The Rocker's Muse

She brushed hair off my forehead. “If he’s really been paying attention, he’s seen the way you innocently fell for me when you didn’t know who I was. He’s seen the way you lift me up and always help me believe I’m a good person who’s worthy of peace, despite how I feel. He’s seen how much you love him. He could never hate you.”

My mouth curved into a smile. “You’re good for me, Emily Applewood. You always have been.”

“You’re good for me.”

“Is it selfish of me to want you to move to L.A.?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

“You can take your time getting settled. My house is a blank slate, sparse and vastly undecorated. You can have your way with it—as long as you promise to have your way with me.”

She poked my chest. “I will always partake in that.”

“We can come back to Shady Hills whenever you want.”

“I’d like that. I didn’t visit my mother enough when I lived in Nevada. I want that to change. But I don’t need to live here.”

I searched her eyes. “When you first met me, you must’ve thought I was crazy, because as much success as I had, I wasn’t happy. I kept wanting to go back to the past, to the time before I was famous. But I realize now, it wasn’t the past I needed. I just needed the happiness and peace I had back then. And you gave that to me. You brought me back full circle. You brought me home.”

CHAPTER 37

TRISTAN

Since Emily had a job interview this afternoon, I was alone for the first time in a while.

Standing on my balcony, I looked out at the panoramic view of the lush, rolling hills. It had been two months since Emily moved out to L.A. with me. I’d never had anyone to come home to after a long day before. And I never wanted to go back to the way things were before she became my ride or die.

I felt so grateful for the direction my life had taken. Now felt like a good time to do something I’d been putting off.

Taking out my phone, I dialed her number.

She answered on the third ring. “Tristan?”

“How did you know it was me?”

“You gave me your number when you were in Spirit Lake, remember?”

I cleared my throat. “How have you been?”

“Good.”

“You must have had your baby by now.”

“I did. I had a daughter.”

“Congratulations.” I smiled. “What’s her name?”

“Vivian.”

“That’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

A long moment passed. Then I heard her sniffle and realized she was crying.

“Don’t cry, Cheyenne. It wasn’t my intention to upset you.”

“I know. I’ve been trying to block everything out, but hearing your voice brought it all back.”