All boys are the same. They only want one thing, darlin’. It’s your responsibility to make him wait. You hear me? You will not end up like your mama. So help me, I will not let that happen.

Grams’ warning rings true in my ears as I meet my gaze in the bathroom mirror. I run a towel through my hair and use my fingers to brush it out. As much as I don’t want to believe it, I have to consider whether she’s right. Did I move too fast with Leighton? Should we have waited? Now that he got what he wanted, will he lose interest?

No, I shake my head to chase away the thoughts. I refuse to allow my past to get in the way of any future I have with Leighton. “You are brave. You’re strong,” I whisper to my reflection. My lips are full, swollen from all our kissing, but other than that I look exactly the same. I don’t feel the same though. Making love to Leighton, trusting him with my body, it makes me feel powerful. Womanly. “And you’re not a girl anymore.” There’s a tinge of regret that comes with the reality. Even though I chose this and no one forced my decision, the last shred of my youth—my innocence—is gone.

Knock, knock.

I startle at the sound and then wrap my towel around my body. “One second.” If the guys are back, I don’t want to flash anyone.

“It’s me,” Leighton says through the door. “Food’s almost ready.”

I open the door and delight in the way his gaze eats me up.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“What’s this about lunch?” I tilt my head and enjoy sweeping my gaze up his trim waist and bare chest.

He braces himself on the doorjamb and leans in. “I thought I’d make you a meal for a change.”

“That’s really sweet.” My heart does a little flutter thing and I swear I fall a little harder.

“Don’t get too excited.” He winces and lets loose a chuckle. “I can’t cook for shit. I hope you like pasta. Plain. With butter.”

“Sounds delish.” I glance down before meeting his gaze. “Give me a minute to get dressed?”

“Only because the guys could come back any second.” He reaches for my hip, tugs me forward and captures my lips in a sweet kiss. “Otherwise, I’d insist on a skimpy towel as the dress code.”

I step back into the bathroom, my hand on the doorknob. We’re back to that goofy, stupid smile thing again. It takes all my effort to shut the door, but somehow I get it closed. I don’t know what I was worried about. Leighton is a good man. He’s into me, he really is, and I have no reason to doubt that.

The guys return within the hour and from then on it’s go, go, go. I’m beat by the time they take the stage, but rally to cheer them on. Nothing can shake my happiness. Even Bedo doesn’t creep me out with his cryptic questions and snarky comments. We all retreat to our hotel rooms for the night, and as soon as I’m inside mine, I text Leighton with the number. Five minutes later he knocks on my door and I let him inside where we kiss and he makes love to me before we both succumb to sleep.

I wake the next morning to my alarm. After I silence my phone, I roll over to reach for Leighton but find him gone. I can’t deny I’m a little disappointed, though I understand. We haven’t really talked about being open with our relationship. I’m not sure it’s a good idea, though part of me wants to stake my claim to the world. Hold his hand in public. Kiss him whenever I want. But this isn’t solely about us; what we do affects the band, and then there’s the press.

Not wanting to dwell on all the obstacles we have to overcome, I sit up and stretch. My body is sore in places it’s never been before, a reminder of our intimacy. He was worried about that last night, and insisted on going down on me before we made love. A pointless argument because I can’t imagine ever refusing him that. The man knows exactly how to make me come.

I use the restroom and get my toiletries out of my bag when I spot a note on the hotel dresser. I recognize his handwriting instantly.

O,

Thank you for last night,

and yesterday,

and for however long you’ll have me.

I won’t stop until I memorize every inch of your skin,

the taste of your lips,

and the lines of your soul.

L

I don’t know whether he realizes it or not, but this . . . this note is everything. I fold the hotel paper carefully, with love, and tuck it inside the notebook I never leave behind. Right beside the ten letters of my father’s. To have a love note of my own strikes a chord of inner joy and I swoon. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you want something until the gift is yours. A longing to be cherished and appreciated runs deep in my soul. For the first time I think it might be in reach.

My phone buzzes from where it’s plugged into the night stand and I walk the short distance to check my messages.

Lexi: Just landed. See you soon!

I glance at the time again, and this time I get my butt in the shower. The morning’s almost over and my sister’s on her way. Today’s the big day. The moment I show her a little piece of my heart. As nervous as I am, there’s excitement too. I think the guys are right. There’s no way she won’t love the song I wrote.

I meet up with Lexi in the hotel lobby, and join her and Trent for lunch. She tells us about the last few weeks. Recording her HBO special and tales on the road. It’s nice catching up on the time we’ve been apart, and even though I am, I don’t feel like a third wheel. Now that I’ve spent time working for Trent, our conversation comes easy. We’re friends. If the smile on my sister’s face is any indication, she’s happy for our shared comradery.

“Alright ladies, we need to head over to the studios. Sound check’s at three,” Trent announces after paying the check.

We hail a cab outside and a short time later we pull up to the iconic 30 Rock building. Through tourists and city goers, we make our way inside and catch the elevator.

