Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 38: The Pulse of Dallas

Jade's POV

The plane touched down in Dallas just after noon, the sprawling city stretching out beneath us like a maze of roads and glittering skyscrapers. From up here, everything looked peaceful, the usual rush of tour life temporarily muted by the soft hum of the plane's engines. But I knew that would change the moment we stepped off the runway. Dallas was the next stop in the "Short N' Sweet" tour, and there was no time to slow down.

The energy from last nights show still buzzed in my veins, a mix of adrenaline and something deeper, something far more personal. Being on stage, feeding off the crowd's energy—that was its own high. But knowing Nick was there, watching me, feeling every word and every move—it made each performance feel like more than just a show. It felt like a message, a conversation only we could hear.

As we taxied to the gate, I glanced over at him. Nick was lounging in his seat, his long legs stretched out, his eyes hidden behind those sunglasses he always wore when we traveled. He looked casual, relaxed, but I knew better. There was always an edge to him, especially now that we were on this tour together.

He caught me looking and smirked, lifting the edge of his sunglasses to meet my eyes. "Excited for Dallas?" he asked, his voice low, but I could hear the teasing note underneath.

I smiled, leaning back in my seat. "Excited for the show. Texas crowds are always wild."

He chuckled softly, reaching over to take my hand. The warmth of his fingers wrapped around mine was a quiet reassurance, something solid in the midst of the chaos that came with being on the road. "They're not the only ones who get wild," he murmured, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.

My cheeks flushed, the memories of last night still too fresh. I glanced around, making sure none of the crew was paying attention. "Nick..." I warned, trying to keep my voice steady, but the way his grin widened told me I wasn't fooling him.

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "What? I'm just reminding you."

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me, a mix of amusement and anticipation. "Trust me, I haven't forgotten."

The crowd in Dallas was buzzing, their energy palpable as I stepped into the spotlight. The opening chords of my fourth song thrummed through the massive stadium, the beat vibrating under my feet, syncing with my racing heart. This city was known for being loud, and tonight, they were living up to that reputation.

It had been two nights since Nick and I shared that intense, unforgettable night together, and now, I could feel the weight of his gaze from the VIP area, front and center in the crowd. Every glance in his direction, every teasing smile I threw out to the audience, was laced with the memory of what we had shared. The intimacy of that night still lingered, even as I moved through the carefully choreographed motions of this performance.

I was only four songs deep into the setlist, and the crowd had already been whipped into a frenzy. The lights overhead flickered in time with the rhythm, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the audience. My voice carried out, strong and clear, but beneath it all, my focus kept drifting back to him.

Nick stood there, looking effortlessly hot in his sleek black shirt, his eyes hidden behind his signature sunglasses. He blended into the crowd, but I knew where he was, and more importantly, I knew what he was thinking. He had that casual, relaxed posture, but there was a heat simmering just beneath the surface, the same intensity that had ignited between us two nights ago. Every time our eyes met, it was like a spark—a promise of what was waiting for us when the night finally ended.

The fourth song wrapped up with a flourish, and the crowd erupted in applause. My breath came in quick gasps, a mix of exertion and adrenaline, as I stood at the edge of the stage, basking in the energy that Dallas always seemed to deliver. The roar of the crowd washed over me like a tidal wave, but all I could think about was the way Nick's eyes never left me.