Heart Strings

by Melanie Moreland

  “I’ll have to check.” He grinned. “Are you really going to take time off and spend it with me?”

  “If you want that.”

  He slid his hand up my neck and brought me to his mouth. “Yes, I want. I’ll get the dates and let you know.” A strange look passed over his face. “I, ah, have a couple of commitments, but we’ll figure it out.”

  “Okay.”

  He sat up, looking at me. “Lottie, I have to tell you something. Something important.”

  “All right,” I said slowly, his serious tone startling me.

  He slid from the bed, dragging on his pants. He paced the room, running his hands through his hair repeatedly, ramping up my anxiety. I grabbed my robe, slipping it on, no longer wanting to be naked for whatever he had to say. I had never seen Logan this serious, so I knew it had to be huge. A small nagging doubt hit me, and I spoke it out loud.

  “Is this too much, Logan? Too fast? You want to stop seeing me?”

  He stopped mid-stride and gaped at me. He crossed the room and gripped my arms. “Hell no. I never want to stop seeing you. Don’t even think that way.”

  “What is it, then?”

  He swallowed and sat beside me. “I’m not supposed to say anything. I signed a nondisclosure and I thought I could keep it to myself, but I can’t.”

  I frowned. “A nondisclosure? With the school? Oh! Did they offer you full time?”

  He shook his head with a smile. “Not even close, Lottie.” He sucked in a long breath. “I signed a deal with Ravaged Roadside.”

  I blinked. Then again. “What?”

  “I can’t go into all the particulars, but I’m under contract with them now.”

  I flung my arms around his neck, holding him tight. “Logan—that is amazing! I’m so proud of you.”

  He returned my embrace. “It’s been crazy, Lottie. Meetings and negotiations. More meetings. I had to get a lawyer.” He snorted. “Me, get a lawyer. I never thought I’d see that day.”

  I laughed, knowing how much he would hate that. It smacked of the corporate world that Logan detested.

  He cupped my face. “I’ve wanted to talk to you so often, but I can’t. I shouldn’t even be telling you this, but I can’t keep it from you. I can’t say much else, but I will tell you everything soon.”

  “I won’t say anything. I promise.”

  “I know. I didn’t want to put you in the position of lying to your father or causing you trouble.”

  “Can you tell me anything?”

  He sighed, then his lips curled into a wicked smile. “I’ll just say you weren’t wrong when you thought the record label leaked the merger.” He winked. “But you figured that out on your own.”

  I returned his smile. “They often do. It makes the press conference that much more exciting if they create a buzz.”

  “Yeah, they want a buzz.”

  I widened my eyes in understanding. “Are they announcing you at the press conference?”

  “I’m not the star attraction, Lottie.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?” I frowned. “What about your teaching? Are you giving that up?”

  He stood. “I can’t—I mean, I want to, but…” He trailed off, obviously frustrated. “I can’t blow this.”

  I grabbed his hand in understanding. “It’s okay. You can tell me soon?”

  He held my hand to his heart. I could feel the rapid beat under my palm. “Yes, I promise. I will tell you everything.”

  “Then I’ll wait.”

  He bent and kissed me. “Thank you.” His lips pressed harder, and with a sigh, I opened to him.

  His phone buzzed, and he groaned, touching his forehead to mine. “It never stops these days.”

  I had noticed it going off more than usual, but I had put it down to his new teaching gig. I had no idea his talk with Carmen had gone so far, so quickly.

  He scanned the screen and heaved a sigh. “I have to go.”

  I tamped down my disappointment. “Okay.”

  “I’ll try to come back later?”

  I slid my hands up his chest, slipping them around his neck. “You have a key.”

  He beamed. “I do.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “That’s all I need to know.”

  Hours later, I gave up. I hadn’t heard from Logan and he hadn’t replied to my text, so I assumed whatever took him away was keeping him occupied. I went for a long walk, the lure of the swirling snow in the dark too much to resist. I’d left a note in case he showed up, but it was still propped against the bowl on the hall table, so I knew he hadn’t seen it.

