He was still frowning.
She sighed loudly. “What?”
“So you’ve, like, never gotten involved with someone you’ve interviewed?”
It should have bothered her that he was asking—she thought they knew each other a little better than that—but the fact that he was insecure and willing to show it made her relax. Scooting closer to him, Savannah cupped his cheek and smiled. “Never. Only you.”
His shoulders sagged as he leaned in and kissed her. “Okay then.”
The rest of the drive to his home was made in relative silence, but Savannah’s head was swirling with thoughts of what life was going to be like now that they were back home. There wasn’t the distraction of his family—not that they had really been one—and now they had their homes and personal spaces to themselves with no one watching. It was definitely a perk.
As much as she was anxious to finish the interview, she realized she was at a point where she wasn’t sure what to do with it. Her original intention to sort of put Riley out there—warts and all—no longer appealed. However, she couldn’t possibly hand in a fluff piece that painted him in an angelic glow either.
The most important thing right now was to get him back into the studio. He was making such great strides with the songs he’d been working on, and Savannah had no doubt once he was surrounded by the instruments, equipment, and musicians, he would get them all done. She was curious to see him at work in that capacity and knew it would add to the story. So far his process had fascinated her, and she was really looking forward to seeing a song go from concept to completion.
They pulled up at his home and within minutes the town car pulled away and they were putting their luggage down inside. Riley immediately walked to the kitchen and grabbed them both something to drink.
“I may or may not have something here for us to eat. I probably should have thought of that on the way here.” He gave her a lopsided grin as he handed her a bottle of water.
“It’s all right. We ate on the plane and I’m not very hungry right now.” The sun was still out and she immediately walked to the large sliding glass doors that led to the deck. Without asking, she unlocked the doors, pulled them open, and stepped outside. Turning her face up to the sun, she sighed. “This is what I was looking forward to.” Straightening, she put her sunglasses back on and walked over to the pool and then looked out at the city below. “I missed this view.”
Riley came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her throat, making her purr. “I wanted to do this with you that first day you were here,” he murmured against her skin. “It was torture for me to have to stand back and watch you and not touch you.”
She smiled as her head slowly fell back against his shoulder. “You’re just spoiled. You’re used to getting who or what you want whenever you want it.”
Lifting his head, he carefully turned her in his arms until she was facing him. “I’m not going to lie to you, Savannah. I’ve been with a lot of women—more than any one person should be—and yes, I’m spoiled because I never had to try. They were always there, ready and willing. But that lifestyle stopped being appealing a long time ago. It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone. And what we’re doing here? I’m not messing around. This isn’t because of proximity, it’s because it’s you.”
Savannah wasn’t stupid. She knew exactly how a lot of musicians lived—the partying, the women. She also knew it wasn’t unheard of for those same guys to settle down and be faithful. Looking up at Riley and knowing what she did about him and how he was raised, she didn’t doubt what he was saying or his fidelity to her.
“You’re awful quiet,” he observed.
“I hate thinking of you with all those other women.”
“You may not believe this but I do too. I’m not proud of myself for it, Savannah, but I can’t go back and change it either. None of them really meant anything to me. Just you. I love you.”
She really loved hearing that. “It’s a good thing, Riley, because I love you too.” Then she pulled back and shook her head. “Are we crazy? It’s so soon. Shouldn’t we be cautious? Shouldn’t we have waited longer to say it? To feel it? To know it’s real?”
Taking her by the hand, Riley led her back into the house and gently tugged her down beside him on the sofa. “We’re not kids,” he said simply, “and I think when you meet someone and you know it’s right, then what’s the point in waiting to let them know how you feel? I would rather start planning our future now—even though it’s only been a couple of weeks—than sit back and be scared or cautious and wait until…what? What are we waiting for? None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow. Losing my mother taught me that. You have to live every day to its fullest. Do the things you love. Be with the people you love. Don’t wait because you may never get the chance again.”
Savannah couldn’t comprehend what it must have been like for him—for his entire family—to lose their mother so unexpectedly. It was no wonder he had the mentality he had, and he was right. What would be the point in waiting to say how they felt?
“You got quiet again.”
She looked over at him and smiled. “I’m thinking you are a very wise man.”
He chuckled. “No one—and I mean no one—has ever accused me of that.”
“Then they’re all not seeing the man I’m seeing.”
“What are you seeing, Savannah?” he asked softly, his hands lightly touching her—skimming her arms, her shoulders, her cheeks.
“I see an incredibly talented man who has so much to give. I’ve watched you with your family and your fans and even with me, and you have a way of making everyone around you feel good. It’s a gift you have.”
“Is it wrong that I’m slightly obsessed with making you feel good right now?” he asked, giving her a sexy grin as he moved in and began to kiss her shoulder.
“Not at all,” she said and then moaned when his lips moved to that sensitive spot below her ear. “I think… I think I wouldn’t mind feeling good right now.”
