Page 27 of Starstruck
A chuckle escapes me at the clear appreciation yet confusion laced in her tone. “Well,” I begin. “I have a proposition for you…”
Isa jolts back at my words as Colt’s elbow connects with my side before I realize how unintentionally dirty that sounds.
Eyes widening, I hold my hands out to Isa, hoping I haven’t scared her away already. Though she doesn’t seem like the type to scare easily. “As fun as that would be”—I smirk—“that’s notwhat I meant.”
She breathes a sigh of relief, her shoulders slumping. “Then whatdidyou mean?”
I clear my throat. “I accidentally wrote a duet.”
Isa looks at me skeptically. “How does oneaccidentallywrite a duet?” she asks, laughing.
“I don’t know. But I did it.”
She shrugs. “It was bound to happen someday, I guess. It really is about time you learn to share the spotlight, Baxter.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever, Isabella,” I retort, using her full name even though hardly anybody calls her that. “Like you’re much better.”
A scoff escapes her as she crosses her arms over her chest. “At least I’ve done duets, Mr.I Don’t Play Well With Others.”
A shit-eating grin crosses my face, and I know from our banter alone, this will be fun.
“Alright, you two,” Kevin drones, finally joining the conversation. He shoots me his typicalI don’t have time for your shitmanager look. “Baxter, cut to the chase.”
I sigh. “Alright, fine.” Leaning forward, I meet Isa’s eyes. “Do you wanna sing a duet with me?”
Isa crosses one leg over the other and rests her elbow on her knee. Her eyes narrow, and a smirk plays on her face. “Depends,” she begins with a shrug. “Are you asking because you wantme, or because everyone else said no?”
I scoff, appalled that she would even think she would be my last resort. Colt huffs a laugh from beside me, shaking his head, while Levi’s eyes widen in amusement.
Kevin rolls his yet again and clears his throat. “You’re actually the first one he agreed to, believe it or not,” my manager shares.
Isa hums. “Not. But I’ll bite.” She pauses for a moment. “I’m gonna need to hear the song first.”
A smile forms as I pick up the remote for my built-in surround-sound system. “I figured,” I say, hitting play.
The opening riffs for “That Girl” begin, and she leans back,closing her eyes and drowning us all out to listen to the lyrics.
When the song comes to an end, a grin forms across her face.
“I see what you mean. I still don’t know how you did it by mistake, but you definitely wrote a duet.” A strange look crosses her face before she asks, “Whendidyou write it?”
My brows furrow. I’m not sure what that has to do with anything, but I tell her anyway. “A few weeks ago. Why?”
“Just curious.” She stands and rounds the couch before facing me again. “It’s good. I’d be happy to sing it with you.” She begins to head toward the front door, so I get up and follow. “But we’re going to need to make a few lyric and note changes to better suit my style, too. So if you’re not willing to play nice, tell me now.”
I hold back an eye roll and nod reluctantly, grinding my teeth. We’re not changing the song, but I’ll let her think she at least has some creative control.
“I’ll play nice,” I grumble, though I know no one is buying it. I still can’t believe I let them talk me into this.
It seems to be enough for Isa though, because she smiles. “Fantastic. Have your people”—she tosses a look toward Kevin, who is once again distracted with another client—“call my people and we can set up a time to record. But you’re going to need to work around my schedule, because I’m currently recording my own album and helping a friend with some planning for a concert in the summer.”
I open my mouth to argue that we need to do it as soon as possible, but she turns her back to me and leaves before I have a chance. The door slams shut behind her, and I stand there, slack-jawed and extremely confused.
Because what the hell just happened?
People don’t demand things fromme.Idemand things from people.
“Remind me again why I agreed to do this?” I ask no one in particular, a frown marring my face.