  Chilled and feeling a little sad, I poured a hot bath, throwing in some lavender salts. I brought a glass of wine and my wireless speaker into the bathroom and selected a soothing playlist. I slipped into the tub, shivering as the warm water lapped at my cold skin. I had walked longer than I realized. I wiggled my toes, took a sip of my wine, and laid my head back, letting the music relax me.

  Or at least, that was my plan. The music didn’t soothe. It reminded me I hadn’t heard from Logan. What was he doing? What plans was he making? How would this affect him? Us?

  I sat up in the water. If they signed him, he’d record an album. There was no doubt it would be a hit. That meant more time in the studio. Probably a tour. He’d be gone. Living a dream he never thought he would see come to fruition.

  I was torn.

  I was thrilled for him—he was so talented, he deserved to have his songs heard. Yet, I wondered what it meant for us. We were still new. He was going to be busy. Crazy busy. Writing, touring, press—all of it.

  The one sip of wine I’d had turned sour in my stomach. He’d be gone, and I’d be here. Once again alone, stuck in a job I hated, and knowing the one bright spot in my life was somewhere else in the world. Traitorous tears streaked down my face.

  What if I became a part of his past? The woman he serenaded and moved on from? Would I become a distant memory, someone he recalled in his thanks on the back of a CD cover? Would he remember me at all?

  I wiped away my tears, impatient. I was being silly. Where were these thoughts coming from? This was Logan. My Logan. My protector and lover. Success wasn’t going to change him. We could survive distance and periods of separation. I was certain of it.

  Once he told me everything, we would discuss it—together. Logan was open and honest. We’d figure it out. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I was being overdramatic and silly. One unanswered text was not the end of my relationship with Logan.

  My head agreed. My heart, however, ached. I got out of the bath and dumped the glass of wine. What I needed to relax wasn’t available.

  And that, right there, was the problem.

  I tossed and turned all night, my subconscious refusing to shut up. Logan was going to be too busy for me now. He was going to be traveling. The calls and texts that would start as soon as he left, telling me how much he missed me, would dwindle and become sporadic and less personal. Then they would stop.

  I would become a memory to him.

  He would be another person who left me.

  I tried to shake off the moroseness that surrounded me, but I found it difficult. I had never been what I would consider an overly emotional person. I never showed my anger or irritation at work. I rarely lost patience with people. I didn’t cry at pictures of puppies or shed many tears at the end of a romantic movie.

  Yet lately, I’d had to bite my tongue several times. Count to ten before responding to a question. Tears came, unbidden and unwelcome, at the strangest times.

  Logan sent a text around three saying he was sorry and had lost track of time. I didn’t ask what he was doing at that ungodly hour of the morning. When I arrived at work, I sent him a response stating I hoped he would be able to make the press conference tonight at Ravaged Roadside. He had said he wasn’t the star attraction, but I assumed he would want to be there, even if it was to hear the announcement of the merger anyway.

  His reply
was simple.

  I’ll meet you there.

  My melancholy wrapped around me a little tighter as I realized he would not be going with me, but on his own.

  Somehow, I hid my emotions all day, performing calmly under the scrutiny of my father. I briefed everyone at the meeting about the press conference and the leak.

  “Carmen admits it came from someone at RR. He’s handling it. The bottom line is that we go ahead as planned. Make the announcement, and the rest is up to them. They have an entire event scheduled this evening. Everyone is welcome.”

  Another staff member spoke up. “I heard a rumor they have another huge announcement they are making tonight.”

  I kept my face and voice neutral. “Nothing they have shared with me. I suppose we’ll find out.”

  The rest of the meeting and the day were completed on autopilot. Logan clung to my every thought, no matter how many times I told myself I was being silly.

  Brianna called, excited about coming to the press conference.

  “I wasn’t aware you were invited,” I drawled.