And then suddenly he was gone. Standing up. Savannah opened her eyes and saw him standing before her, his hand outstretched, waiting for her.
“Where are we going?” she asked coyly.
“I’m taking you to bed. And then later, when the sun is down and there are a million stars in the sky? I’m taking you outside.”
Oh my. On shaky legs, she stood and took his hand. Riley walked backward to his room, his eyes never leaving hers. Once inside his massive bedroom, he closed the double doors and smiled at her. Then, without a word, he stepped forward, closing the distance between the two of them, cupped her face and simply consumed her. His kiss was hot and sweet, sexy and wild and Savannah could barely stay upright.
Which worked out quite well because Riley simply scooped her up in his arms, and carried her to his bed—where he kept her for a very long time.
* * *
For the next three days, it was what Riley dubbed “sex, love, and rock and roll.” Savannah stayed at his house and every morning they went to the studio together. She noted how positively ecstatic everyone was that Riley was finally back and had music to play. There was a constant flurry of activity coming and going—people needing approval on artwork, pictures for promos, and quotes from Riley to release to the press.
While he did his thing, she observed and worked on the story. Between her laptop and her phone, it was practically like having her own office. She checked in with Tommy and let him know the progress she was making and he sounded pleased. Especially since she had admitted that her initial observation of Riley as an artist and musician was wrong and that she planned to explore that in the article.
By the end of the third day, however, Savannah had to put her foot down about going home. Riley’s session musicians were working hard to capture what he wanted, and she knew it was going to be a late night. So she purposely w
aited until she knew he couldn’t leave to tell him she was going. He put up a bit of a fight, but eventually she wore him down, and he was so distracted by the musical progress he was making that he finally kissed her and told her he’d talk to her in the morning.
It felt weird to be home and to be alone. She’d been on her own for at least six years and it was surprising to realize how quickly she had gotten used to Riley’s presence.
“You’re being ridiculous,” she chided herself as she went about getting laundry started and unpacking all her things. Within an hour she was sitting in front of the TV in her jammies, eating some Chinese takeout, and felt like her old self. Not that there had been anything wrong with her new self, but it was good to feel like she wasn’t becoming the type of clingy woman who wasn’t comfortable enough to be on her own for a night.
Part of her felt a little twinge of guilt because she wasn’t working on her article—or anything for that matter—but it had been such a nonstop process for several weeks that she needed some mindless time in front of the television where her most pressing thought was whether the couple on HGTV should love it or list it.
Around midnight, when her eyes were finally fighting to stay open, her phone rang. She didn’t even need to look at the screen to know it was Riley. “Hey, you,” she said softly.
“Mmm…why am I alone?” he said, and she could hear the weariness in his voice.
“Because you were on a roll and I was done working for the day.”
“I thought you were going to be waiting for me in bed. I was very disappointed when I found out I was wrong.”
“Don’t pout,” she teased. “I told you I was going home to do laundry and unpack and all the stuff you didn’t let me do the other day when you pouted to get your way.”
“I must be losing my touch,” he chuckled and then yawned.
“Never,” she assured him. “Get some sleep. It was a long day.”
“I’m going to see you tomorrow, right?”
“Yes, but later on in the day.”
“Why?” he asked, suddenly sounding fully awake.
“I still have things to do, Riley. You’re working on the album and I’ve learned a lot about the process. I’m not needed there. I’m going to head into the magazine offices for a little bit, return some calls, do a little shopping, and then I’ll stop by.”
“Savannah—”
“You’re not getting your way this time, Shaughnessy,” she interrupted. “I know you like having me there and it’s been fun to watch, but I do have a life and a career too. Once you’re done with the album and I’m done with the article, I’m sure we’ll settle more into a routine. But for right now, the album has to take precedence.”
“So I need to hurry up and finish it if I want to have you all to myself again.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s not what I said and you know it. We both work and right now you can’t keep banker’s hours. Trust me, everything will be fine.”
“I miss you,” he said softly, and her heart melted.
“I miss you too.”
“I don’t like sleeping by myself.”
“I think you can handle it.”
“But I don’t want to.” His words were a mere whisper and she knew he was almost asleep.
“Sleep, Riley. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Love you,” he said right before the call disconnected.
Chapter 10
For weeks, Riley was invigorated. Everything was finally coming together with the music, and he and Savannah had found a balance so they were still able to have time together. He’d all but moved her into his house and all those things combined made him a very happy man.
“Everything’s sounding great, Ry,” Mick said as he came into the studio. “I just got done meeting with the guys upstairs and they are very pleased with the progress you’ve made.” Putting his briefcase down on one of the stools, he opened it and pulled out a file. “We’re already talking tour dates and media tour. Your first stop will be Friday night.”
“Wait,” Riley said, putting his guitar down. “This Friday night?”
Mick nodded.
“The album’s not even done yet! What the hell could you possibly have planned for me already?”
