The crowd goes wild from his simple question. Steele starts to speak again and the noise dies down once more.

"We're gonna do something a little different tonight." More cheers. "We're gonna play a song I wrote a long time ago - before most of you knew who Steele Rush was. I played it for the very first time here, at The Reading Room. The crowd was much smaller, but the meaning behind it was just as big," hoots and hollers roar through the building.

"I wrote this for a girl I loved," he starts. Steele turns and looks right at me. I'm not sure how he knows I'm there. Maybe he's not looking at me. Maybe I'm imagining it. I'm sure every woman in this place wishes he was talking about her. I'm no different.

"She meant the world to me," he strums a chord on his guitar, "and now, she's back - rocking my world all over again." The crowd erupts with cheers.

Steele never took his eyes off me as he spoke. My heart is beating in my throat. He is talking about me. He loved me? He has to be putting on a show. He can't mean that.

But then it happens. "Annika, this is for you."

I see him wink from all the way across the stage. My heart stops. My stomach drops. I feel like I'm spinning. I can't move.

He begins to strum an acoustic guitar. Steele plays several measures before the band joins in and then he begins to sing.

I stand there, frozen, listening intently, hanging on every single word. Tears form and fall from my eyes. I don't look around to see if anyone notices. I feel pressure on my hand and remember that Jayne is still holding it. I don't care. I stand there, tears rolling down my cheeks, like I'm the only one there. For several minutes, I'm transformed to a place where there is no one but me and Steele.

I listen to every chord and every line of that song without breathing. At least, I don't think I was breathing. He gazes at me through the last verse, all but bringing me to my knees. I want to run out onto the stage and into his arms. I truly want to be the 'Forever Girl' that he's singing so passionately about. I'm sure every other female here does also at this moment.

The band eases into the next song in their set and I attempt to come back to my senses.

My voice of self doubt hits me like a ton of bricks; maybe this all a part of the act. Maybe this is just a genius way to seal the deal and make our love story that much more believable. He's a performer, he could be playing into the whole thing to make it believable.

What about what Jasmine said? He can't be doing all of this just for some good press. I mean, dam, he sang that song with so much raw emotion, it had to be real, right?

"Holy shit, Annika," Jayne says, loud enough so I can hear it over the din, "I think every girl in here just wet her panties with that song."

"Yeah," is all I can eek out.

"You better not let him get away this time."

I turn to her, "do you really think that was for me? It wasn't part of the act?"

She looks at me like I'm crazy, "honey, he's a singer, not an oscar winning actor."

I try to smile, but I feel weak.

"That was amazing, Annie," my father says, coming closer, "dam, that man can shake a crowd."

"Sure can," Jayne replies.

"He always did, but even I wanted to be his boyfriend after that song," he jokes.

I let out a short laugh at my father's attempt at humor. I'm sure he can see the shock still lingering on my face.

The two of them talk briefly about something and then fall silent to listen to the rest of Steele Rush's set. Sometime during the third song, I disappear back upstairs to the office I used to get ready for the show. I contemplated leaving altogether, but I can't keep running away. I haven't fulfilled my end of the deal yet, anyway.

My mind is so muddled. Steele is supposed to be interviewed with me by his side shortly after the show. I have so many questions for him - and so many apologies. I don't know what to say to him or how to act. I only want to know if he really does love me or if he's playing it all up for the cameras. I can't ask him while everything is going on, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do around him right now. I wish we had time to talk before facing everyone together.

There's a loud knock on my door. I pull it open from where I'm sitting in the small room. It's my father.

"Annie, why are you hiding up here? Everyone is looking for you."

"I'm not hiding," I lie. That's exactly what I'm doing. "It was the most logical thing to do after I decided not to run away," I answer frankly.

My father chuckles, "come on, you have to come down for the interview."

"Do I?" I ask, knowing very well that I can't back out.

"You do. You're a big girl. Stop acting like a brat and get out there."

