stand, he stepped into it and began singing a song I’d never heard before.
Sydney screamed louder than everyone else, and I glanced at her, wide-eyed and confused. She clapped her hands and nodded toward the band. I had no idea what I was supposed to do, or feel. Asher and I were not on good terms, yet here I was, standing directly in front of him.
Slowly, I slid my gaze back to Asher and studied him for a moment. He was locked onto me, that pained look back in his eyes. Then he sang a line, and I recognized the song.