At our stop, Trent holds the door and after Lexi passes through, he whispers, “You’ve got this.”

My stomach tightens with nerves. I hope he’s right. I can’t believe I get to play here. Even if it’s only to an audience of sound techs and my sister, it’s still a freaking big deal. I don’t want to screw it up.

Inside on set, the rest of the band is waiting. Leighton lifts his gaze, flashing a smile meant only for me before schooling his features.

I lift my hand and wave, a new flutter of butterflies hitting my belly. It’s really difficult to not stare at Leighton. It’s as if my eyes don’t care for anything else.

“We’re ready to go whenever you are,” one of the crew members says to the band. The set is simple, but I know they’ll bring down the house tonight. The guys don’t need anything fancy. Their music speaks alone.

Lexi takes a seat in the front row, an eager smile in place.

Trent struts up to the lead mic and picks up the guitar from its stand. It’s the one Austin’s as good as given me for how often I play it. “Ugh, Opal? Did you have the crew send over my guitar?”

This is it. “What’s that?” I rush over, pretending to be concerned when really I’m trying not to puke.

“Here.” He hands it over and slides the strap over my head. He nods, the hint of a smile on his lips. He lowers his voice so only I can hear. “Shine, baby girl. Shine.”

As Trent strides toward the wing, I swallow any lingering doubt and step up to the microphone. I meet Lexi’s curious stare. “So, there’s this thing I’ve been working on. To surprise you.”

“Yeah?” She leans forward in her chair.

I shrug, and bite at the inside of my cheek. “It’s not much. In fact, it’s stupid really.”

“Opal.” Trent narrows his glare as he comes back on stage with his Fender.

“I’ll just . . .” My voice trails off and my hands shake. Here goes nothing. Closing my eyes, I bob my head and strum. The guys join in and amplify the sound. I wrote this song, so it might be narcissistic of me to admit, but I freaking love it. The notes are familiar, the melody true. And when I open my mouth to sing the first verse, I’m not a scared girl from a nothing town in Texas. I’m just me, and that’s more than enough.

Trent belts out his part, and our voices complement the other.

The words are powerful. They’re written from my musings about love. But today they feel stronger, as if the tenderness I have for Leighton only elevates their meaningfulness. I wish I could turn around to meet his gaze. To let him know how much they’re meant for him.

“She’s not running from her past,

She’s searching for a future to call home.

And for these few hours he’ll be hers.

She’ll be his even more.”

We move into the bridge and Austin steals the show. He wrote the part and it makes the compilation even more significant. Each of these men have placed their mark on my music. On my first song.

The last chord strums and soon the studio is silent. Lexi holds my gaze and her eyes are shining. A big ol’ smile stretches her red painted lips and my chest brims with pride. She likes it. She doesn’t have to say a word. I can read it on her face.

“Uh, we thought you guys were starting with Cut,” the sound tech sounds confused. “Did the set list change?”

Trent laughs and brushes his hair from his face. “Sorry, man. We wanted to warm up with an Opal Evans original. We’re still playing Cut for the show.”

“Wait, what?” Lexi leaps to her feet, and faster than I can set the guitar back down she’s on the stage, her eyes wide and eyebrows arched. “You write music? How come you never told me?”

My cheeks flare with warmth as I chance a look across the stage at Leighton, and then the rest of the guys. “I’m still learning all of this.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a natural.”

Trent tips his chin. “Austin and Leighton taught her how to play, but she’s incredible, yeah?”

“Yeah! I want to write a song with you. I mean, if you want.”

Emotion tightens my throat, but I swallow it down. “I would love that.”

She wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace. “I’m so damn proud of you. You know that, right?”

This moment feels perfect. Sacred. As if all the years we spent apart no longer matter, because we’re here now.

“So, hate to break up the party, but we really need to run through the set.” It’s that sound guy again.

“Sorry,” I mutter at the same time my sister whispers, “Oh, fuck off.”

“Yeah, ladies! Stop stealing the show,” Austin hollers from his place on the stage, his devious grin in place.

Lexi rolls her eyes and grabs my hand. “We’re going, we’re going.” We walk off stage but before I take a seat, she turns to me. “Hey, can we talk?” She glances at the band before adding, “Somewhere private?”

I nod, apprehension building in my gut. I don’t know why, other than her expression is hard to read.

Lexi leads the way out of the studio and we push inside the ladies’ room. She checks each of the stalls and then turns to meet my stare. There’s concern and worry in her eyes.

“Is everything all right?” Does she know I lost my virginity? Is that obvious? God, I’ll die of embarrassment if she lectures me on Leighton.

“It’s fine. I mean, it’s not fine.” Her smile falls and she shakes her head. “Look, I should have told you this last year. But . . . but I didn’t know you then. I didn’t even know whether you were telling the truth. And I had to be sure . . . that you weren’t just looking for a handout.”

“Lexi, I’d never—”

She holds up a hand. “I know that now. Which is why I feel even worse. Look, there’s no nice way to say this. Our father left a large sum of money along with property when he passed.”

