A Shot at Love

The Stage Between Us

"Ready for our duet?" Breaker murmurs, his husky British voice sending a warm breath against my ear. His tattooed hand, adorned with a large rose, glides effortlessly as he lifts the empty glass from my grip and sets it down gently on the table beside us.

"Oh, um..." I stammer, still reeling from what I just witnessed—Meredith serenading Noah with a birthday song and kissing him in front of everyone. I struggle to maintain my composure, forcing my emotions deep down where they can't surface.

"Don't make me beg; I promise it'll be fun." Breaker says, flashing a smoldering grin that's impossible to resist. "We can check out songs while everyone gets cake."

I manage a smile, forcing a cheerful facade. "Let's do it!" But inside, my heart races and anger simmers just below the surface from seeing another woman kiss Noah. I try to steady my breath, stealing a glance at Breaker and wondering if he feels sorry for me. Is this a pity duet? No way, Kingston. You've never mentioned your history with Noah—stop overthinking!

I follow Breaker toward the stage, my eyes scanning the old sports bar for Noah. My thoughts are consumed with that kiss. I turn back again, and this time, I find Priya standing beside me. She grabs my arm, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay, babe? I can't believe she kissed him!"

"Girl, I'm seething—seeing red. But Breaker keeps insisting we sing. Let's talk after, okay?"

"Of course, my love. If it helps, everyone could tell Noah was furious when Meredith kissed him." She rubs my shoulder, her support a comforting presence. "And don't forget, you've got a gorgeous movie star practically pleading for your attention. Go have some fun!"

"Thanks, Priya. Wish me luck," I say with a tight smile before turning to catch up with Breaker. But before I can take another step, I walk straight into a crisp white shirt peeking out from beneath a sharp grey suit. One button is undone, offering an alluring glimpse of his chest, and I can almost feel the warmth radiating from him against my skin—a sensation that sends a thrill through me. His familiar, clean scent envelops me, and as I look up, Noah's intense gaze locks onto mine. My pulse quickens.

"We need to talk. Now," he says, his voice leaving no room for negotiation.

I've never been one to easily follow orders. "No. I can't right now," I reply, meeting his cool blue eyes with a defiant look.

"Please, just for once, do as I say," Noah implores, his fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose as he struggles to keep his frustration in check.

"I promised Breaker I'd sing with him. We'll talk when we're done," I respond, feeling the tension in my body rise as I brace for his reaction.

His stare fixes on me, his expression unreadable. Crap. I know he's furious. "When you're finished, meet me out front. Please."

"Okay," I whisper, struggling to mask my anger as I look away. Our eyes meet for a brief, piercing moment before I reluctantly turn and head toward the stage.

I spot Breaker and he gestures for me to come up the stairs on the side. As I ascend, an icy, deliberate voice cuts through the buzz of the room, "Cake?"

I glance up to see Meredith standing in my path, her lips curled into a smirk that radiates superiority as she holds out a plate of cake.

"I'm okay, thanks." I force a polite smile, though her condescending air only fuels my irritation.

Meredith tilts her head slightly, her eyes narrowing with a feigned curiosity. "Oh, you're the new sportswriter, right? I've heard about you." She lets the words linger between us, her expression deliberately blank as if she doesn't recall our encounter outside Noah's hotel room in San Francisco.