“Ack! Now I’m nervous,” Annie said. She started strumming her guitar to the first song on her set. Bristol circled her during the chorus, getting the crowd involved and totally flirting with Annie. Annie flirted back and plucked the strings effortlessly. When the song ended, one of the roadies brought out a stand and helped Bristol attach her phone.

“You’re still live,” Bristol said. She waved to the crowd. “I’ll see you in a few songs.”

Annie played the next four songs perfectly and even spent an extra minute talking to the crowd. Instead of playing “Waiting All Day” like they usually did, she plucked the first few notes of “Brass in Pocket.” Bristol lifted her eyebrow when she joined Annie onstage. She had her guitar this time and added a few notes to enhance the song. Annie liked it. When Bristol leaned forward to share the microphone, Annie almost kissed her out of reflex. Damn, she missed her.

“We love you together!”

Somebody from the crowd yelled during the perfectly quiet moment between strumming and singing, and their message was loud and clear. Annie and Bristol smiled at one another. She felt the flush of excitement as Bristol looked at her like she had the other night when Annie was flat on her back and the weight of Bristol between her legs was the only thing keeping her from floating away. It was hunger. Annie couldn’t look away. Bristol’s gaze went down to her lips when they sang. If Annie thought they had chemistry before, whatever was happening right now was explosive. She didn’t think she was going to survive the song, but she did. Bristol waved to the crowd before leaving the stage for Annie to finish her set.

“Thank you, Los Angeles, for being so welcoming. I’m Annie Foster, and even though the tour stops here, I hope to see your faces at future events. I love you all!” She waved and left the stage. How could tonight get any better?

* * *

Annie would never get tired of watching Bristol perform. She was fierce and full of energy on the stage. Her voice was powerful and rich. She didn’t even sound out of breath as she danced and sang and gave the crowd the best performance. As much as Annie wanted to stay in the front row to finish the concert with the fans, security arrived to escort her from the VIP section for Bristol’s planned encore.

“I’m sorry, Miss Foster, but it’s time. Please follow me,” Cam yelled.

Annie slipped through the barrier security moved for her and made her way backstage. “What’s the plan?” she asked Willow.

“Bristol is going to do one song by herself, and then we’re all going to get onstage and sing ‘Turn It Up.’ I guess there are fireworks, too, so don’t get scared when you hear explosions and see bright lights.”