Second(15)

“I hope I didn’t wake you up,” he says as he stops singing but continues to play his instrument.

“Are you kidding?” I say, grinning. “If I woke up to that every morning I don’t think I’d ever be grumpy, ever. You’re so talented. I mean I knew you were, but this is… wow. What a beautiful song. Is it new?”

He nods, eyes lighting up. “Yeah, you’re the first to hear it, actually.”

We share a smile.

“Don’t stop on my behalf,” I tell him. “Please, continue.”

He flashes me a smile that shows off those dimples, then continues to play. I watch him in his element, and remember the first time I saw him and his then band play at school. He was good then, but now he is simply amazing. I listen in awe until the song is over, and wait for him to look up at me before I start to clap for him.

“Everyone is going to love that song,” I tell him, placing my hand over my heart. “There’s so much emotion in it, it’s like I can feel your pain. And when you say that line ‘No one in this world would love you as much as I do….’” I sigh dreamily. “I think I’m going to swoon.”

Dean throws his head back and laughs. “Sabina Reyes does not swoon.”

“She might swoon,” I say, lifting my chin. “I know what I’m going to be listening to on repeat as soon as your new album drops.”

He hesitates, then asks, “Have you listened to the two that are out now?”

“Of course I have,” I say, smiling warmly at him. “I also watch every performance I’m able to. I keep up to date with all your accomplishments, Dean. Everyone is so proud of you. I’m so proud of you. And no one deserves the success more.”

He ducks his head, smiling. “It’s going to sound so fucking cliché, but it’s my passion. I can’t see myself doing anything else, and I wouldn’t want to. I’d do it even if I was still busking on the side of the road, and be happy.”

This guy has one of the best souls I’ve encountered. Whoever ends up with him is going to be one lucky woman.

“I remember when you were busking,” I say, smirking. “I’d stop by on my way to my office job and give you coffee.”

“Yeah,” he says, chuckling. “I remember.”

“Can I ask you something?” I ask, emboldened by our talk.

“Anything,” he says, putting his guitar down on the couch.

“Bella Reed,” I ask, arching my brow. “True or false.”

“So you do read the gossip magazines,” he says, shaking his head at me in amusement. He leans back on my couch and studies me. “What do you think about it?”

“I don’t think anything,” I say quickly, shrugging. “I was just being nosy and wondering if it was true or not. I don’t want to be keeping you from anyone.”

“You aren’t, Sabina,” he says in a soft tone that’s mixed with something else… anger? “I’m not with Bella. We’re just friends.”

Friends with benefits?

I don’t pry any more, I just nod and say, “Do you want some pancakes and bacon? It’s my turn to make something for you.”

“I’d love some,” he says, standing with me and following me to the kitchen. “You’re in a much better mood this morning.”

“I think your music woke me up in a good way,” I say, tying my hair up on my head in a messy bun. “I’m just going to try and enjoy the day. Besides, I only have you here for two more days, so I want to make the most of it.”

“Do you want me to play while you cook?” he asks, grinning wolfishly. “Might keep you in this mood all day.”

“Are you kidding me? I’d love that!” I say, smiling widely. My very own Dean Amore concert in my kitchen. Some people would kill for this moment. I’m lucky enough to know the amazing person he is firsthand, and that’s not even including his talent as a musician.

He grabs his guitar and sits down at the table while I whip up some breakfast. Not as fancy as what he’s used to, I’m sure, but I also know that he doesn’t mind.

And besides, I make a mean pancake, fancy or not.



*****

“I can’t believe you did this!” I say to him, staring at the beautiful boat before me. “I’ve always wanted to go snorkelling!”

After breakfast, Dean told me he was taking me somewhere, so to get ready, but he wouldn’t tell me where we were going. For a girl like me, that’s pretty much hell, because I like to be prepared and I like to be dressed for the occasion. I put on a pair of denim shorts and a cute black top, and did my hair and some light makeup. I put some lipstick in my bag so I can use it if need be, if I need to look a little dressier, but the outfit is pretty much a day-to-night one. Never did I imagine that he was going to take me on a boat though!