Page 41 of Lucas

Me: Are you sleeping?

Cheryl: Girl, are you clubbing and need me to be your DD?

Me: Lol, no I couldn’t sleep. Just wanted to talk to someone.

I’m not surprised when my phone buzzes in my hand. She’s calling me and it’s too late to change my mind now.

“You never text first, and since it’s really late I’d take a guess this has something to do with the man-whore. Still our secret, so no worries there. What’d he do?”

“So much has happened since we last talked and I just wanted to share it with you. Sure this isn’t a bad time?”

“Well, you have my attention now so even if it were, I’m all ears. Spill your guts.”

“Lucas and I are exclusive, and I’m working for him too. Do you think that’s a bad thing?” When she cackles in my ear, I’m not sure if I want to hang up or hear what she has to say.

“Sorry. Sorry. You could have hit me with a hammer and you wouldn’t have surprised me more. First, I’m happy you’re exclusive, if that’s what you want. Second, I’m sorry I laughed but for the life of me I can’t fathom how you could be working for him. Are you making him coffee every day?”

Yep, calling her was a mistake. I should have known she’d put me down. “Abby, that was a joke. Really. Are you his secretary or something? Talk to me.”

“The Sinful Sevenjust signed a record deal with Morris Music and they begin recording tomorrow. I’m their business manager. I know it’s a stretch but I think I can do it.”

“You’re going to kick ass, Abby. You’ve always had the smarts, you just never believed in yourself. I know this is what you were meant to do. Not the damn coffee shop. You got the man of your dreams and the perfect job, too. You got this.”

“Yeah, maybe I do. I guess I’m just afraid that it could all fall apart tomorrow and then I’d lose the man and my job.” I startle when a hand touches my cheek. Lucas.

“You’ll never lose me, baby. I can promise you that. Now come back to bed.” My heartbeat speeds up when he reaches out his hand. I lovingly take it.

“Don’t keep the man waiting, Abby Cadabby,” I hear Cheryl laugh. “Just don’t forget your bestie when his concert tickets go on sale, pretty please.” I don’t have a chance to answer before Lucas grabs my phone and puts it to his ear.

“You’ll be the first one to get backstage passes if you say goodnight, so we can go back to bed.”

I chuckle when I hear Cheryl screaming thank you before saying goodnight and hanging up. Lucas doesn’t waste any time as he tosses my phone on the couch and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder like a caveman. He has no idea how tempted I am to bite his tight ass at this angle. So very tempting.

I’m disappointed when he climbs in bed behind me and pulls my back to his front. I was kinda hoping since he’s awake we could fuck like bunnies again. Not happening. “I’m glad you’re comfortable enough with Cheryl to confide in her,” Lucas says. “But, if you have doubts about us, I’d like you to talk it out with me first. I promise, I’ll never be the reason you lose your job. And I’ll be your man forever and a day.”

29

Three weeks later…

Lucas

That’s a wrap!The album is complete, and our first single was released into the wild this week. OurDistractiontour begins in a few weeks and Quinn’s informed us that our ticket sales are off the charts. We’ve all been pinching ourselves from time to time to make sure this is really happening and not just a dream. I can personally assure you, it’s really happening! Bruce was spot on and we did have a few visitors stop by, and I’m grateful that Arisha and Caleb were amongst them. Tonight we are fortunate enough to be celebrating with the best of the best, and we’re so ready to relax and unwind. It’s been a long and grueling month, but tonight will be a night we’ll never forget. I’m so glad that Abby’s here to celebrate with all of us.

“Congrats toThe Sinful Sevenfor an epic album,” Caleb chimes. “It was a pleasure working with all of you. Let’s do it again real soon!” We all hold up our glasses for a toast and wash down the smooth champagne that Caleb was kind enough to send.

Laughter fills the room as everyone lightens up with a bit of bubbly.

All the while, our music softly plays in the background so everyone can enjoy the album before its public release.

A gentle hand on my arm has me spinning around to acknowledge my guest. “Arisha, I’m so glad you could come.” Leaning in, I brush my lips against her soft cheek. Not sure if it’s the proper thing to do, but hell I’m a bit tipsy if you want the truth.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Thanks so much for the invitation and for letting me sit in on some of the recordings. So many musicians, myself included, don’t like anyone staring and fawning all over them. I must admit, you’re the exception to the rule. Maybe it’s because you’re just starting out and it doesn’t faze you yet.”

“Or maybe I have an oversized ego and I like people watching me.” She’s momentarily stunned and then chuckles, but I know I’m not wrong in my assumption.

“Not at all, Lucas. There’s a big difference between ego and assuredness. You’re comfortable in your own skin and that’s going to work to your benefit onstage. If I were a betting woman, I’d wager you’ll hit platinum with your first album.”

I’m shocked she’d say this, but since she’s been in the business for so long, I hope she knows something that I don’t. “You flatter me, but thanks for the vote of confidence. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rescue my girl from the likes of Greg.” You thought I was a womanizer? You haven’t met Greg.

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