Strung(42)

He hasn’t even been to Micah’s place to see how I like it there. He’s made me come to him every time I want to see him.

When I saw that my brother made an effort to show up for the grand opening I had hopes that he’d talk to Micah, and when I saw that they finally were happiness and relief filled me. I knew he’d eventually come around, but I didn’t know how soon and the wait has had me anxious.

“I’m still proud of him, just so you know. Still a little pissed too, but proud as hell.” I look away from Micah to give Alexander my attention as he continues. “I’ve never seen anyone work harder than he does and that’s always impressed me. I’m actually happy that he has you to help him, to be honest. Trust has never come easy for him, so I was wondering who he’d get as management.” He laughs and takes a sip of his drink. “I figured he’d attempt to run the whole damn place himself. It wouldn’t have surprised me in the least, and he probably could’ve pulled it off. If anyone could it’d be that dick.”

I smile and bump him with my shoulder, happy that he’s willing to give Micah another chance. “He’s pretty amazing, right?” My heart jumps with excitement when I look over to see that Micah is watching me. It reminds me of when he played at Vortex, and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that feeling. “I love him, Xan. He treats me good and I’m so damn happy when I’m–”

“I know, Tegan. I’m sorry for being an overprotective asshole.” He grabs the back of my head and looks down at me. “All I want is for you to be happy. It’s obvious that Micah is what makes you happy. I can see now that I was wrong. I’m choosing to trust that he’ll keep it that way, because I’ve never seen him this happy or crazy before when it comes to a woman. The asshole about ripped my head off to find out where you were. I never thought I’d see that day.”

I laugh when he does. “I didn’t know that story, but I’ll have to ask Micah about it later.”

“Did I miss it? Please tell me he hasn’t played yet?” Jamie shows up beside us, appearing out of breath. “It’s crazy in here, and if it weren’t for Sebastian working the door I don’t think I would’ve made it past the line outside. Wow.”

“You didn’t miss him. He’s about to play.” I look behind her for Sebastian, but can’t see him anywhere. “Isn’t Sebastian coming in for–”

“Hell yeah, I’m here.” Sebastian’s voice comes from behind me, almost scaring the shit out of me. “The ladies wouldn’t stop flirting with me at the door.” He grins, taking a spot next to me. “There’s no way I was missing this though, so I had to tell them I’d be back.”

I roll my eyes and laugh as Sebastian winks.

“How’s everyone doing tonight?” Micah asks into the microphone, causing the whole room to go quiet. “Everyone enjoying the music so far?”

The crowd screams with excitement, which has Micah laughing into the microphone. “I’m gonna sing an original song tonight, so I hope you all enjoy. It’s something I’ve never done before.”

The room goes quiet again as Micah begins strumming his guitar, and like always I can’t take my eyes away from the stage.

He’s sitting there, dressed in a pair of old faded jeans and a black t-shirt, yet he still has the attention of everyone around. It’s his talent that brought everyone here and not him being shirtless.

Him playing shirtless at Vortex was just an extra treat for everyone, but for me it takes away from the most important part. I love that here it’ll be all about his amazing voice. The introduction to the song plays and before I know it I’m lost in the stanza . . .



“I should go to sleep now, but all night you’ve been on my mind.

Tossing and turning, I never thought we’d run out of time.

My head is ready for some peace, from the thoughts that never cease.

I haven’t found any since you walked away.

Because I miss you more than I know how to say.



There’s an ache deep in my heart, pain in my chest.

My girl’s long gone and my mind will never rest.

It’s just past four AM . . .”



Listening to the lyrics has my heart, because I know right away that his song is about me. He must’ve written it over the week I was back home in Wisconsin. I hate that he had to feel those things for even a second.

I swallow back my emotions and glance over to see Alexander looking at me. He wraps his arm around my neck and offers me a small smile, because he knows too now just how much Micah hurt when I was gone.



“I’m not ready to do this without you, my world is torn in two.”



With each word that he sings I find myself getting closer to the stage, my eyes locked on him as he pours his heart out.

I’ve never heard such raw emotion in his voice before and it’s ripping my damn heart out that I’m not next to him right now, showing him that I’ll never leave him again.

Right as I reach the end of the stage, he stands up and swings his guitar over his shoulder, coming at me as if he needs to get to me.

He doesn’t even bother finishing the song. He just walks off the stage and pulls me in as he crushes his lips against mine so hard that it about smothers my breathing.

It’s as if the song reminds him too much of the pain he felt when we were apart. It does the same for me too.

I wrap my hands into his hair and kiss him back, harder than I’ve ever kissed him before.

We’re so lost in each other that we almost forget we’re not alone, until there’s a loud whistle followed by some cheers of excitement.

Micah pulls away from our kiss and places his forehead to mine. His eyes meet mine as he moves his hands up to cup my face. “I love you so fucking much, baby, and I never want to know what it’s like to lose you again.”

I shake my head. “You won’t have to.” I stand up on my tiptoes and brush my lips over his. “I love you, too. And that song . . . It was beautiful. I loved it, but I don’t want to hear another sad song from you ever again. I can’t handle it. Promise me.”

He flashes me a cocky smile. “So, you loved my song?”

I laugh and hit his chest. “Is that all you took from that?”

He shakes his head.

“Then promise me,” I say firmly.

“You’ve already promised me you’ll never walk away again.” He rubs his thumb over my lip. “That makes it easy to keep my promise to you. Do you really need to hear it?”

I nod. “And I need you to promise me the same.”

He smiles against my lips. “I’ll promise you anything you ever want, Tegan. Trust me.”

“I do,” I whisper.

And it’s the truth.

I love this man with all my heart, and I know without a doubt that he feels the same way.

And I know for a fact that things can only get better from here now that everyone accepts us being together.

He is mine and there’s no one else I’d rather give myself too.

Because Micah Beck is addictive to the last drop and I’m completely in love with him . . .



THE END