Page 6 of Trapped with the Growly Rock Star

I cut off her grateful words. I really don't deserve them. “Call me Lennox. Mr. Steele sounds like some vintage superhero, and I’m anything but that.”

She smiles even more brightly. I’d better get up quickly or else I might smile back. “Back in a minute.”

I head to the office space just off the living room. I know exactly which album I want to sign for Ciara:Welcome to the Party. It was my first and has always remained my favorite. It was pure joy to make. It also made me rich beyond my wildest dreams. But honestly, I’d give up all the money just to feel that same joy again I felt making that album. I finally find it after rifling through a stack near the window and grab a black pen.

When I return to Hallie, she’s still drinking her coffee by the fire where I left her. With the glow of the flames illuminating her, she’s downright sexy.

I sit next to her and uncap the pen. “How do you spell your sister’s name?”

“C-i-a-r-a,” she says, and I write it on the cover, together with a short note about how much I appreciate her as a diehard fan. Then I hand it to Hallie.

She beams. “She’ll love it,” she says, running her delicate fingers over the cover. God, I wonder what those fingers would feel like on my skin?—

Watch it, Len.

“This will make her Christmas. Thank you again.” She looks up, and my eyes go straight to hers.

“Even though I’m not condoning your methods, you took a risk for someone you love and I respect that. Not many people would have braved these conditions, even if it was for a very good cause.” I pause for a second, thinking. “Fame has taught me that kindness from others usually comes with a price.”

I’m not sure why I feel the need to tell her this. But something makes me want her to know where I’m coming from. Why I might act the way I do.

“That’s too bad. I know I’d doanythingfor my family and friends. And as a proud member of the Sheriff’s Department, I risk a lot for anyone…for nothing in return.”

I’m in awe of her huge heart.

A gust of wind slams into the cabin, interrupting my train of thought, and we both jump, turning toward the windows.

Outside, snow is covering everything in a massive blanket of white. And it seems to be piling up at an alarming rate.

I can’t let Hallie go back out in that. I need to keep her safe and sound.

With me.

“I made gumbo,” I say quickly. “You might as well grab a bowl for dinner. Doesn’t look like you’re going anywhere for a while.”

CHAPTER3

HALLIE

Ican’t believe it: I’m trapped with Lennox Steele in a cabin on top of Frozen Heights.

Of all the possible outcomes of my attempt to get this grumpy rock star’s autograph, this particular one never entered my mind.

After texting back and forth with Juniper, convincing her I was indeed with Lennox Steele and that I was safe, she agreed to stop worrying. I almost asked Lennox for a selfie to prove it, but I didn’t want to push it.

Now, as the snow continues to blanket the world outside, cocooning us in this cozy cabin, I’m eating a bowl of surprisingly delicious gumbo that the man who once filled stadium arenas madehimself.

“This is really good, Lennox,” I say, savoring the spicy stew. “Where did you learn to make gumbo this good?”

“I have a place in New Orleans where I spend part of the year.” He drags a spoon through his bowl and holds it up, watching the thick gravy drip from it. “It’s all about the roux. The darker the better.”

“Well, you nailed it,” I say, taking another bite.

“Glad you like it,” he adds, with an oddly shy smile. Then he glances into the fire. “It’s…also where the rehab facility was.”

Right. I heard about that, a few years back.

He clears his throat. “Anyway, I've always found cooking to be a stress reliever. And also, it’s an art that’s not a whole lot different from music.” He shrugs. “At this point, maybe I should think of changing careers.”

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