Page 48 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Kendrick

This is our last night in town, and Cass has finished his performance. We’re all on an emotional high. It’s late, and the hotel lobby is quieting down. Sam, Cass, and I head to the bar for a celebratory drink before calling it a night. The bar is dimly lit, intimate, and much quieter than I expected for a night like this.

Cass is relaxed, his arm around me as we sit at a table near the back. Sam sits across from us, a tired but satisfied smile playing on his face. We all feel the satisfaction of a successful night, and each sip of our drinks is a toast to Cass and Sam for finishing up another great performance.

Cassidy texts me just as we’re starting to talk about the concert. I glance down at her message. ‘Mom, I’m heading to bed. Told you I didn’t need a babysitter! I’m twelve-practically a teenager!’

I grin, almost hearing her earlier indignation when I mentioned I didn’t like leaving her alone in the penthouse. I tap out a quick reply, secretly relieved that she’s safely tucked away upstairs. I’m glad Cass and Sam were fine with celebrating in the hotel bar. I’m sure it’s much more tame than where they typically hang out when they’re in town. The rest of the band opted for something more exciting.

Sam lifts his glass, signaling a toast. “To one hell of a night. And to the best company.” He winks at me, and Cass chuckles, clinking his glass with Sam’s before turning to me.

“To a great life,” Cass adds, his eyes catching mine. They’re only words, but they feel like a promise, one that fills me with warmth. I feel his gaze almost like a physical caress as his eyes scan over my new outfit. The shirt I’m wearing shimmers with every movement. The pants are practically painted on, accentuating my curves. My blonde hair falls softly around my shoulders, gleaming almost as bright as my overly large earrings. The appreciation in his gaze warms me, and I press closer, feeling undeniably attractive.

We each drink to Sam’s toast, laughing and sharing memories as the night progresses. For a while, everything feels perfect, as though we’re in our own little bubble, shielded from Cass’s fame. But all too soon, I notice someone staring at us from the corner of my eye, and the quiet hum of the bar is disrupted by loud whispers.

“Oh my god, that’s Cass Wild!” someone hisses, and before I know it, a small group of people are staring and pointing excitedly our way. “And Sam Ryder!”

I glance at Cass, who looks unbothered, almost resigned. He’s used to this, the constant attention, the whispers. It’s part of his world, one I’m slowly learning to navigate. Cass sips his drink, ignoring the curious glances, and shifts even closer to me, his fingers brushing mine. Just as he leans in to whisper something, a young woman with overly bright eyes and flushed cheeks boldly approaches our table.

“You’re Cass Wild,” she says in a starstruck voice, clutching her phone. Her friend stands nervously behind her, wide-eyed and giddy as her eyes dart from Cass to Sam.

Cass smiles politely. “Yes?”

The girl’s face lights up. “Could I… could I please get an autograph and selfie with you? I’ve been a fan forever. Your music… It’s great. I love you and all of your songs.”

Cass nods, reaching for a napkin, and begins to sign it. Just as he’s about to hand it back, a voice slices through the air.

“Hey, what are you doing over here?” A man staggers up, his eyes glassy and his tone confrontational. He’s tall and broad, with an arrogant swagger. He’s clearly had too much to drink, and as he steps closer, the young woman looks over her shoulder, her face twisting into a wary frown.

“I just wanted to get Cass Wild’s autograph and a picture,” she says, placing her hand on the guy’s chest, holding him back.

Glancing down at her hand and then back at Cass, he shoves himself forward. “What the fuck? Was he coming on to you?” he bellows in outrage.

“Evan, stop,” she pleads, but he ignores her, fixing his angry glare on Cass.

“Oh, I see what’s happening here,” Evan sneers, his voice belligerent. “You think just because you’re some big-shot rock star, you can swoop in and steal my girl?”

Cass raises his hands, trying to defuse the situation. “Hey, man, it’s just an autograph. I wasn’t—“

“Bullshit! Who do you think you are?” Evan cuts him off, his voice loud and slurred. “Man, you don’t know who you’re messing with.”

The scene begins to draw attention, and people curiously turn to watch the spectacle. I glance at Sam, who’s already assessing the situation, his eyes flicking between Cass and Evan. The young woman tries to tug on her boyfriend’s arm, but he shrugs her off, his focus locked on Cass.

“You think you’re so fucking special, don’t you?” Evan sneers, his words slurred and aggressive. “Just because you’ve got a few fans, you think you can walk around like you’re better than everyone else.”

Cass’s jaw tightens, but he stays calm. “Look, I’m just here with my friend and my girl, trying to unwind and enjoy a night out. My family’s here, and I don’t want any trouble.”

But Evan isn’t hearing it. He steps closer, his posture overly aggressive. “Now you’re some family man? Give me a break.” He scoffs, looking Cass up and down with disgust. “I used to think you were cool. But you’re just another washed-up, has been.”

A murmur goes through the crowd, and I can feel the tension building. Cass looks at me, a silent message in his eyes. He’s trying to keep things under control, trying not to make a scene. But Evan’s words cut deep, and I can see the flicker of anger in Cass’s expression. I give a worried frown as Cass stands up, keeping his eyes on the man challenging him.

“Just leave it, Cass,” I whisper, reaching out to touch his arm. But before he can respond, Evan lurches forward, his fist swinging wildly. He misses by a mile, too drunk to aim properly, but the movement sends a shocked gasp through the crowd.

Cass steps back, his face impassive, as Evan stumbles, nearly losing his balance. Sam rises, ready to intervene, but Cass holds up a hand, signaling for him to wait.

“You done?” Cass asks, his tone icy.

Evan sneers, but the fight seems to drain out of him as he realizes he’s become the center of attention. The young woman tugs on his arm, whispering something that I can’t hear, andfinally, he allows her to pull him away, mumbling curses under his breath as he follows her with stumbling steps.

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