“Oh.” I don’t know how to feel, other than disappointment for a man I never had the opportunity to meet.

“And rightfully, that should be split between us.” Her lips pinch together and little lines crease her forehead.

I shake my head, not wanting her to feel guilty. “Oh, you don’t have to . . . He never even knew I existed.”

“But it’s the right thing to do. If he had known, he would have insisted.” She reaches for my hand and squeezes lightly.

My gaze falls to the floor. “You don’t know that.”

“I don’t, but Opal, I can’t live with myself any other way. I don’t need all of it. Hell, I haven’t touched any of it. We both got the short end of the straw when it comes to parents. I want to share this. I’ve already had my lawyers work up a trust, that way you’ll always be taken care of. Because if something ever happened to me, I’d hate myself forever.”

Tears spring at her words. Even the thought of losing Lexi—after I just found her—is enough to force a sob from my lips.

“Opal!” Concern laces her tone and she pulls me into her arms. “Don’t cry. This is supposed to be good news.”

“I’m sorry.” I tuck my chin and try to slow my sobs, but her comfort only brings more tears.

“Don’t apologize, Opal. I should be the one saying sorry. Is everything okay?” She pulls away and meets my stare as if she’s trying to put together the pieces.

“Yes.” I nod, then shake my head. “No.” I swipe at my face with the palms of my hands to clean the tears. Releasing a shaky breath, I try again. “I don’t ever want to lose you.”

“Lose me?”

“I’ve lost everyone I ever loved.” The admission reverberates off the walls.

“Oh, Opal. No.” She levels me with a stare. “You’re stuck with me. Always and forever. I’m not going anywhere. Well, except for tours and all that shit, but you’ll come too. I won’t leave you alone. Ever.”

“How can you say that?”

“It’s a promise. I’m your big sister. I won’t let you down.”

“But I’m worried I’ll let you down. That I already have.” She asked me not to tell anyone we were sisters, yet I told Leighton. I should tell her.

“You haven’t done anything to disappointment me, Opal. You couldn’t.”

I open my mouth to tell her Leighton knows about us, but then I’d have to tell her I slept with him. Fear that she’ll be angry or look down on me, or that it’ll ruin this connection between us holds my admission hostage.

“Opal. Is there something else?” She cocks her head, and I swear she reads the truth on my face. “Did something happen? You can tell me.”

“I slept with Leighton.” My hand slaps over my lips as soon as the truth escapes. A few more tears fill my eyes and escape down my cheeks. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m getting so emotional. It was only sex.” But it wasn’t. It was the last thread of my childhood.

Her jaw hardens and there’s fire in her gaze. “He didn’t hurt you? Or pressure you? Because I’ll kick his ass.”

“No. Not at all.” Laughter bubbles from my lips and I shake my head. “I think I love him. No, I know I do.” I blow out a deep breath. “Sorry, I think it’s all just hitting me. He’s the first guy I’ve ever had sex with.”

“Oh?” Her surprise is clear.

“Yeah.” I shrug.

“Did you think I would be mad? That you slept with someone?”

“Considering he’s playing in your boyfriend’s band, I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Opal. Let’s get a few things straight. One, you’re allowed to fuck up. Two, you’re allowed to sleep with whomever you want. There’s nothing perverse or unnatural about sex.”

I force a smile to my lips. “I guess I don’t really believe that yet.”

She nods with an understanding I appreciate. “Because of how you were brought up?”

“Yeah, being told something is wrong my entire life, as much as I don’t want it to, it kinda messed with my mind.”

“You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations anymore. As long as you look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and are proud of who you see, that’s what’s most important. You don’t have to be anyone other than you, Opal.”

“That’s the problem.” I bite at my lip and meet my sister’s eyes. “I don’t really know who I am.”

“Then we’ll figure it out.” Lexi reaches for my hand again. “Together.”

“Thank you.”

“What are you going to do about Leighton? About how you feel?”

I force a smile and shrug. “I was leaning toward burying my feelings and pretending they don’t exist.”

“Opal . . .” Lexi groans and rolls her head from one side to the next.

“Kidding. Mostly. I’ll figure it out. And if I need advice, I’ll come to you. Promise. But for now, could you please not tell any of the guys.” Aka Trent. I hate asking her to keep something from her boyfriend, but really, I can’t deal with the embarrassment. I also don’t want Leighton and my relationship—whatever it is—to affect his status in the band. Something tells me if the guys find out they’ll never forgive him. Or let either of us live it down.

“Fine. I’ll butt out.” She raises her hands and then her gaze softens as she gives in to a smile. “But I’m here for you. No matter what. And tomorrow before we head out, a notary will meet us at load in. There’re a few papers we need to sign, then the trust will deposit a monthly sum into your bank account.”

“Thank you. I love you.”

She opens her arms and I go to her. I savor the safety of her embrace, thankful for her friendship and love. “I love you, too, little sis.”