Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2)

by Ja'Nese Dixon

  “Why did you come here today Sydney, if you can’t sign a recording contract?” She searched his face wishing she’d known him better. She didn’t see anger or stress or disappointment. He didn’t look happy either.

  “I write.” Sydney reached down into her bag and pulled out her binder.

  “I’m listening.”

  “The first song and fifth song from Friday’s set were originals. And I’d love to write more music.”

  “Have you wrote for other artist?”

  “Yes,” she named a few of her biggest hits, he fell back in his seat gazing at the ceiling. “I write R&B, pop, gospel, hooks.”

  She stopped talking, giving him time to think about her request. Last night she thought it over, and writing music would give her access to her true love without the stage.

  “You’d cut the demos and work with Bruce?”

  “Huh, sure. If it’s necessary.”

  He nodded. “Walk with me Sydney.”

  Cameron had a short distance to walk with Sydney before they reached Bruce’s studio. She said she can’t sign, which didn’t mean she wouldn’t. He just needed to convince her that RSE was her recording home. He crossed the room, extending a hand to help her up. His reaction to this woman was unfathomable. To claim a woman as wife material before he knew her was so beyond his comprehension that thinking it should be banned. But he couldn’t help it.

  “Are you going to stare at me all day?” She smiled.

  “I could. Would that bother you?” He reached for her Lara Croft braid draped over her shoulder.

  “No.”

  He smiled, her answer pleased him. Her blouse and jeans did little to conceal her curvy beauty. And the soothing tone of her voice, made him want to hear her sing again. Her gaze settled on his mouth and Cameron knew they had to rejoin the others.

  “Did my offer help with your predicament?” She asked as they approached the Hall of Fame, extending an arm to stop him.

  “No.” It rolled out slowly. He turned to face her.

  Up close in the light of the room he took his time appreciating her. He’d consider her light skin. Back in the day, they wouldn’t called her a redbone. Her sandy brown hair with blond highlights complimented her skin to perfection. And it made her hazel eyes appear near golden with their feline slant. He’d missed their unique hue the other night. And the trail of freckles on her cheeks were adorable.

  “I told you what I want, now level with me.” Her determination shined in her eyes.

  “I want you for an upcoming movie soundtrack.”

  “But that’s out.” She crossed her arms over her full breast.

  “Is it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s a private matter.” She stepped back and he stepped forward.

  “The way I see it, we’re at a standstill. But we can help each other.” The faint sent of flowers made Cameron want to pull her closer.

  “How so?”

  “I’ll let you write for RSE. You’ll work with Bruce and I on this soundtrack.”

  “In exchange for what?”

  “The deal must be exclusive and you agree to reconsider signing with us in one year.”

  Chapter Six

  “We call this the Hall of Fame. It leads to the recording studios.” Cameron placed a hand on her lower back guiding her down the long hall. Sydney stopped to marvel at the plaques. She heard Marques’ music but didn’t realize they’d sold so many albums.

  “This wall is for Marques’ accolades. And those belong to Bruce.” He gestured to the walls.

  “Is Marques your only artist?”

  “No, Isaac too remember.” He smiled.

  Sydney walked over to the wall. The plaques shined. She read the plates. New Artist of the Year. Platinum status. “All from an indie label?” She glanced over her shoulder. It felt right having him beside her.

  “Yes.”

  “We’re ready for you Cam.” Isaac was waiting for them.

  “Ready for what?” She asked Cameron.

  “We arranged a jam session for you.” The sound of a chords called to her from further down the hall. She turned towards the sound. “I called in our best musicians. And I’m sure most of the guys are hanging around. I talked you up. Think you could give them a taste of Friday’s show.”

  He stood close blocking her view with his massive chest.

  “Off the record?”

  “This will be for my private collection. See it as you helping a worthy cause.”

  Sydney laughed. “That cause being?”

  “You’re saving my reputation.” He toyed with her braid, he fingers searing her skin beneath her blouse.

  “Is that so?”

  “Can’t have them thinking I’ve lost my touch.” His smile was like staring into the bright sun. She could easily find herself dumb stupid of this man.

  “We can’t have that, now can we?”

  “I’d be forever indebted.”

  “That sounds like a favor to me.” Cameron’s laughter spilled over. “Oh no you don’t, Isaac told me about you blackmailing him.”

  “Well, you are black, and a male.” She returned his infectious smile. “And don’t let Isaac fool you. That brother of mine knows how to milk me dry. But I’d do anything for him.”

  “That’s what little brothers are for.” He dropped her braid. “So, are you going to give them a little taste of Lady Bird or will it be a sample of Sydney Jones?”

  “You’ll have to wait and see.” She turned on her heals following the sound of the instruments. She entered the studio. Cameron stood behind her. He pointed over her shoulder, calling out to Bruce. She passed her bag to Cameron and entered.

  “Let me introduce you to the musicians.”

  Cameron left Sydney in the booth with the band. He now sat behind the boards inside the studio with Bruce.

  “What did she say?”

  “No.”

  “She said no to Playboy Carter?” Bruce snickered.

  Cameron shook his head. “I need to stop hiring my friends.”

  Bruce laughed. “Excuse me sir, but I’m my own boss.” They could go back and forth all night. “She wants to write instead.” He watched her talking with Isaac her fingers dancing through the air. “Hit play.”

  Bruce pushed a button and her voice filled the room as she played with the note arrangement. Isaac changed the chord progression and she gave him a thumbs up. Bruce adjusted a few levels.