  “Trevor asked me to go with him.”

  “Trevor is going?” I said, surprised.

  “Yes. Logan asked him, silly.”

  “Oh.”

  “Lottie, what is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  She sighed. “You forget how well I know you. You sound off. What’s wrong?”

  “I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m a little tired.”

  “Logan didn’t fuck you until you were exhausted? The boy is falling down on the job.”

  “Logan wasn’t there.”

  The words felt heavy between us. She knew how much time we had been spending together.

  “Is, ah, everything okay between you?”

  I had to clear my throat. “Yes. I mean, I think so. He’s been really busy.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Nothing,” I lied. “Listen, I’ll see you tonight, okay?”

  “Lottie…” She trailed off.

  “What?”

  “Everything is going to be all right, okay? Blips happen. You guys are too good together for any other outcome.”

  “Thanks,” I replied, my voice thick. “I hope so.”

  Chapter 20

  Lottie

  The place was packed. Even fuller than the other night when I’d been here with Logan. RR had insisted on holding the event in their building, and I was fine with that. It was their show—their announcement. They had been firm on that fact. Normally our company issued simple statements on our clients’ behalf and let them follow up however they wanted, but this one was different.

  The room was electric. I spied a few of the younger staff in the room as I walked around. I had dressed with care, knowing tonight I was representing Prescott Inc. I wore a simple black skirt and a brilliant blue silk blouse with ruffles around the neck and wrists. I topped it with a blue and black vest, pulling the outfit together. It was sleek and elegant. To tease Logan, though, I wore high-heeled black boots that made me feel sexy and powerful. I wore my hair up, and I kept my makeup simple. Looking around the room, I tried not to laugh. I was one of the most overdressed people there—but that was my role tonight.

  I located Carmen and Alfred, shaking their hands. Roxanne hugged me, looking beautiful and sexy as always. I glanced around, hoping for a glimpse of Logan, but I didn’t spot him anywhere. Disappointment hit me, and I wondered if he would come at all.

  Carmen smiled widely at someone behind me, and I turned, hoping it was Logan. Instead, Bobby Hayes was approaching, a smirk on his face. He stopped, shook hands with Carmen and Alfred, kissed Roxanne, then grinned at me.

  “Lottie, right? We met a while back.”

  “Yes.” I extended my hand. He took it, then surprised me when he lifted it to his lips and kissed my knuckles.

  “The beautiful muse.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  He grinned again and took a swig of his drink. “I am honored to be the one who sings of your wonder.”

  I frowned. He had to be drunk since I didn’t understand what he was rambling about. Before I could say anything, I saw him.

  Logan.

  Tall, broad, his hair brushed back and gleaming under the lights. Headed straight toward me, his whiskey eyes dark and intense. He was in full rocker gear tonight. He wore dark jeans, Doc Martens on his feet, a white shirt stretched across his chest and arms, rolled up his forearms, showing his taut muscles. He was wearing a vest, but his was leather, thick and manly. His cuffs, rings, and a heavy silver chain around his neck completed the look. He was sex incarnate as he made his way toward me, an intense need building as he came closer.

  I felt three things all at once.

  Relief at seeing him. Anger that he’d kept me waiting. Desire at the look in his eyes as he stared. He covered the ground between us quickly. Hunger for him built inside me as he drew closer, already holding out his hand. The longing to touch him, to be close, blossomed, and without a thought, I stepped toward him, extending my hand, all doubts and worries disappearing as our fingers entwined. He pulled me close, his kiss demanding, claiming, and possessive. My world, which had been gray all day, exploded into color. Yearning coursed through me. I needed more. More of his mouth. Of his touch. I needed all of him.

  But he kept the hard kiss short. Eased back and dropped a kiss to my forehead. He cupped my face.

  “I’m sorry I’m late.” He brushed his lips to my forehead again. “I missed you.”

  My reply was breathless. “You’re forgiven.”

  “Good.” He tucked me into his side and turned to the small group watching us. “Hey.”