"I'm not acting like a brat," I reply, offended, "I just don't know what to say or how to 'be' with Steele," I use air quotes for affect, "what if all of this really is an act? That's what it was supposed to be anyway."

"What if it's not?" he answers simply.

I shrug and roll my eyes, playing the brat role perfectly.

"Annie, just get out there and do what you have to do. Then, when it's over, go run and hide - or maybe you can act like the strong woman that you are, and face your fears head on. Talk to Steele. Find out the answers to all of your questions."

I contemplate his suggestion for a moment before answering, "you're right."

I stand up and brush my hands on my pants.

My father gives me a hug, "get your shit together. I'll be down there waiting."

I chuckle, "thanks, dad."

He leaves the room and I reapply my make up. This is it. Everything I've done the last few months has led me to this moment.

Chapter 16.

Jayne meets me at the base of the staircase to take me to the interview.

"Jesus, Annika, you look like a nervous wreck."

My face falls. That's not the kind of thing anyone wants to hear before getting in front of a hoard of cameras.

"Sorry," she says, sensing my unease, "you look hot as hell, but I can tell you're a little spooked."

"Just a little," I joke.

We enter the area that's roped off for the press. I immediately see camera flashes start going off and microphones being held out. Thank goodness Mandy only allowed a very limited amount of press passes, because even this small crowd is overwhelming.

The flashes suddenly change direction. I follow their angle and see Steele walking in. Does he ever not look ridiculously amazing?

My stomach turns, but I try to look relaxed and casual, after all, we are here to announce how we reunited on tour and fell in love all over again. I can't look as scared and hesitant as I feel.

Steele struts right over to me and takes my hand in his. I look at him, trying to decipher what he's doing or feeling. He just winks and kisses me right on the lips. It's almost innocent, nothing crazy, but the feel of his lips on mine makes my head start spinning. He doesn't let go of my hand, but stands next to me and answers a few questions with his sexy half smile, never missing a beat.

I hold my place next to him with a foolish grin on my face, nodding my head in agreement to whatever it is he's saying. I'm barely listening so I have no idea. My brain is stuck back in the moment when he kissed me.

What the fuck?

I'm more confused now than I was before. This has to all be an act. I left him. I told him we could never be. I walked away and never turned back. What is he doing kissing me now, acting like everything is perfect?

I see Steve out of the corner of my eye. He waves Steele over, indicating that the interview is over. He still has to do his meet and greet with Brianna and some of the fans for his next photo op. I'm supposed to join - or I was told I 'can', but I don't want to. I shuffle out of sight and back up to the office.

I collect my things and find my way out the back entrance. I think of my father's advice not to be a coward and run away. I try to justify that I'm not, but it's impossible. I faced Steele. I did what I came here to do. I don't need to sit around and feel like a fool for the rest of the night. I need to get out of here and be alone. That's not technically running away.

I hail a taxi back to my hotel and go straight up to my room. Sometime before I fall asleep, I receive texts from Jayne, Tina, and my father, which I answer. I told them each I was in my hotel and fine without any further explanation. I don't care what they think right now. I have too much going on in my own head to worry about it.

Steele has a few days in town, but I'm set to leave tomorrow. There's a very strong possibility that I blew what could have been my final chance with Steele. That's if he was really willing to give me one. I fall asleep still wondering what everything means, but I do make one decision. I love Steele. I wouldn't be giving him all of this time and space in my head if I didn't. I need to clear the air before I leave for good.

Chapter 17.

I text Jayne in the morning as I head back down to the lobby. I read her prompt reply and I know what I have to do.

I ask concierge to call me a cab and contemplate my next move while I wait. I stare at my phone trying to figure out the best strategy, but I took so much time thinking about it, that the taxi pulled up. I get in and announce my destination.

The ride takes us on the highway and out of town. The place is secluded and cozy. It's well known to locals and anyone looking for something off the beaten path. It's the perfect place for someone who doesn't want to be bothered to stay undetected. If it weren't for Jayne, I would never have thought to look here. I'm glad I asked.

