EXCERPT

He had a feeling of floating as he studied her. God, she was incredible.
She braced her hands beneath her. “So do you know any Pearl Jam?”
Think, AJ. Pearl Jam. “Yeah.” He tuned his strings. Not looking at her helped him focus. Once he got a song in his head, his fingers took off from there. And he sang, eyes closed. The only way he’d be able to remember the lyrics. Or to keep singing. Words formed on his lips, something about a light and holding his baby in his arms. He made it through the song, only having to fake one line. The strings resonated with the last chord. He opened his eyes, afraid the rock she occu-pied would be empty. His nerves untangled as he saw her, more vibrant and alive than anyone he’d ever known.
Leaning toward him, she listened in rapt attention. His music had kept her here. “That sounded nice. Play something else.”
His nervousness bubbled up in a laugh. “Okay, U2? Anything in particular?”
“‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’.” Enthusiasm made her voice throaty.
Really? “That’s a classic. I’ll have to improvise the drum intro.” He thought for a second, then hit the heel of his hand against the wood of his guitar as his hand banged the strings, creating an echoed beat. An excellent sound. He’d have to remember it. His torso rocked with the music as he sang.
Just once did he open his eyes, to check she still sat there. Her eyes shone in the darkness, an appreciative audience. If only she were as captivated as him. He’d play till his fingers bled if that’s what it took for her to stay.