Kissing The Hero (The Dangers of Dating a Diva Book 2)

by Christina Benjamin

  “Your fault? What are you talking about?”

  “The competition. You got disqualified because of me. I tried talking to my mother, but she—”

  Layne’s laughter cut me off. “I don’t care about getting disqualified.”

  I blinked at her in utter confusion. This was worse than I thought. She must be in shock if she was laughing at a moment like this. But to befuddle me further, she grabbed my face in both her hands and kissed me like she’d just won a Grammy.

  My head swam as I fought with everything I had not to just give in to her amazing lips and let myself have one more perfect moment with her. But I didn’t deserve that.

  I pulled away. “Layne. I-I . . .” I didn’t even know what to say. I raked my hand through my hair desperate to find a solution, because I could see my soul in those big brown eyes of hers and if I let her walk away now, I knew I’d never recover.

  I knew it was selfish, but I wanted to fight for one more chance. “Maybe we can try to talk to my father. We’re on really good terms now. Maybe he can reason with my mother about the scholarship. I know it’s a long shot, but please, just let me try to fix this.”

  Layne looked at me with that touching smile of hers. “You don’t need to fix anything,” she said. “I won. The prize is just different than I thought.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You, Wyatt. I’m talking about you. I won, because you’re the best prize of all.”

  I stared at her, knowing I must be dreaming. But I didn’t care, I didn’t want to wake up. I just wanted her to say more things that made my heart turn inside out.

  “Maybe I didn’t win the scholarship. But I know I can do it now. I know I’m good enough to follow my dreams. That’s what today was really about. And we’ll always have the memories of what we did up on that stage together. That’s enough for me. Because I have you and my music, and no one can take that away from me.” She lifted one shoulder and grinned. “So, I guess I’m saying nothing else really matters.” She added. “As long as you’re okay dating a DQ’d diva.”

  Her eyes sparkled up at me and I didn’t waste another second before sweeping her into my arms. I claimed her lips with mine, slow and thorough, showing her just how ‘okay’ I was with dating every version of her.

  Chapter Sixty-Six

  Layne

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go home?” Wyatt asked as we watched people lining up to get autographs with the guest judges.

  “No, I want to hang around and cheer on the rest of the Diva Squad.”

  He leaned down and kissed my hair. “And you’re still my girlfriend?”

  I laughed. “Yes, Wyatt. I’m not going to change my mind.”

  “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

  “I know,” I teased. “Don’t you forget it.”

  “Believe me, there’s no chance of that happening.”

  I stood on my tippy toes and gave him a soft kiss.

  We’d had a good talk after I finally convinced him that I didn’t blame him for getting me disqualified. Rules were rules and I’d broken them, inadvertently or not. Besides, everything I told him was true. Even before the winners were announced I’d realized I’d achieved my goals and then some.

  It happened when we were standing backstage waiting to go on, me wrapped in Wyatt’s warm embrace, realizing I’d found where I belonged. Making music, with Wyatt by my side. I didn’t know exactly how that was all going to work but figuring it out together would be the fun part.

  I knew his heart was still tender from feeling like he’d let me down. But I certainly wasn’t upset about reassuring him with extra affection. The boy’s lips were my kryptonite.

  I felt the lyrics to another song about kisses bubble up. At this rate I’d have an entire album about kissing Wyatt Nash.

  I smirked. There were worse problems to have.

  “What are you smiling about?” he asked.

  “Nothing. Come on, let’s go congratulate the other singers and songwriters.”

  We spent the next half hour chatting with some of the other performers. Everyone was super supportive about my situation. Even Jenna congratulated me. She was in a stellar mood considering she was getting some special attention from the cute boy I’d spotted her with.

  By the time the lobby lights dimmed on and off, signaling it was time for the next performances to start, I was grinning from ear to ear. My face actually hurt from smiling. I didn’t think that had ever happened at a competition before.

  “Shall we go find some seats?” Wyatt asked, offering me an arm even though he was using his crutches.

  “Actually,” a voice called from behind us. “I was hoping you’d have a minute to talk?”

  I turned around and nearly fell over. Tessa Hart was standing there looking like a tall glass of water. Actually, make that a tall glass of champagne. She was much too classy to be plain old water, with her effortless blonde waves and stunning gold dress.

  I stood still hoping I wasn’t standing in the way of whomever she was talking to, afraid that if I moved, I’d bump into her and make a fool of myself.

  “I’m Tessa Hart,” she said. “I really loved your songs.” She smiled at me and I nearly passed out, but Wyatt gave me a gentle nudge in the back.

  “Shhh,” I whisper-hissed. “Tessa Hart is standing right there.”

  “Yeah, I know,” he whispered back. “I’m pretty sure she’s talking to you.”

  Tessa grinned. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  All I managed was a wheezing giggle.

  “Sorry,” Wyatt interjected. “Normally, she does know how to speak. She’s just a really big fan of yours.”

  I elbowed him.

  “Well, I’m glad to hear it,” she said. “It might make you more open to my proposition.”

  I found my voice. “Proposition?”