  They all laughed and greeted him, and I noticed the familiarity they seemed to have as a group.

  “You ready?” he asked Bobby quietly.

  “More than ready. I’m going to burst out of my own skin soon.”

  Carmen clapped him on the shoulder. “Can’t have that. I’ll go and start this off.”

  Bobby drained his glass. He glanced at me, then winked at Logan. “See ya on the flip side.”

  Logan only nodded, but his arm tightened on my waist.

  I glanced around the room and saw my father on the edge, standing with a few people from the office. His arms were folded over his chest, his attitude closed off and annoyed. I knew I should go over and stand with him, but I didn’t want to. He met my eyes, his gaze flickering over Logan and me, then he turned, facing the small stage that was set up, making my decision easier. I burrowed a little closer to Logan.

  I spotted Brianna and Trev wrapped around each other, oblivious to anyone else, which made me chuckle, and I was surprised to see Rex and Gretch sipping drinks on the opposite side of the room. I was about to ask Logan about them being here, when Carmen stepped up to the microphone.

  He kept it short and sweet, giving a quick history of the two companies, and formally announcing the merger of the two record labels. Amid the applause, he unveiled the new logo of Ravaged Roadside. It was simple—a torn-up road scattered with broken records, all black, with splashes of red.

  After the applause died down, he made a point of thanking Prescott Inc., naming my father and pointing him out in the crowd. I was shocked when then he singled me out, describing my adept handling and enthusiasm for the merger as the reason it happened so quickly and easily.

  “Charlotte’s professionalism and dedication are a testament to the name Prescott Inc.,” Carmen stated. “Thank you.”

  I nodded, embarrassed. Usually it was only my father and the company mentioned. I preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

  Carmen had Alfred and Roxanne join him, and Alfred spoke for a few moments about the vision for RR.

  “Discovering new talent, and providing it a place to grow and develop, is our mission. Giving them a voice. We want to offer the most diverse fusion of talent we can discover,” he finished.

  Roxanne joined the applause and stepped to the mic.

&n
bsp; “The business side is now done. Any media questions can be directed to my office. But for now, we’re going to move to our first order of business. A new signing with the label. You’ve all heard the rumors—” she paused as the clapping and hollers broke out “—and I am delighted to announce it is true. Please welcome Bobby Hayes to the stage.”

  I saw my father step back and melt into the crowd. His job was done—he’d made an appearance and represented his company. He’d have no interest in the talent or listening to the music. He would find Carmen and Alfred, shake their hands, and call it a night. I relaxed, knowing he wasn’t going to approach me here and try to talk. I could relax and enjoy the music.

  Bobby strode onstage, smiling and waving. His guitar was slung over his back, and he settled on a stool after shaking hands with everyone. He adjusted the microphone.

  “Thrilled to be here tonight. And to be part of the launch of this new label. They have such vision and so many things in store for the world.” His voice was low and smooth. “I’ve got a little glimpse of that for you tonight.”

  Then he began to play and sing. Alone, with the spotlight on his handsome face, he was mesmerizing. He was tall and wiry, with a head of curly blond hair that hung over his forehead, giving him a rakish look. His dark eyes were riveting and his voice magical. Growly, low, yet smooth. The song he played was intensely emotional, and his voice did it justice. The music was also familiar, yet I wasn’t sure why. Bits of the bridge, some of the words, lingered on the edge of my memory, but I couldn’t grasp how.

  Beside me, Logan was tense, although his fingers tapped out the rhythm on my waist, and I could hear him hum at times.

  When Bobby launched into his second song, I knew. I looked up at Logan. “That’s your song.” I recognized the melody, having heard him play it as he composed. I cupped his cheek and rolled up on my toes, my lips at his ear. “They bought a couple of your songs!”

  He grinned down at me with a slight bob of his head, but he didn’t say anything. As Bobby brought the next song to a close, Logan leaned down and kissed my forehead.