Page 15 of Falling for the Rockstar

A few of the band members disperse outside. I'm sure to take a smoke break or maybe even grab something for them to eat.

“How’d you like the last song?” Simon asks when he comes into the control booth.

“Uh, it was, uh very…”

“Not your cup of tea, huh?”

“It’s not that. It appeals to the senses. In fact, Carl and I were talking about how this isn’t the first single.”

“Really? You were thinking about this being a single release?” He moves in close enough I can smell his cologne.

My breath hitches for a second. Damn, I hope he didn’t notice that I say to myself.

“Uh, not exactly. I had mentioned to, uh, Carl that it should be a first single. He only corrected me afterwards. But I do have a request?”

“Sure, love. What’s that?”

I bolden my stance so I don’t appear softened by his presence, clearing all sexy thoughts of that song from my mind. “Carl said that ‘Play’ is the release single. I’d like to hear how that sounds since it will be the first song off the new album. That way I can judge the amount of airplay and streams it should get based on the feel.

“‘The feel’, huh.” He flashes me a wicked grin.

My core tightens at the sinful feel it gives me. I clear my throat and bob my head in agreement.

“Okay, we’ll do that one next so you can hear it.”

“That’s great. I’m going to send out a notification to the label about a presser idea I have. Maybe we can get you guys on the local news, and you can perform it on a more toned-down level. Maybe drop by a few radio stations as well.”

“Wow, you are really on top of things. Is that what you like?” he asks.

I look at him with a raised eyebrow. “Like what?”

“To be on top?” he replies sinfully.

I go to open my mouth and am quickly interrupted.

“Hey, babe. Carl said you were in here,” Cornelius speaks as he enters.

“Oh, hey, hey.”

We embrace for a second, and he kisses me. I take it a little further and deepen our kiss, working off some unaddressed sexual energy.

“Damn babe. Not in front of others. He’s going to think you’re some kind of freak, and we both know you’re not. Hi, Cornelius Givens, also known as Cocoa Bean, upcoming rapper.” Cornelius introduces himself to Simon and extends his hand.

“Ah, yes. I have heard of you. You are hosting some local show next week, right?” Simon replies.

“Yeah, the rap battle. Give some of the local artists a platform so they can hopefully be discovered.”

“Oh, is he also one of your clients?” Simon asks me.

Cornelius tightens his grip on me, obviously offended by the way the question was presented. “Naw man. This luscious caramel honey is my woman.”

“Woman? As in girlfriend? Oh, I had no idea.” Somehow this news delights him as his smile widens.

“Um, babe, what brings you here?” I interject before things become tense.

“I need to come get the card. My jacket is ready for next week.”

I pull him to the side out of earshot. “Simon, we’ll continue in a few minutes talking about the release and presser.”

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