I spun around. What was he doing? The producers had a firm no-talking-to-the-audience rule. He was going to get us in trouble. I glanced at Kyle and Hector, but they were both grinning, so I knew they were in on this, too.

“It’s amazing how a single moment can change everything.” Jared smiled at me, a private smile hinting at all the things only the two of us knew. “This next song certainly changed my life.”

The audience cheered, probably thinking of our audition. But from the way he looked at me, I knew he was referring to that moment when he’d caught me playing this song on his guitar, when he’d heard me belt out the lyrics like they were my own. The moment he’d said he’d first started to fall for me.

He pulled the mic from the stand and crossed the stage to face me. “Maddie, all my life, music's been the only thing that’s ever made sense—until I met you. I know I messed up, but I’ll do anything to get you back.” He sank to his knees like he was begging, and the audience screamed, but they hushed when he spoke again. “You’re the only woman in the world for me, and I don’t care who knows it. I want to be with you and only you.” He stopped and took a deep breath, staring up at me. “I love you, Maddie.”

The crowd was silent, waiting for my response, but I was too stunned to speak. I couldn’t believe he’d done this in front of everyone, on live TV. He loved me, and he’d just announced it to the entire world. No more lies. No more secrets. No more sneaking around or acting for the camera. No more watching him flirt with other girls and pretending I didn’t care. Jared had made it possible for us to finally be together, for this thing between us to be real.

“Kiss him!” someone in front of the stage yelled, and I laughed.

I grabbed the collar of his jacket to pull him up to my lips. He wrapped his arms around me, and we kissed under the lights, in front of the crowd and the cameras, in front of the guys and my friends and even my mom.

“I love you, too,” I said while the audience went wild.

Hector snapped his drumsticks, reminding me we were on stage for a reason. Jared moved back to his position, and I scrambled to control my racing heart so I could focus. Jared loved me, and he’d told everyone about us. I couldn’t stop smiling.