Page 38 of The Billionaire's Pact

My hand was clammy as I shook his. “Thank you, Mr. Crane. Nadia’s an amazing designer, and I’m very happy and grateful to you both for opening your home for me to have my fitting,” I babbled.

He grinned broadly. “Call me, Paul. Rocco asked me to play at your wedding, and I accepted.”

My mouth formed an ‘O’. “Seriously? Uhm. Wow, I’m so honored. Thank you so much.”

He squeezed my hand and made direct eye contact, his expression serious. “I’m happy for the both of you. Anything you want that’s special for you, let me know.”

His offer was very generous. But what do you ask a Maestro to play? I could only thank him again.

“Here’s my phone number,” Nadia said. She waited for me to get my phone programmed, then confirmed it by texting her.

“Call me anytime. Okay?” she said.

“Wow, thank you so much,” I said cheerfully.

She hugged me again, then leaned close to my ear. “Practice smiling in the mirror and use the one that works. The public will know you soon. And also, don’t search for your name on social media after an event. Ever.”

Paul hugged her from behind and kissed her neck. Nadia reached up and rubbed the hair on his square jaw. “Love you, my love.”

It was so intimate, and they did it right in front of me, like I was a new friend. Nadia made a great effort to welcome me, and I liked her a lot already.

“The party’s going on up here,” Rocco’s deep voice called as he walked in.

I was taken once again by his looks and charismatic effect. It was a visceral pull that had me gravitating to him. His eyes met mine with a smoldering gaze that had me struggling to even my breath as my pulse raced. Don’t get lured in, Adelina. We’re in a partnership, not a romance. But he held out his hand and my stomach fluttered as I took it.

“Oh, the ring. How did I miss it,” Nadia came over to look at it. “It’s stunning, Adelina.”

“Thank you,” I said, holding out my hand. It was the most extravagant thing I’d ever had. I glanced over at Rocco, and he was talking to Paul, but his focus was on me. I bit back my smile, and he left where he was standing and came over to stand with me.

Chime. The Crane’s doorbell rang. The sound of people arriving filtered up the stairs, letting us know their gathering had started. We went down, and the living room soon filled with people. Some were on couches with hosts bringing out food and drinks.

Rocco introduced me around. My face was hot, but I smiled and shook hands. Most were musicians. Some were at the top of their careers. The A-listers showing up was wild. There were people I’d seen in movies and television shows, as well as at concerts in person, and online. It brought a buzz to the air as they greeted each other. Everyone seemed comfortable, chatting and laughing. Then, Nadia walked up on the platform, and we all gave her an applause. She playfully bowed, then announced, “The tavern has opened, and you all are hired. But you must perform, or you’ll get no supper.”

The guests made annoyed noises, but there was excitement as they prepared to participate.

Paul took his place at the piano, and the guest started calling songs for him to play. Rocco leaned over my ear. “Sometimes the choice is made for you.”

I furrowed my brow. “I won’t have to perform. Right?”

He grinned and held up his hands. “I hold no power here.”

My jaw dropped, and I shook my head. He squeezed my hand. “You’ll be fine.”

“Play A Sonnet to Love,” someone behind us called out.

“Appassionata,” a woman on the end of the couch yelled.

Another said, “Play Ginuwine’s, Pony.”

That earned them a wicked look from Paul. “A classic,” he said before he began to play a slow version of the song, and the crowd roared. A man stood, pulled off his shirt, and danced while another playfully slipped a napkin into his pants. We all laughed.

Paul switched to playing his hit song, “A Sonnet to Love.” Nadia moved and stood next to the piano, and the song took on a romantic ambiance. The classical, flawless ebb and flow made it a treasure to the ears and senses. I was fascinated.

When it ended, Rocco called out. “Nadia, sing ‘Beyond the Sea.’”

She beamed at Rocco. “For you and all the lovers.”

A man got up, picked up a trumpet, and Nadia started playing the song with Paul’s piano. She swayed as her flawless soprano filled the room. The song was always a favorite of mine, and I couldn’t believe I was witnessing her sing it. Her rendition turned jazzy, and she snapped her fingers. A couple got up and started to dance. It was so amazing, I wished I could record it all on my phone.

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