Page 84 of Heartbreaker

“You consider me one of the people who’s going to let you down?”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I don't want to think that, but it hasn’t been that long, and you’ve…made it clear that you’re not into relationships.”

“I also said we were going to figure it out.”

“Yes, but we haven’t had any conversations about that since the cabin.”

“Well, I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere.” He strokes his fingers over my cheek. “Talk to me, Jade. What’s been happening?”

“So much.” I don’t even know where to start, but the situation with Farrah feels easiest. I catch him up on that, tell him what happened on our conference call, and then segue into Rico’s visit.

“I thought you and Rico were close?” he asks, interrupting me.

“I thought so too. Until I told him that I wantedyouto produce the next album.”

His eyes widen. “Wait—is that why he came to visit? To pitch his production services?”

“Apparently.”

“Motherfucker.” He shakes his head. “What a fucking douche.”

“You don't seem surprised.”

“Honey, I told you about these types of things—this is how it goes. That’s why you need a strong, solid team around you. People who do whatyouwant, not what they want.”

“I tried and they just made me feel bad, talking about how I would just be another nameless, faceless Nashville wanna-be country singer if they hadn’t?—”

“See, that’s where you stop them,” he says firmly, a scowl darkening his handsome features. “Maybe that’s what would have happened, but you’re Jade fucking Cantrell—one of the top country artists in the world right now. Doesn’t matter whatmight or might not have happened. Itdidhappen. You are where you are. The what ifs are just how they manipulate your emotions.”

“Rico said…” I repeat the conversation and he pulls in a sharp breath.

“I’m going to beat the fuck out of him if I ever see him again,” he growls. “What the hell?”

“It caught me off-guard too.”

“Look, there’s an element of truth to what he said—if you shit on people on your way up, it could be problematic if you’re ever on your way back down. That said, doing what’s best for your business isn’t shitting on anyone. He told you he didn’t want to produce country anymore—whose fault is it that you took him at his word?” He waits, obviously expecting an answer, and I sigh wearily.

“I know but?—”

“There are no buts, Shortcake.” He takes my chin between his thumb and forefinger and turns my head, forcing me to look at him. “You’ve got this. I’m here now. And we’re going to handle it. Together.”

“Are we?” I stare into his eyes. “Because I honestly have no idea what to do.”

“I’m going to help you. I have a fantastic entertainment attorney who will kick ass and take names. A management company who’ll take care of you if you decide you want to use them. And maybe even a new record label, depending on what your contract says.”

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and relief and hope.

But there’s one thing that’s more important than all of that other stuff.

At least, it is to me.

“Will you produce my album?” I blurt. “I let Rico think it was a done deal, but you and I only talked about it in passing. Idon’t want you to do it because you feel bad about what’s been happening—I want you to do it because you want to. That’s the only way it works.”

“I’mnevergoing to do something just because I feel bad,” he says with a soft chuckle. “You’ll learn that about me pretty quickly. But that’s not the case here. I just want to be sure you know what you’re asking. Are you positive you want me to produce? I’ve never done a country album.”

“I know, but I trust you. We work well together. It’s magic when we’re making music.” And other things, but I need to focus. “I know the songs we wrote together are going to be huge. Just like I knew ‘Forever in Rewind’ was going to hit number one. Sometimes I just know. I feel it. And everything inside me tells me you’re the right person to produce the next album.”

“If you’re sure about this, I’d be honored,” he says softly, leaning in to press his lips to mine. My mouth opens of its own volition, and our tongues slide together with a magnetic force. And yet, he’s not in a rush, not tearing at my clothes or trying to get me naked. Instead, he kisses me like we have all the time in the world. Like kissing me is the only thing he cares about.

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