Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 37: Lingering Heat

Jade's POV

The soft glow of the early morning crept through the curtains, casting faint golden streaks across the bed. My body still hummed with the remnants of last night's intensity—every nerve seemed heightened, every memory lingering on the edges of my mind. I turned my head slowly, the sheets cool against my skin, and there he was, lying beside me.

Nick's arm was draped casually across his chest, his breathing steady, his face relaxed in sleep. Even now, in the stillness, his presence wrapped around me like a warm blanket. He looked peaceful, the dark waves of his hair tousled, his strong jawline slightly scruffy. I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. Last night had been... everything.

My fingers itched to reach out, to trace the lines of his body, to press my lips against the skin that still held the marks of our passion. But I held back, watching him in the quiet moments of dawn, my heart fluttering in a way I wasn't sure I could ever put into words.

I slipped out of bed as carefully as I could, the cool air hitting my bare skin and sending a shiver down my spine. Wrapping one of the discarded sheets around me, I moved toward the window, pulling the curtains back just enough to peek at the world outside. The city was still asleep, much like Nick, peaceful and unaware of the storm that had raged in this room mere hours ago.

There was a knock at the door, breaking the serenity of the moment. My body stiffened, and I turned back toward the bed, where Nick stirred, his brow furrowing slightly but not fully waking. With a quiet sigh, I padded across the room, the soft fabric of the sheet trailing behind me as I opened the door just a crack.

One of the crew members stood there, looking apologetic, holding up a clipboard and glancing down at it before meeting my gaze. "Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Collins, but we need to start preparing for today's sound check in about an hour."

I nodded, keeping my voice low. "Thanks, I'll be there."

The door clicked softly behind me, and I leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath. Reality was already creeping back in—there was always another show, another rehearsal, another moment where I had to put on the persona the world expected of me.

But last night... last night was real. Unfiltered, raw, and just for us.

I crossed back to the bed, slipping under the covers once more, feeling the warmth of Nick's body pulling me in. As if sensing me, he stirred again, this time his eyes fluttering open, those deep brown eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, we just looked at each other, the intensity from last night flickering between us, still alive, still buzzing under the surface.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Morning," I whispered back, feeling that familiar flutter in my chest.

His hand slid across the sheets, finding mine, his fingers intertwining with mine as he pulled me closer. "Do we have to get up?" he asked, his voice playful but still laced with that lazy, post-sleep contentment.

I shook my head, letting my fingers trace the lines of his arm. "Not just yet."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn't rushed or wild like last night, but there was something just as powerful in its simplicity. It felt like a promise, like something that could only exist in the quiet moments before the world woke up.

I wanted to stay here, tangled up in him, in the sheets, and in the remnants of our night together. But I knew the day was waiting. The show. The tour. The endless demands that would pull me back into the spotlight. And Nick—Nick would be there, but the space between us would always feel different once the lights came back on.

"Sound check in an hour," I murmured against his lips, feeling the weight of responsibility press down on me.

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "We'll have our moments, Jade. You and me. We'll find time." His voice was soft, but there was a steadiness in his words that made me believe him.

I smiled, a real smile, the kind that felt like it was just for him. "I know," I whispered. "But I still hate leaving this bed."

His grin widened, a flash of mischief in his eyes. "We can always make up for lost time later."

I bit my lip, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "You better."

We stayed there for a few more minutes, wrapped up in the warmth of the bed, of each other, until the responsibilities of the day could no longer be ignored. With a reluctant sigh, I slipped out of the sheets once more, this time to get ready. Nick watched me as I moved around the room, his eyes following my every step, and I could feel the heat of his gaze like a physical touch.

As I dressed and started gathering my things, I couldn't help but feel that tug of longing. The thought of the long hours ahead of us, the performances, the travel—it all seemed to stretch on endlessly. But I knew, no matter how many people cheered my name, no matter how many stages I stood on, this—what we had in the quiet, stolen moments—was what truly mattered.

Nick finally got out of bed, running a hand through his hair as he moved to stand beside me. He slipped his arms around my waist, pulling me in for one last kiss before the day officially began. His lips were soft, but there was that familiar edge of desire behind them, the promise of what was waiting for us when the world quieted down again.

"Tonight," he murmured against my lips, his voice filled with certainty.

"Tonight," I repeated, feeling that same rush of anticipation that had been building all night. The show, the tour, the crowds—they could wait. Because tonight, Nick and I would be back in this room, back in this space, where the rest of the world didn't exist.

And I couldn't wait.