It was weird how Trev had to answer questions like they were being asked in real time rather than months later. He’d warned me in advance that our relationship was going to be featured in the show, that there was no way around it, but I’d made my peace with the fact. Paula, Samuel and I saw each other every few weeks now, much to my parents’ displeasure, but there was nothing they could do about it. I’d come to realise they had very little real power. And if the press tried digging into my past at least I’d be prepared.
Trev and I were in a very strong place in our relationship. I knew his fame was part and parcel of us being together. If certain facts about me were made public, then we’d stand together to face them as a unified front. I wouldn’t let anyone try to shame us or make me feel like I was anything other than a survivor. It would be a test to our strength, but I was confident we could handle it.
I was torn from my thoughts when Trev finally answered the question. He stared right into the camera, his expression fierce as he replied, “Our history is complicated.”
“Complicated as in?”
“I’m in love with her.”
I had to stifle a gasp. I had no idea he’d admitted that in his diary cams. Stu swore loudly while Lee shot Trev a knowing look. “You’re a clever bastard, you know that?”
Trev grinned widely, his hold on me tightening. “I thought it was one way to hook the audience.”
I didn’t know what to say as I returned my attention to the TV.
“And does she know that?” Barry asked.
“Honestly, I have no idea.”
“Did you bring her on as an assistant to win her over?”
Now his eyes glinted with that trademark Trevor Cross mischief. “Only time will tell.”
“Oh my God, the viewers are going to go insane for this,” Karla exclaimed.
“I knew they were going to show footage of us, use our relationship as a storyline, so I decided to control the narrative. That way it’s harder for them to twist things.”
I turned in his arms and gazed at him. I knew he was trying to protect us, make sure our interactions were seen in the best possible light, and I loved him for it. I smiled at him with all the adoration I felt in my heart. He was such a good man, and I knew how lucky I was.
Later on, after everyone had gone home, I made my way into the bedroom to undress. When I reached the doorway I froze and stared at the picture hanging over the bed. It definitely hadn’t been there when I woke up this morning. He must’ve hung it while I was out.
Lost for words, I took a step inside to admire it closer. Trev had taken one of Marlene’s photographs. It was shot in black and white, with the stage lights capturing me from a particularly complimentary angle. Unlike most of the pictures taken of me performing, in this one my eyes were wide open as I stared at some point in the audience. My hair was wild, my expression fierce as my fingers raced over the keys with abandon.
“That one’s my favourite,” said Trev, jolting me from my study of the picture. “I hope you don’t mind.”
He approached me from behind and wrapped his arms around my waist. Bending down, he pressed a hot, wet kiss to my neck that had tingles skittering down my spine.
“You look so fucking fierce in it,” he went on as he admired the picture with me.
I chuckled softly. “Like Beyoncé?”
“Nah, more like . . . Athena.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been compared to a warrior goddess before,” I mused.
“Well, you should be. Look at you,” Trev murmured. “I’ve never seen anything braver.”
I twisted in his arms and brought my mouth to his. “I learned from the best.”
Our kiss deepened until I was breathless and he was groaning like he wanted to throw me on the bed and divest me of my clothes. A chirp from my phone sounded from where I’d left it in the living room.
I reluctantly broke away from Trev to go and check it. These last few months had been a hectic time for me. Marlene convinced me to use some of my savings to book a few hours in a recording studio. Now I had eight of my original songs available as an EP on iTunes, and it was selling reasonably well. I named the EP after the title track, Hearts on Air, the same song I wrote for Trev during our travels. It was finally complete.
Anyway, because of all that, and the fact Marlene helped me set up a website and several social media accounts, I’d been spending much more time on the Internet.
Trev followed me out, trailing kisses along my shoulders and teasing me about being a workaholic as he unzipped the back of my dress. I trembled when he ran his fingertips lightly down my spine then replaced them with his mouth.
“You’re a fiend. Let me concentrate. This could be important,” I said, a little annoyed but mostly aroused.
I picked up my phone and scanned the message. It wasn’t from a sender I recognised and as I read it, I grew distinctly sweaty and out of breath.
Dear Miss Cabrera,
I am writing to you on behalf of my client, who would like to purchase the recording rights to your song, Hearts on Air . . .
“Oh my God,” I gasped, my hand going to my mouth in surprise.
Trev paused his seduction to peer curiously at my phone. “What is it?”
“Somebody wants to buy the rights to record ‘Hearts on Air’,” I told him, completely flabbergasted.
“That’s great news. Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
“I look like I’ve seen a ghost because of who wants to record it,” I said, holding my phone up to him.
Trev quickly scanned the contents of the email, blinking several times as he read the name of the artist. When he looked at me he was just as stunned as I was.
Finally, he spoke, his voice full of disbelief, “Reyrey, this is huge.”
I smiled so wide it practically split my face in two. “I’m finally going to be able to buy that mattress.”
Trev’s brows furrowed in confusion. “I have no idea what that means.”
I laughed a loud, joyous sound and pulled his mouth to mine. “Oh, just shut up and make love to me.”
Epilogue
The Grammys (LIVE), 2018.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 8:17 p.m.
“Oh my gosh, her dress is amazing. Look how it glitters,” said Matilda.
“Bet you could make a better one.” Jay grinned and leaned over to give his wife a peck on the cheek.
“You’re such a sweet talker.”
Jay winked. “You know it.”
Matilda let out a dreamy sigh. “I can’t believe we know someone whose song is going to be sung on the Grammys. This is so exciting.”
Jay arched a wry brow. “It’s been number one on the Billboard charts the past two weeks.”
“I still think Reya’s version is better.”
“Me, too, but you do know this is her ideal set-up. That girl has no ego. She doesn’t care if it’s someone else singing the song, so long as the message is heard.”
“Plus, she’s probably made a bunch of money.”
“Ah, there’s my little capitalist,” Jay teased and pinched her on the hip.
“I’m just stating the obvious. Oh, do you think they’ll invite us to the wedding when she and Trev tie the knot?”
“They better. I’m aiming for best-man status.”
Matilda scoffed. “He has three brothers, Jay. He’s not going to ask you to be his best man. Plus, you’ve only known each other a year.”
Jay made an overly dramatic sad face as he blew out a breath. “I guess I’ll just have to hold out hope for Jack and Lille. Although, who knows when that’s ever going to happen.”