Mick shook his head and gave Riley a condescending smile. “What are you, new at this? Now is the time to start schmoozing a little. You have to start paving the way with the press so they’re anxious to get an interview with you when the album is out. You’ve done this dozens of times before, Riley. And honestly? This has been on the schedule for a while. You’ve just been too distracted to pay attention.”
Raking a hand through his hair, Riley knew Mick was right. It was just a part of the business that could be annoying. It almost felt as if he were begging people to like him. In the past, he at least had the rest of his band with him so they could divide and conquer. This would be the first time it was all on him. Which was exactly what he told Mick.
“Don’t sweat it. You were always the most charismatic one in the group. People wanted to talk to you more than Matty, Dylan, or Julian. This will be a piece of cake for you.”
He sighed. “Where and when?”
“Roger Gray is hosting a cocktail party to support the local ASPCA at his home in the Hills. You’ll go, you’ll mingle, you’ll talk a lot about this project, and you’ll give a hefty donation.” He chuckled. “So all in all, everybody wins.”
“I’ll be bringing Savannah with me.”
“Even better!” Mick beamed. “Seriously, she’s a sweetheart. You really did well when you hooked up with her. It doesn’t hurt having a member of the press in your pocket.” Then he laughed heartily. “Or in your case, in your bed!”
Before Riley knew it, he had Mick against the wall, slamming his manager hard against the surface. “Don’t you ever—ever!—say something like that again!” Then he shoved him away with disgust.
Mick stood wide-eyed for a long moment. He cleared his throat, straightened his tie, and moved away from the wall. “Riley…”
His head hanging, Riley took several deep breaths to calm himself before turning around. “Geez, Mick. I…I’m…”
Mick held out a hand to stop him. “We’ve known each other a long time, Riley. And in all that time I never… You never…” He paused. “I had no idea you were really serious about her. I’m sorry. I was out of line.”
“Yeah, well, to be fair, how could you have known? I’ve brought more than my share of girls around here who didn’t mean a damn thing to me.”
“But never more than once,” Mick said. “It should have been a huge tip-off to me that Savannah was different. Really…I’m sorry.”
Riley looked at Mick and gave him a small smile. “We’re good, man. Seriously.” He pulled up a stool and sat down. “Let’s forget about it, all right?”
Nodding, Mick picked up the file he’d pulled out. “I want you to go through this when you have a minute—sooner rather than later would be preferable—and see what you think of the plan so far.”
“Where are you thinking of having the tour open?”
Mick smiled. “If I’ve played my cards right, the Hollywood Bowl.”
Riley’s eyes went wide. “Are you shitting me? The Hollywood Bowl? How? I mean…when did you start working on that?”
With a shrug, Mick scanned through the file. “It was my plan all along but because this album was taking a little longer and we didn’t have a specific date…let’s just say I have some connections there and called in a few favors. I thought it could be very cool to have you start the tour and do a couple of local dates to test the waters. We’re already getting interest from all over the country, but I like the idea of starting here.”
“I’d like to work in some dates back home in North Carolina if possible. I did a lot of writing there while I was hom
e and it just…well…it’s important to me to get some dates in there.”
Mick pulled out his tablet and started typing. “I can’t guarantee it will be one of the earlier dates. We’re looking at here, Vegas, and then some dates across Texas. Nothing’s written in stone yet, but…”
“I understand. I know how it works.” He stood and paced the room. “I have to be honest with you, Mick, I didn’t think it would ever happen.”
“What? The tour?”
Riley laughed. “The album! Man, I didn’t see myself being able to finish it. I was starting to lose my freaking mind!”
Mick laughed with him. “Yeah, well, you got a little spooked, that’s all. That damn documentary messed with your head more than it should have.” He shook his head. “You’re a smart man, Riley. You know not everyone’s going to love you or even like you. The fact that the producers decided to listen to some bullshit gossip and cut you from the project was their loss.”
Although Riley knew Mick was right, it still stung. More than it should. He thought of how he felt when he first met Savannah and she told him she wasn’t a fan of his either. You’d think by now his ego wouldn’t be quite so fragile, and yet it was.
“Look, that project got a lot of airplay and publicity, but it was a bunch of hype. There was no substance to it. It was the same people telling the same stories. It wasn’t worth your time. When this album is done and you’re burning up the music charts, I can guarantee you the producers are going to be begging to do a project with you. And then you can tell them no!” He laughed. “Trust me, it will be very satisfying.”
Riley shook his head and forced himself to laugh. While it would definitely be good to be the one to tell them no, he was desperate enough that he’d be willing to work with them just to prove he was talented and prove them wrong. Rather than share that with Mick, all he said was, “Yeah, we’ll see.”
“Okay, I can see you’re not convinced yet. That’s all right,” Mick said, closing his briefcase. “Do what you gotta do here today and keep me posted on the progress with the tracks. I think you only need two more and we can call it a day.”
This Is Our Song Page 23
