Page 67 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

“There’s nothing to talk about,” he says curtly, reaching for his drink.

I raise an eyebrow, taken aback by the sudden shift in his demeanor. “Nothing? Because it sure seems like there’s something between you two.”

He shakes his head, his tone final. “Drop it, Kendrick.”

Realizing I’ve hit a nerve I decide not to push further for now. But as Sam signals for the check, I can’t help but think that whatever’s going on between him and Cass’s sister is far from resolved.

As we stand to leave, Sam glances at me, and his expression lightens. “Thanks for lunch,” he says gruffly.

“Anytime,” I reply with a small smile.

We make our way back toward the lobby, and just as we’re about to part ways, a voice interrupts us.

“Excuse me, Mr. Ryder!”

We both turn to see a woman approaching—a reporter, judging by the notebook and pen in her hand. She looks eager, her eyes darting between Sam and me with thinly veiled curiosity.

Sam stiffens beside me, his body coiled like a spring, while my pulse quickens in response.

“Care to comment on Cass Wild’s recent award speech?” she asks, her gaze locking on mine. “Aren’t you the woman who’s been spotted with him lately?”

My pulse quickens. Before I can respond, Sam steps forward, his posture tense. “No comment,” he says firmly.

The reporter’s smile doesn’t waver. “You used to open for Cass Wild, right? Kendrick Cash? And there’s been talk about a young girl traveling with you both. Could she be Cass’s daughter?”

My steps falter, and Sam and I both stop, turning around to face the relentless reporter.

Sam speaks before I can find my voice, his tone clipped and firm. “Again, no comment. Walk away now.”

But the reporter doesn’t flinch, her gaze locked on me. “It’s a simple question, Ms. Cash,” the reporter presses, her tone razor-sharp. “The public would eat up a story like this—star-crossed lovers, a secret pregnancy, a rekindled romance. Is that what this is?”

I steel myself, forcing my voice to remain calm, but inside I’m shaking. “There’s nothing to say,” I reply evenly, forcing a polite smile. “Goodbye.”

Turning on my heel, I stride toward the elevator bank, my heart pounding in my chest. Sam follows closely, his steps heavy with frustration. The reporter doesn’t pursue us, but her questions trail behind, loud and unspoken.

As the elevator doors slide shut, I finally let out a shaky breath, leaning against the cool metal wall. Sam watches me with concern etched across his face.

“She was out of line,” he says, his voice softer now. “Are you okay?”

I nod, though my hands are trembling. “I should’ve expected this. It was only a matter of time.”

Sam leans back against the opposite wall, crossing his arms. “It’s not fair to you—or Cassidy. But you handled it well.”

I manage a faint smile. “Thanks for stepping in. I wasn’t sure what to say.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” he replies, his tone light but his eyes serious. “I know I have a reputation for joking around, but you can count on me.”

The elevator dings, and we step out into the hallway. Sam hesitates as we approach my room, his hand resting on the doorframe.

“Listen,” he begins, his voice low. “I know Cass, and I know you. He’s solid, Kendrick, and you’re tougher than you think. But if this kind of stuff ever gets to be too much, don’t feel like you have to face it alone. You’ve got people in your corner—Cass, Emily… and me.”

His words touch something deep inside me, and I nod, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Sam. That means a lot.”

As I start to turn away, I hesitate, and my eyes go to Sam. “What… what about Derrick?” But I already know that Derrick is only concerned with one person. Himself. He may act like he cares about Cass, but deep down, I know Derrick only ever cared about money. If only I knew then what I know now.

“You hoping for a miracle?” He says jokingly, and then his expression turns serious. Sam shakes his head regretfully, and his eyes hold an apology. “No help there, unfortunately, Kendrick. He’s been there for Cass since day one after the first contract was signed. He was Cass’s first agent and now he’s the manager. That’s a long time in this business.”

Nodding, I grimace. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Reaching up, I give Sam a brief but heartfelt hug. “Thank you, Sam.”

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