Chapter 372
His heart pounded—too fast, too hard, as if it might give out at any moment. His chest felt tight, almost on the verge of bursting, but instead of discomfort, it was exhilarating.
He grinned, wide and uninhibited, an expression he couldn’t control even if he tried.
For the first time in his life, he felt an unshakable, electrifying rush—something thrilling, something undeniable.
The performance had been a resounding success, and Denver, along with the guys, hurried backstage to celebrate.
“Hadley!” Denver’s voice was full of warmth. “Congratulations, that was incredible!”
“Thank you!”
Hadley took the bouquet with both hands, her smile radiant, though her eyes glistened.
Denver’s gaze lingered on her, catching a small detail—her lips were dry, her lipstick slightly smudged.
“Hadley, are you thirsty?”
Hadley blinked, caught off guard. “How did you know?” She was thirsty. But she had been so anxious about everything going perfectly on stage that she hadn’t dared to drink a drop.
Was it really that obvious?
Denver didn’t think twice. He had come prepared.
Twisting the cap off a bottle of mineral water, he held it out to her.
“Here, have some.”
“Okay.”
Hadley took the bottle, tilting her head back to drink—but in her eagerness, a few drops slipped past her lips, trickling down.
“Slow down!”
Denver chuckled, instinctively reaching out to wipe the stray droplets away. Then, he hesitated. He wasn’t her boyfriend… yet.
But he knew that behind them, Eric was watching.
Before Denver could rethink it, he did it anyway. Gently, his thumb brushed against her lips, wiping away the water.
“Careful. Don’t choke.”
The warmth of his touch startled Hadley. It was a fleeting moment, but too close. Was this… appropriate?
But before she could react, Denver pulled his hand back, as if nothing had happened. “All good.”
Denver’s touch lingered for a fraction of a second longer before he stepped back, his expression open, gentle.
“Hadley!”
Before Hadley could say anything, the backstage area erupted with noise.
“Where are you? Ms. Nicolson is looking for you!”
Hadley turned toward the sound. “I’m here!”
The messenger barely paused. “Hurry up! Ms. Nicolson, the media, and the audience—everyone’s waiting to see you!”