Notes:

This is my first writing that I've ever really shared, and I hope you like it! I'm open to any comments or suggestions. I can't promise that I will continue frequent updates because I may get busier at times, but I will try my best.

Also, this story starts after Eddie and Loren have met, the songwriting contest is over, etc. They are meeting to work on new songs.

Honestly, I don't have an entire storyline planned out. But I do have a lot of ideas that I can't wait to try. Enjoy!

[Loren's POV]

I look up and smile at the cute, lost-in-thought look on Eddie's face. His lips barely parted, tongue poking to the side, puffing out his cheek. Dark brown eyes slightly squinting, as if searching for an answer. His arms somewhat crossed, resting on top of the shiny black piano. His neck is stretched out like he can't quite reach something. I laugh inwardly. I consciously stop myself from reaching out and running my fingers through his perfectly mussed hair.

Apparently my small twitch revives him; he turns his head and focuses his eyes on me. "What's so funny?" His voice is innocently curious, his eyes soft and inquisitive.

I bite my tongue, not wanting to spoil the fun. "Nothing, it's just the expression on your face…" I trail off while smiling a secret smile.

"What, you mean this?" Eddie crosses his arms, straightens his back, and pulls on the 'tough guy' look we joked about before.

I let out a high giggle, so unlike my usual self that it causes a shadow of a smirk to flit across his face. Pretending not to notice, I change the subject instead and question him about what he had been thinking so deeply about. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"Reasonable price," he replies with a small smile. "Not much, just that I think I've been overworking myself a little lately. So, I've decided to take the rest of the day off. And spend it with you."

I hear a hint of hopeful pride in his voice, a wanting to make me happy. My insides flutter a little. "Well, I suppose I could make that work for me." I tease him, a wide grin threatening to break out across my face.

His voice is lilting as he says, "Oh, you suppose you could? You wouldn't dare turn me down, would you?" His voice turns surprisingly serious when he adds, "But I do hope you can. I feel like we haven't had enough time for each other, or anyone else, recently, and I regret that."

I nod silently, knowing I had some part in that as well.

"So," he continues, "I would like to take you on a little drive, or a walk if you'd prefer. Then, we will be going out to dinner together tonight, Miss Loren Tate." I smile at the way he says my name, separating each syllable and just barely emphasizing the second t.

Agreeing with a smile, I grab my thin sweater and follow Eddie out the door. We laugh and talk for an hour or two about whatever topic happens to pop into our conversation. He drives us around for a little while before making an impromptu stop by a small hill covered in wildflowers. The sun shines brightly and he is wearing all black, but he runs toward the grass eagerly, like a little boy let out to play.

Eddie picks a few brightly-colored flowers and turns back to me, bowing deeply. "For you, my beautiful princess."

I take them gracefully while trying my best to drop a curtsy without tumbling over my own feet. "Why thank you, my charming prince." We laugh together.

I hold the sweet-smelling flowers with a loose grip in my left hand. I feel a slight brush against my hand and look down. His palm meets mine softly, fingers interlacing naturally. It's a simple but sweet gesture. I can feel the color rising in my cheeks. We walk peacefully back to the car, each lost in our own thoughts but also fully aware of the other person.

He drops me off at my house, gives a quick peck on the cheek, and begins walking away. He turns back suddenly. "Oh yeah, don't forget our date tonight. I'll pick you up at seven sharp."

I nod and place my hand on the doorknob when a thought pops into my mind. "Wait, what should I wear?"

A light flickers in his eyes and the corners of his mouth twitch mysteriously. "Nothing too fancy. Whatever makes you feel right."

I nod again and wave softly before slipping in the door.

I barely have my thoughts gathered when I'm interrupted by an overly excited yet smug voice. "So, how was your day with the Eddie Duran?" I hear an emphasis on 'the'. "He ask you to open for him yet? Because I can give him a little hint, you know." Melissa nods knowingly, babbling on and gesturing exaggeratedly with her fingers.

"Ok Mel, calm down a little. Take deep breaths."

Melissa rolls her eyes but stops the one-sided conversation.

"No, Eddie did not ask me that. He wanted to take the afternoon off and avoid anything work-related. We just talked. But it was nice." I don't even try to suppress a grin as I think back on my amazing day so far. "But he did ask out me out tonight…" I purposely drag out the words.

Mel's reaction is exactly what I expect. A shriek, followed by a long string of unfinished sentences bursting out. "Eeee! OMG, Lo I totally have to make you look completely irresistible tonight! Oh, we have to get ready now. What to wear – a dress. Any color preferences? No, I'll figure it ou- wait where is he taking you? I hope somewhere he can show off his new gorgeous girlfriend."

She can't stop the flow of words and I find myself being dragged down the hall into my room. Melissa immediately starts rummaging through my closet.

"No, calm down again Mel," I say as soothingly as possible while holding back a laugh at her one-of-a-kind personality. She doesn't seem to hear me. I march over and grab her shoulders forcefully, leading her to the chair in my room by my desk.

"He said nothing too fancy. And you know he wouldn't risk letting me embarrass myself in public. I will pick out my own clothes. I do know how." I can't help adding in some sarcasm to battle her never-ending energy.

"But I – but – ah – you – ugghh alright." Mel slumps down and quickly brightens up again. "Will you at least let me pick out your jewelry?" I roll my eyes but agree with a laugh.

We set to work getting me ready for my date with Eddie. My mentor, celebrity crush, and newfound best friend. Or is it ready to be more?

Did you like it? Please review [although I'll probably keep writing even with just a few readers].

This story does focus on Eddie and Loren. Melissa, Nora, and Max will be involved. Chloe, Tyler, Ian, Kelly, and Jake will be mentioned as well. I will leave out Adam, Jackie, Adriana, Phil, Don, and Traci for the most part.

Should I leave the story in Loren's POV or change it to Eddie's/use third person?