Page 24 of Sticks and Stones
“Huh.” Love songs from a man who’d claimed not too long ago that he didn’t know the meaning of the word.
“Yeah, and they have a different sound. It’s like I’m coming from a different place writing this music, if that makes sense.”
“It does.” She could see the change in him. It was no surprise that would be reflected in his music. “But how do you think your band will feel about that?” They usually collaborated on songs. Gianna didn’t think Gunnar had ever written an entire album on his own before.
“I’m not sure. There are a lot of things I’ve been considering lately that may not sit too well with them.”
“Like what?”
“Well, you know I love all kinds of music. Classic rock, country, blues—”
“Yeah, so?”
“This new stuff I’m writing, it feels more new country to me.”
“A lot of artists are crossing over,” she said, staring at the TV screen, though she’d long ago lost interest in her favorite drama. She had enough drama in her own life without getting wrapped up in someone else’s. “I’m sure you could too, if you really wanted to.”
Gunnar’s music had always been influenced by artists like Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp, his musical heroes growing up. He had a unique sound that appealed to both a younger and older generation, so she was confident his fans would jump on board no matter his direction.
“I think I might want to,” he said slowly. “It just seems to reflect where I am in my life right now.” He grabbed his iPod from the table. “I’ve been listening to country almost exclusively since I got here. In the shower, on my runs, when I’m driving, and there’s something about that music that gets me right here.” He thumped his fist against his chest, over his heart.
“Then you should talk to your band and your label about it.”
“I’ve had a hell of a good run with them,” he said quietly. “My band, they’ve been like my brothers.”
“I know.” They’d been the ones to drive him home when he was too drunk to walk or bust someone’s cell phone when they tried to take a video of Gunnar behaving badly so they could post it on social media.
“And my record label’s been good to me. I can’t complain about that. But they’re not big on taking gambles, especially the way the business has changed the past ten years. And I can’t say I blame them. It’s all about the bottom line, right?”
“I guess.”
He linked his hand through hers, bringing her hand to his lips. “Except it’s not about that for me anymore.”
“It’s not?” she asked, trying to ignore the way her breath hitched when his mouth grazed her skin.
“No. Music still feeds my soul. It’s hard to imagine not doing it. Especially now that I’m finally back in the zone, loving it again.”
“I can understand that,” she said, watching him turn her wrist over. His eyes never left hers as his mouth found her pulse.
His tongue flitted out, making her gasp. “It all feels real to me now.”
“What does?” She closed her eyes as his lips trailed up her arm.
“Everything. You. Me. My music. Our family. It finally feels like I’m building something real here. I’ve always felt like my life was built on a shaky foundation that could crumble any second, but this right here, what we’ve got, it feels solid to me.” He shifted closer, burying his face between her shoulder and neck as he tasted the sensitive skin. “How does it feel to you?”
“Incredible,” she whispered breathlessly. It was happening. She was falling for him again and she didn’t know how to stop it… or how to protect herself, and that scared her.
He grabbed her head, deepening the kiss until he had to absorb her needy whimpers with his mouth.
“Uh, sorry, guys.”
They broke apart guiltily when Keegan giggled. She’d obviously crept downstairs hoping to find them in a compromising position.
They weren’t little girls anymore and Gianna was certain they could see their parents getting closer. They had to wonder what it meant for their future and whether they could return to their old life back home if their parents reconciled.
“What’s up, short stack?” Gunnar asked, smiling while Gianna turned her head to hide her rosy cheeks.
“I could ask you the same thing,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows.