  “Yeah. Like I said, I really liked your songs. As far as I’m concerned you were the best one on that stage today. I’m sorry you didn’t win the scholarship.” She smiled and lowered her voice. “I’ve never been a fan of following the rules.” Then she winked.

  Tessa-freaking-Hart winked at me!

  And I’m dead!

  But then she continued speaking and I came back to life so I could catch every single word.

  “I hope you won’t let that little technicality stop you. You’ve got real talent, Layne.”

  “Thank you,” I managed.

  “I wanted to see if you’d be open to selling me some of your songs.”

  “Um, o-okay,” I stammered.

  Tessa turned her grin up even brighter. “Well, alright. Do you have representation?”

  Wyatt stepped forward before I could reply and extended his hand to Tessa. “She does. The name’s Wyatt Nash,” he said shaking Tessa’s hand.

  She batted her eyelashes. Did my boyfriend just make Tessa Hart blush?

  “Any relation to Bradford Nash?” Tessa asked.

  Wyatt nodded proudly, something he wouldn’t have done a few weeks ago. “He’s my father.”

  “Well, I can see an eye for talent runs in the family.” She pulled a business card out of her purse and handed it to Wyatt. “Give my manager a call. I’m in town for the next few nights. We should set up a meeting and draw up some contracts.” She looked back at me. “You’re from Northwood, right?”

  I nodded.

  “My parents live there.” Her smile grew. “I’ve got a lot of fond memories of that town.” She looked lost in thought for a moment before something seemed to dawn on her. “You know, I have a few spots left this summer on my tour for an opener. I could get you in the lineup for the Northwood shows.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah. You interested?”

  “Yes!” I practically squealed. “A thousand percent.”

  Tessa laughed. “Good. I hope you’re ready for this, Layne. All your dreams are about to come true.”

  I looked at Wyatt, knowing
they already had. But I smiled at Tessa and thanked her for the incredible opportunity.

  When she was gone, Wyatt squeezed my hand and I melted against him.

  “Pinch me,” I said. “Because there’s no way this isn’t a dream!”

  “What did I tell you, Penny Layne? You gotta dream bigger.”

  “Am I seriously going to perform with Tessa Hart?”

  “Not only that. She’s going to sing your songs!”

  I felt myself tearing up. “Hurry,” I said dragging him toward the exit.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Outside, so I can scream at the top of my lungs!”

  And that’s exactly what we did.

  Me and Wyatt screamed and jumped up and down, kissing until we were delirious, because why the heck not? Dreams didn’t come to the timid. They came to the fearless, the bold, the daring, the courageous, the confident, and I was all of those things!

  I always had been. And I would never forget that again.

  Life was about putting yourself out there, being willing to risk your heart to chase down your dreams and picking yourself up to try again if you failed. But most of all, it was about living each day to its fullest.

  Before I met Wyatt, I’d been waiting—for what I didn’t know. Maybe for the stars to align, the timing to be right, my chance to finally come. But while I’d been so busy waiting, I’d been missing out on living. I’d been so afraid to put myself out there that I’d only ever let my real emotions out on the pages of my songbook. And even though music was my life, not sharing it with the world was like living a half-life.

  Now that I’d felt the power my music had to connect me with others—to touch, to heal, to spread love—I couldn’t believe how long I’d gone without experiencing those emotions fully.

  My music could change lives. At the very least, it had changed my own. And as I looked at the beautiful boy celebrating alongside of me, I had a feeling my music had a whole lot of great changes in store for the both of us.

  I wrapped my arms around Wyatt’s neck, still squealing with elation as I looked into his sparkling green eyes. “You did it, Penny Layne.”

  “We did it,” I said, smiling up at him. “And this is just the beginning.”

  Epilogue

  Layne

  Two Years Later . . .

  I took another bow, smiling and waving at the sold-out crowd. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to this. Saying it was a dream come true didn’t quite cover how unbelievable touring with Tessa Hart was.

  Ever since meeting her at the diva competition my life had been a whirlwind. She bought six of my songs, giving me more than enough money to pursue music at the college of my choice. But I’d yet to start my studies, because passing up the opportunity to tour with my idol was not gonna happen.

  College would always be there. An opening in Mason Jar Harts’ sold out world tour? Not so much.

  I’d played three hometown shows with Tessa and her band right after I graduated high school. That turned into six more shows in the tri-state area. Then I signed on for the whole east coast tour, and before I knew it, I was a bonafide diva—with my name in lights and everything!

  Once the tour ended, Wyatt and his dad negotiated my first record deal, releasing just in time for Tessa’s newest world tour. We were wrapping it up with one more show in Ireland before returning to the states. The final show of the tour was going to be in New York City! And Lola and all her NYU friends were going to be there. I’d even gotten them VIP seats.

  But my favorite part of my new life was that Wyatt was there for every moment of it. He was on the road with me and Tessa’s band. And honestly, was there anything better than making music and seeing the world with your boyfriend?

  Apparently, it wasn’t typical for managers to come on world tours, but since when was anything typical about Wyatt Nash?

  Plus, he said he had to come to remind me that I was still his favorite client.

