Behind the Net (Vancouver Storm, #1)

by Stephanie Archer

When I play the song this time, it feels different, because now that Jamie’s mom is getting better, it seems like he’s going to be okay. He can live his own life now that she has hers under control. “I’d do it forever if it wouldn’t break my heart,” I sing. My throat tightens as the words spill out, and my voice catches. It feels different, because I know Jamie isn’t Zach. Things have changed between us. It’s so new and I’m terrified to think forward to the future with him, but that doesn’t mean I can’t hope. I close my eyes, because I don’t want to see whatever Ivy’s expression is. It’s unprofessional to get emotional in the studio. I keep my eyes closed the entire song and let myself feel all the feelings. Jamie wanders into my mind, and I smile to myself, because his encouragement is the reason I’m even here, and I’ll always be grateful for that. “Beautiful.” Ivy’s clipped voice comes through the mic, and my eyelids fly open. Jamie stands beside her in the sound booth, arms folded over his chest, watching me with that intense, bright gaze, and the corner of his mouth curves up. So serious, even when he’s smiling. He’s here, and I’m so stunned and pleased that all I can do is let the grin stretch across my face as my heart flips over in my chest. He’s here, and I fall a little deeper in love with Jamie Streicher.