Page 40 of Crave

His gaze held a flare of shrewd calculation. “I’m interested in Elle.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Dude, she’s in tight with another guy. Coop will kick your ass.”

JJ grinned. “Not like that. You know that song your friend Noah and her were working on? It’s killer.”

I lifted a brow. “You know I partnered with him to write the lyrics?”

“Of course. This is my whole point. Noah has some serious talent with music and you’ve been more interested in the writing side. Now, don’t get me wrong—your best shot is with Unison. I’m gonna make you famous. I feel it in my damn bones.”

“Promises, promises.”

“No, I will. It’s all there. Ready to pop. I hope you’re ready.”

As he stared at me, dead serious, a shiver raced down my spine. I was surprised it held fear. Fear of getting what I wanted, but in a way I never planned on. Getting famous with my face out front and nowhere to hide. It wasn’t my fantasy. But havingmy songs played over and over by fans? Yeah. That was worth it. “What does Elle have to do with any of this?”

“I’ve made some calls. Elle has all the elements I can work with. She’s sexy, with a good sound. And the way Noah cut the tracks was fresh—it’s not the same old tired shit I’m always hearing from young performers. Olivia Rodrigo made angry women music famous, and I love it, but we’re all ready for something else. I think Elle has it. I may offer her a contract.”

My jaw almost unhinged. “Holy shit, that’s awesome. As a solo performer?”

JJ nodded. “Yeah. I might bring in Noah if he’s interested, and you can be a co-writer. Kick off your writing credits. It’s a double whammy, Adam. This could be big if it works out.”

My heart sped up. This was a lot to take in. I wondered if Elle was ready to take the leap or if she still wanted to act now that the strike was ending. “You talk to her yet?”

“No. Wanted to get your take on how I should approach first. I’d need her fully in. I don’t have the energy if she doesn’t—it’s too fucking hard. But if she wants it, and the three of you work together, things could go big.”

“I’m gonna see her tonight. Why don’t I ask her? Feel things out and let you know?”

“Sounds good, man. Thanks.”

JJ took off and headed back to my place. I wondered what it would be like working with Noah and Elle after they found out about me and Landon. Could we all put the conflict aside for the opportunity? And how would I handle more writing and Unison?

This is what you always wanted, the inner voice whispered.Everything your old man said about your music will be proven bullshit. It’s your time now, motherfucker.

I was buzzing hard until Landon texted her news. We only had the weekend together before she needed to take off.Frustration coursed through me but there was nothing I could do. Now, I’d be alone those extra days, dealing with the fallout. Sucked, but the main thing was making sure Landon got out of town away from Max.

I made arrangements to meet her early at the club to eat and get some time. I texted Noah to get an ETA, and Landon said both Elle and Max and Gabby were working late. Coop had some type of photo shoot so he wouldn’t be there till after ten either. Landon and I were good until then.

I changed into dark wash jeans and a Unison t-shirt, pulled my hair back in a tie, and skipped shaving. I saw the way Landon looked at me when I left some scruff –it turned her on. When I met her outside, I lost my breath.

She was fucking gorgeous. And all mine.

I walked over real slow as my gaze devoured her whole. Not giving a crap about her makeup, I kissed her hard and deep, reminding Landon I owned her. Eyes dazed, she blinked up at me when I finally pulled away. “You look edible,” I said.

The cheeky spark I loved lit up her face. “I hope you’ll eat me later.”

My dick practically burst out of my pants, and I gave a choked laugh. “I’m going to make you pay for teasing me like that.”

“Can’t wait.”

I grabbed her hand and told her Noah should be here till ten.

“The others don’t get off at Red till eleven so we have plenty of time,” she said.

“Good. I want you to myself, even if I’d rather have you naked in bed.”

I approved when she slid her beloved phone into her purse and snapped it shut. “I’m all yours for the next few days, Adam. I’m done with Red, and I got ahead on my packing.”

I squeezed her hand and led her to the back of the club where it was more private. I told her about Elle and Noah while we ate a bunch of tapas. “I think she’ll go for it,” Landon said. “She’s ready for something different and working with Noah will give her some familiarity. I wish I’d be around to help her out.”

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