  He’d joined the family business and started working with his dad’s label after he graduated. Wyatt was really coming into his own. I loved seeing him thrive and excel in the music business.

  I wasn’t surprised he was so good at his job. I’d always known music was where he belonged. I told him he should take on more clients because he was an excellent manager. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I’d be here. But he always told me I would’ve made it on my own.

  Maybe that was true, but I was glad I didn’t have to. I wouldn’t change a thing about how everything had worked out. Not even the infamous radio song that got me DQ’d from the diva competition.

  That song became my first number one hit. And it would always have a special place in my heart thanks to Wyatt. Just thinking about that song still made my heart swell. I couldn’t play Bent and not picture him standing in my yard, holding up that stereo, making my very first dream come true—one song on the radio.

  Feeling nostalgic, I stared out at the cheering crowd. I’d already done my encore and was supposed to be heading off stage so the crew could make the quick set change for Tessa and the band.

  My band was already heading off stage, but when I looked over and saw Wyatt grinning at me from just beyond the curtains, I knew what I wanted to do.

  He’d asked me a very important question last night. One that I’d yet to answer. It was a big decision that would change my life, yet again. And though I wasn’t the timid girl I used to be, I still liked to look before leaping. And this would be the biggest leap yet.

  But this was my last show before going home and I wanted to do it right.

  I pulled the microphone from the stand and faced the crowd once more. “Ya know what? I think I have one more song in me tonight. Is that alright?”

  The crowd roared their approval.

  “Okay, but I’m gonna need your help. Because I can only do it, if I can get someone very special to come out here and join me on stage. Will you help me call him out here? His name is Wyatt Nash.”

  The thunderous applause organized into a chant. “Wy-att! Wy-att! Wy-att!”

  I looked over at Wyatt, meeting his dazzling smile with one of my own. He shook his head at me. I could see his face flushing even in the shadowy protection of backstage. But I wasn’t giving up.

  In all the shows I’d played I’d yet to get him to come on stage with me. He always said it was my time to shine, but I’d had my time. Besides, I never shined brighter than when he was by my side.

  So, I clasped my hands together, silently begging him to come on stage. I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist my plea for long. And it didn’t hurt that Tessa and her bandmates were now backstage chanting along with the rest of the crowd. Once they joined in the effort to get Wyatt on stage, he finally caved.

  The roar was deafening when he walked out to join me. I didn’t mind the noise. It gave me a chance to whisper in Wyatt’s ear. “Took you long enough,” I teased.

  “What are you doing?”

  “What I should’ve done a long time ago.”

  “Which is?”

  “Introducing the world to the man I want to spend forever with.”

  Wyatt moved closer to me, a whisper of a smile on his lips. “Does that mean you have an answer for me?”

  “I do.” My eyes danced with excitement. “It’s yes.”

  “Are you serious?” His eyes were wide, his voice hesitant. “Y-you’ll marry me?”

  “Of course, I will!”

  Wyatt whooped and scooped me into his arms, spinning me around, before remembering we had an audience. They didn’t know about the proposal. No one did. But they could tell something big was happening and their cheering reached a fever pitch.

  I pulled Wyatt’s attention back to me, frowning at the worry I saw in his green eyes. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course I’m sure.”

  “What about college and that fact that we’re still so young?”

  I shrugged. “Since when h
ave we ever done anything in the right order?”

  He laughed. “True. It seems to have worked so far.”

  “I’d say.” I gave him a big kiss to the approval of the crowd. “Now how about you sing a song with me?”

  He gave me that crooked grin I adored. “Which one?”

  “Our song.”

  Wyatt smiled, and pulled me closer, his lips grazing my ear as he spoke. “The one that started it all?”

  I nodded; my throat tight with emotions.

  “I love you so much, my Penny Layne. I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

  I looked up at him, tears of joy in my eyes. “Forever starts now.”

  He gave me a sinful smile. “I sorta wish we weren’t sharing this moment with a few thousand people.”

  I laughed, almost having forgotten about the crowd, whose cheering had quieted, like they knew how special this moment was. I took Wyatt’s hand in mine and stepped up to the mic.

  “Sorry about that,” I said to the crowd. “I hope you don’t mind, but he’s been waiting patiently for my answer to a very important question.”

  Wyatt stepped up to the mic too, his smile more dazzling than ever. “She said yes, by the way.”

  I grinned. “We’re getting married!”

  The crowd exploded with applause and Tessa, her band and mine all rushed the stage, swooping me and Wyatt up in a flurry of excitement. I felt like my heart might burst as I celebrated this incredible moment on stage with Wyatt. I was so incredibly grateful to call him mine.

  A few minutes later, Wyatt and I were seated at the baby grand piano on stage. I rested my head on his shoulder as he began to play our song. A hush fell over the stadium and lighters and cellphones flicked to life in the crowd. As the chords to Bent filled the air, I didn’t think my heart could ever be fuller.

  But then Wyatt looked at me, his eyes so full of love and even more passion sparked through me. I harnessed it and began to sing. The words had so much more meaning now that I was singing them to the man that would soon be my husband.