Page 25 of Movers and Shakers

Next time.I was going to see him again. “I’m sorry I’m asking you to do this.”

“Don’t be. I get time with Lila Wilde. Not many can say that.”

I smiled. “Thank you. You’ll definitely get songwriting credit. Hell, maybe this could be your part-time job. I bet many other up-and-coming artists would love to work with you. You’d make a lot of money—‍”

“I don’t need money.” He shook his head. “This is enough.”

My body heated.

“I should give you my number so we can meet up more. We’ll have to work around the bar’s schedule.”

“Yes, of course,” I said. “I’ll gladly take your number.”

My mind went tootherplaces where I could use his number, but I shook off those thoughts immediately.

Once I had it, I gave him a wave and headed for the door.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” he asked.

“Sure. When are you free?”

“Before the bar opens. I’ll be at my apartment.”

“And where is your apartment?”

“Upstairs.”

My eyes trailed to the ceiling. I wondered what else was up there. Didn’t most bars in Nashville have a rooftop? Maybe he used it just for himself.

God, I couldn’t wait to see his home. “Convenient.” I tried to play it cool, but my smile spilled into my words. “I’ll see you after eight hours of sleep.”

I only got six. I woke myself up, eager to take a break from Lila. I’d peeled off the wig in the comfort of my room the second I got back.

Juno was asleep in her adjoined one and I’d told her I would be getting a full eight. I double-checked outside, ensuring no paparazzi had found me, and left the room.

My heart pounded. If Juno caught me, I’d be dead. And while I trusted her, I also hadn’t toldanyonewho I was.

They didn’t need to know. Mom had always told meneverto let anyone know my secret. If one person knew, then more would, and that slippery slope could lead toeveryoneknowing that I led a double life.

It hadn’t been hard at first. When I’d met Blaze, he only liked Lila. Mia too. Eventually, Lila was all I was to people. Anytime I called Mom, she asked me if I’d let it slip, and so far, I could tell her my secret was safe and sound. She still looked at me gratefully when I mentioned being Lila instead of Rose.

She couldn’t have handled this.

I couldn’t, either.

Rose Hill walked the streets of Nashville, feeling free. No one knew who I was and they didn’t need to. I found a small coffee shop within walking distance of my hotel and felt good about myself as I walked in.

It was busy with people lined up back to the door. I couldn’t see the menu yet, so I distracted myself with people-watching, which Lila only did when hunting for paparazzi.

I saw a couple having a heated discussion in front of me, a tired dad with a group of kids eating cinnamon rolls, and a person outside with a camera.

Wait.What?

I turned so fast it almost sprained my neck. They were in all black—classic for paparazzi. Their camera was pointed into the coffee shop, taking pictures in my general direction.

What was someone doing here taking pictures? Had I been sloppy with my switch-up?

My heart pounded. I needed to get out of here before anything else went wrong. It didn’t matter if I was Rose. Maybe someone picked up on the hotel I left out of, maybe they followed me.

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