Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
“That’s the plan,” he jokes.
We’ve all had our moments under the spotlight for solos and parts of the song we want to play up over the weeks we’ve spent in the studio. And although they offered to stay, Rod sent both Nikki and Shane home an hour ago because it’s my turn. Yay me!
Poppy stayed.
I can see her in the back corner behind Rod, legs tucked under her, as she sits on the couch watching me like I’m a superstar. She’s great for my ego. Rod counts me in, and I jam for the next hour.
“I think that’s it,” he finally says. “Good work today, Laird.”
I set my guitar down on the stand and flex my fingers while working my way into the other room. When I come through the door, I shake hands with Rod, then sit next to Poppy on the couch. She sits up, rubbing my back and kissing my cheek. Missing the taste of her, I turn so one lands on my mouth.
That earns me a smile while the song is played.
The notes are big, the bass kicking in before my part takes center stage. “Fuck yes,” Rod says, rocking his head to the music. “Yes, fucking, yes.” Spinning toward me in his chair, he throws out his hand. I catch the high five when he adds, “You did it. Killer song. If you ask me, that’s your first single.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. With Nikki’s vocals on top with those lyrics you wrote—song of the summer. It’s your tour opener, for sure. The crowds are going to flip the fuck out when this kicks in.” He turns back to the soundboard and rolls a few levers before saying, “I’m going to layer this together tonight and have Johnny and the team come listen tomorrow with you guys.”
Sitting on the edge of my seat, I take hold of Poppy’s hand and ask, “So we’re done tonight?”
“You’re done.” He laughs. “Get the fuck out of here so I can work my magic.”
We head out of the studio. Late May is still producing some cool nights, so I wrap my arm around her shoulders as we head for my Ferrari. Her hand holds mine that hangs over, and she turns and kisses it. “How are your fingers?”
“Guitarists finger faster.”
I memorize the melody of her laughter. “What are we talking about again?” she asks just as we reach the car.
Spinning her around, I press her back to the sleek metal and lean down to kiss her. She sighs, letting her happiness shape her smile. “You were amazing.”
“Just now or in the studio?” I smirk with no shame.
“Both.” She holds my hand up, our palms pressed together as her fingers lengthen against mine. “I take it we’re going to be able to keep the hand?”
“I’ll be good as new tomorrow, but I might soak them in cold water tonight.” Running the back of my hand against her cheek, I ask, “Are you hungry?”
Playfully pushing off the car, she backs away from me and heads for the passenger’s door. “I am, and I’m making you dinner as soon as we get back.”
After unlocking the car, I walk to the driver’s side and slip into the car. “What’s on the menu?”
“Chicken pesto.”
She’s been toying with me over this meal since Deer Lake. I’ve done my best to beg for it several times over. She must feel sorry for me, but I’ll take it. “I can’t fucking wait.”
As soon as we sit at the table, Poppy says, “I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“What?” I ask, wishing I hadn’t just shoved a big bite in my mouth.
“I got a job.”
Fucking hell. It’s tempting to cover my heart after that attack. “Okay. That’s good, right?”
“It is,” she replies, and I can see a sense of pride brighten her eyes.
I take another bite, but then slow my chewing . . . I swallow it down. “So this is more of a last meal?”
“I’ll be back in a few weeks.”
My fork clanging against the plate resonates even in the open air where we sit. “Um . . .” I need to collect my thoughts and speak carefully before blowing this up into something it’s not. I take a deep breath and drag my hands down my legs. “Okay. Where are you going?”
“A yacht in the Mediterranean.”
“Sounds like more of a date.” Fuck. Should’ve kept my mouth shut.
“I’m not going to justify my work to you, Laird. I’ve picked up small jobs around LA for weeks now, but this paycheck is significant.” I open my mouth, but she says, “Wait, please. I know you have an answer for everything. Honestly, I know you’d be happy with me sitting here supporting you and living off your money. I’m grateful for that generosity, but I can support you while still having my own life and building my business back to pre-accident levels.”