I pay the driver and walk into the small house that acts as the office and main guest area. I look around at the lush, yet rustic decor and get the feeling that guests must feel very at home when they come here.

"May I help you?" a man asks, entering the area behind the long counter.

I walk over to greet him, "yes, thanks. I'm here to see Steele. Steele Rush."

His friendly face turns into a very clear eye roll and sneer, "I'm sorry. I don't have anyone here by that name."

Of course he doesn't. As isolated as this place is, part of the reason people stay here is to stay off the radar. I'm sure I'm not the first person to come in looking for one of their celebrity guests.

"I'm a friend of his - Annika Dodge. If you could call his room, I'm sure he will tell you the same." The minute the sentence leaves my mouth, I realize how lame it must sound.

"As I told you ma'am, there is no one here by that name. I'm sorry."

"Look, sir," I say in a kind but firm tone, "I need to talk to Steele. I'm not only his friend, I'm part of his management team." I reach into my purse to retrieve a business card.

The man replies while I'm digging in my bag, "I'm sure you and Steele Rush are great friends and business associates and all that, but I can't help you. I'm sorry you came all this way." He starts to walk away to somewhere behind the counter.

"Wait!" I call, "please."

He gives me a deliberate eye roll.

"Please," I say in a soft, pleading voice, "just give me a minute."

He doesn't respond, but stands and waits for me. I shoot a text to Jayne again, hoping she'll respond with the same speed as she did earlier. I can see the impatience in his expression. I don't have long. Luckily, Jayne pulls through. I chuckle when I read the text.

"Okay," I say with a smile, "I'm looking for Benjamin Franklin."

He gives me a side glance and laughs, "we do have a Ben Franklin here with us," he replies as he walks to the computer and punches some buttons. "Interesting choice of names."

"Yes," I agree.

"Should I call and let Mr. Franklin know you're here?" he smirks.

I think for a second, then, "no, that's okay. If you can just tell me where he is, I'll just go over there."

"Of course."

The man gives me the bungalow number and points me in the right direction. I thank him and head for the exit. I may be making a huge mistake, but I've made so many already. What's one more?

I pull my jacket tighter around me and walk the short distance to the private bungalow on top of the hill. It's not cold, but my nerves are giving me a chill. This is bold and impulsive - and possibly going to end terribly - but I vowed to myself not to over think things this time. I promised myself I wouldn't be a coward. I decided to just go for it - lay it all on the line and whatever happens, happens.

The confidence I had from the pep talk I worked on the whole taxi ride and walk to Steele's room, leaves me the second I raise my fist to knock on the door. I tap lightly at first, half hoping he's not here so I can go back to my hotel and pretend I never came. I hear footsteps and I panic momentarily. What if he's in there with someone? What the hell am I doing here?

It's too late. I hear the lock being unfastened on the other side of the door. He leaves the chain latched and opens it just enough so that he can see that it's me. He closes the door and I shift my weight nervously from one foot to the other, unsure if he's going to remove the chain or leave the door closed in my face.

I breathe a sigh of relief when I hear Steele move the chain and open the door slowly, just enough to let me in. He moves back, leaving his muscular arm leaning up against the door. I stare at Steele, shamelessly looking him an up and down. He must have just showered because his hair is still damp. He's wearing a pair of worn in jeans and no shirt.

I no longer want to talk to Steele. I want to throw myself at him and taste every inch of his toned body. He looks so incredibly sexy I can barely remember what I was going to say anyway.

"Do you want to come in or did you just come here to stare at me?" he asks.

I blush, but I'm happy to hear him joking with me. I had no idea what his reaction would be to seeing me here. I still don't, but his demeanor puts me slightly at ease.

I walk inside and he shuts the door behind me, securing the lock once again. I take that as another good sign.

"Hey," I say quietly.

"Hey." He gives me that devilish half smile, the one that makes me melt. He can clearly tell that I'm uncomfortable.

"I hope you don't mind my intrusion." I look around for someplace to sit, but choose to remain standing.