Page 18 of Cupid Loves Curves

“I do, too, Abby. Truly I do. This can be a cruel, cutthroat business. If I could change things for your mother, I would.”

“I appreciate that, Mr. Bry—”

“I think it’s about time you stopped with that, don’t you?” I smile at Abby, pulling her closer to me and placing a light kiss on her sweet, plump lips. “Call me Aaron.”

A screech of feedback slices through the ballroom, making everyone wince. You’d think that a ballroom of industry professionals would know better, but it’s always like this – rookie mistakes with the equipment.

“Yo where’s my man Aaron Bryant?” Carlos King bellows out from the stage. “Get your ass up here.”

I don’t want to leave Abby for a moment, but I’m obligated to deliver a speech.

“I’ll be back soon. I swear.”

The smile Abby gives me goes straight to my heart. We didn’t start off well, Abby and me, but I’ve managed to melt some of her façade.

Now, I’m going to show her I mean business.

“Many of youwill remember the great eighties hit Pussycat Royale. I recently found out that a key member to that group,one who was directly responsible for the band’s greatest hit, was never acknowledged, and that her musical legacy was stolen from her.”

I take a long pause, looking around the room. The people before me are quiet and watchful, most looking at me like they have no fucking clue what I’m talking about. When my eyes land on sweet Abby, her face is openly pained and shocked. She meets my gaze with an intensity that actually makes me nervous. Her eyes glisten as she stares at me in a challenge.

“I’ve also found out,” I continue, standing up straighter as every eye in the ballroom is on me. “That our own Morris Orange blocked the initial release of an album by this artist, in addition to making it exceedingly difficult for Ophelia Moore’s daughter to buy back the masters and rights to her mother’s music.”

Now, Abby’s face is flaming red, matching the bright color of her dress, her eyes not hiding her anger. She’s fidgeting and I know I have to say my piece or she’s going to leave forever.

“Now, I know her daughter – who by the way is here tonight – wanted to work to reclaim her mother’s musical legacy by her own hard work. After hearing the story, it was impossible for me to stand by and not step in. And so, Abby Moore,” I say, turning to her and addressing her directly, “I am humbled and honored to announce that the masters and full rights to your mother’s solo album are now yours. It would be a great honor if you would allow me to produce this album and give it a launch to rival any of our launches. I have listened to the music and it stands up today as well as it did when your mother originally recorded these magnificent songs.”

Abby’s cheeks are still red, but now there are tears streaming down her face. I hold my hand out to her, my heart beating sohard it scares the living daylights out of me. If she doesn’t come forward, I have no idea what I’ll do, how I’ll go on without her. In just a few short days, she’s completely captured my heart and the very essence of my being. Used to be I couldn’t imagine spending my life with another woman, because no woman even came close to being compelling enough to capture my attention for more than a few days. But now? Abby has completely captivated me and the thought of not having her in my life terrifies me.

My knees nearly buckle as I wait for her reaction, and then I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, the moment she takes a step forward, a smile building on her beautiful face.

CHAPTER 5

ABBY

My skin tingles with excitement as I walk up to Aaron. He’s standing there, looking sinfully handsome in his silk tuxedo, with a look of pure joy on his face. I have to keep pinching myself to make myself believe that this is even a little real.

“Is this…are you really serious?”

People are swirling around us and I’m vaguely aware of the sound of their voices and of the music that’s now blaring out of a speaker somewhere. But Aaron commands all of my attention. No one has ever done anything remotely this generous for me, much less for my mother.

“Absolutely serious, Abby.”

I resist a little as he touches my arm, but I can’t help but relax into him when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to his body. My heart is pounding as I struggle to figure out all my emotions. Relief and gratitude overwhelm me one second, but then is quickly replaced by frustration. This is something I wanted –needed– to do for myself.

“This is too generous,” I say, pushing back from him. “Why would you do this?”

“Come with me.”

Aaron leads me through the crowded ballroom, not stopping to talk to any of the numerous people who try to get our attention. I have no idea what’s happening between us and I’m scared to find out. Is the gift of my mom’s album some kind of pity gift? Is there a bad reason, one that I don’t know about? Will I even have a job on Monday? I feel my heart breaking at the thought of having to search for another job.

Outside the hotel ballroom, it’s just as busy and there isn’t a quiet space anywhere. I walk with Aaron as he goes up to the reservation desk.

“We need a room.” His voice is brisk and impatient.

“Sir,” the clerk says, her hands typing quickly on her computer. She looks back up at him and me, and I can’t help but feel the judgement in her eyes that a man as handsome and obviously wealthy as Aaron is standing next to a woman like me. Sure, I’m in a beautiful dress, but I’m sure she’s not used to seeing powerful men with curvy women. Have I been deluded to fantasize about being with him and living in his world?

“Yes?”

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