Page 14 of Paparazzi Perfect
Her gaze met mine.
“He knows the song!” Dyson called, still pointing at me.
She looked right at me, her green eyes shining. A smile so warm it could melt the coldest heart spread across her face. she formed a heart with her hands over her chest.
I made my way toward her, my pulse thundering.
There’s no turning back now.
***
For one suspended moment, it was as if the whole room held its breath.
The first piano chords rang out as the stage manager pressed a microphone into Karson’s hand.
His mind emptied of everything except her as he moved closer. He blinked slowly and took a breath, hoping he’d remember the words.
They stood side by side, almost touching, a current flowing between them as the notes danced around the room.
Ivy glanced out over the crowd before turning back to Karson as she raised the microphone.
She moistened her top lip with the tip of her tongue before her velvet voice filled the room and wrapped around Karson like a warm embrace.
As he lost himself in her emerald gaze, the lyrics fell from his mouth. His arm slid around her waist while Ivy’s hands settled on his chest.
They pressed closer.
Karson’s hand drifted to her hair, brushing a loose lock from her face. She pressed against him, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against hers with every breath.
The final notes faded into the night as they stood anchored to the spot… until whoops of joy and thundering applause shattered the illusion of being alone.
***
KARSON
For a long moment, we just stood there fixed in place on the stage. I watched as the corner of her mouth curled into a radiant smile, and my heart melted all over again.
She raised the microphone, took my hand, turning toward the audience. “Everyone, a round of applause for my savior! This is… wait.” Her gaze locked onto mine. “What isyour name?”
I smiled and squeezed her hand softly. “Karson.”
The host, grinning from ear to ear, walked over to us. “What a beautiful performance, you two. Well done stepping up for Ivy when she needed it, Karson.” He turned to the audience. “I think we might need an encore?” The crowd broke into cheers.
“All right, everyone, we’re almost out of time.” He stretched an arm toward the side of the stage. “Time to announce tonight’s winner. Come on out, girls!”
The contestants made their way back onto the stage to loud whistles and clapping.
My time with Ivy was ending.
A dull ache settled in my chest.
“Ivy, you were amazing,” I said, lifting her hand to my lips and pressing a soft kiss against her skin. “Good luck, but you don’t need it.” I let go of her hand and turned to leave.
“Don’t leave! Karson, promise you’ll wait for me? You saved me tonight. At least let me buy you a drink!” She hurried away to join the other contestants.
The world had shifted on its axis.
I left the stage, pushing and shoving my way through the thick crowd until I found Dyson.