  “Ready?” Cameron asked her through the headset.

  She nodded walking over to the microphone, lifting the stand with the lyrics. She tossed her braid over her shoulder, pulling the headset over both ears.

  He and Bruce moved in sync. Cameron dropped the lights in the booth and the dials glowed inside the studio. He pushed back from the boards to give Bruce free reign to roll back and forth. Because he would in five…four…three…two…. The beat dropped.

  “Turn it up, I want to feel it.” He held his breath until his lungs screamed for release.

  “Breathe bro.” Marques pulled up beside him. He exhaled.

  Cameron wrote the song not believing they’d find a voice to match the one in his head. “This is the title track.” He whispered not wanting to miss a single alteration. She added a run hear and an adlib there, filling out the song. Isaac guided the band and Bruce supported the body of music.

  Cameron stood up and went to his favorite spot. Good music made him see colors. The vibrance in the imagery told him whether it would be a hit or not. His method wasn’t one percent foolproof. But it had served RSE well.

  He laid on the black couch and closed his eyes. Vibrant blues and yellows turned into earth greens. The song faded out and Marques went crazy.

  “Sydney ran that song in one take!”

  Cameron opened his eyes. Bruce sat on the end of the chair waiting for his response.

  “That’s the one.” His eyes found hers, “She’s the one.”

  Sydney fel
l into bed exhausted throwing the coves over her head. They recorded all night. The focused look on Cameron’s face didn’t tell her much. She thought he liked it. But he sat the entire night on the couch.

  They sent for food. Then junk food. And he remained frozen, except for his eyes. After each take they sought her out.

  “Do you think he liked it?”

  “He loved it.” Isaac came to drop her off and decided to take a quick nap on the couch.

  “How do you know? He didn’t say a word.”

  “And he won’t. He’ll mumble a word or two to Bruce. It’s weird. He’s like psychic or something.” He punched the pillow a few times, satisfied he laid down.

  “Psychic?” She tossed back the covers looking over at Isaac. “Are you pulling my leg?”

  He laughed, his eyes struggling to remain open. “No, Cameron can predict a hit. I’ve seen him do it.”

  Hum. They exchanged numbers before leaving. Cameron asked her to think about his offer. Then he vanished. She’d thought he was disappointed in her recordings. It took her a few songs to get back into the groove. Sydney was rusty. That was the first time she’d recorded in a real studio in six years. And theirs was state of the art. Nothing but the good stuff.

  The best microphones. The crisp sound flowing through the headphones told her they’d spared no expense. The “booth” was large enough to hold her, Isaac’s band, and a Baby Grand piano comfortably.

  She rolled over on her back, unable to sleep with thoughts of Cameron. He had a quiet presence. When he spoke people moved. Not out of intimidation but…she search her mind recalling the way he talked with the other men, the musicians, her. It was out of respect.

  They played around with four songs tonight. Sydney hummed the melody of the first song, Damaged. But something was missing. The lyrics held an unsaid ache.

  Can you pick up the pieces?

  I’ve been shatter, I’ve been bruised, I’ve been misused.

  I’m damaged. Damaged by you.

  She played around with rearranging the words. She wondered if they needed to add something to the melody. An hour her brain couldn’t take it, she needed sleep. She reached over and turned off the light.

  Her eyes closed and a chime came from her phone. She slapped her hand around the night stand until she found it. Cameron Carter, it was him.

  She unlocked her phone and read the message:

  Have dinner with me tonight.

  Sure.

  Cameron laid awake with Damaged playing on repeat. He struggled to reconcile his attraction to her and knowledge of her past. Getting her to agree to work with RSE for a year would give them time to see her in action. To see if she was the same woman. To see if she was the woman they needed. He needed.

  But signing her would mean he’d have to keep his hands to himself. His father and fellow group members constructed five cardinal rules of living the life of a successful artist. The SinSation rules, named after their group. And number five came to mind: Don’t bed where you make your bread.

  How would he be able to keep his distance?

  Bedding Sydney would be pure delight. And not only for her sinful body and wicked smile. The way her eyes sparkled while inquisitive. But the inquisitive sparkle in her eyes, quick wit, bubbly laugh, and the ache in her voice conveying a million emotions with ease. Emotions he heard loud and clear.

  She mesmerized the band and the crew, and she was clueless. She had no idea how good she was. She couldn’t or she’d record an album right now. And somehow she managed to have an air of innocence too.

  Cameron grew up in the music industry. To say he was jaded was an understatement. People sought him out for his name sake only. His name was his brand. His access. His leash. Until he started RSE. He forged a wall protecting them from the users and opportunists while reflecting a relatable imagine as a brand.

  Rule number four: Don’t INSERT glitz and glamour was his downfall in the past. His ex-Gabrielle appeared wholesome and the perfect catch until Cameron found himself entangled in blackmailing scheme. It made him a little less trusting, less willing to give his heart again. He didn’t get that feeling from Sydney.

  However, he’d been wrong before. So what was he saying?

  Cameron took several deep breaths curbing the cynic in him. The part of him waiting for people to reveal their true colors. Time reveals all things. He’d work closely with her ensuring Sydney Jones would mesh with RSE.

  Now to convince her to sign the exclusive writing deal. She had to see what he sees in her. She’s a powerhouse waiting to be properly introduced to the world. And something told him it wouldn’t take much to convince her. Then they’d both benefit. He’d have the counterpart to Marques for RSE and she’d have a hit album. Win. Win.

  He’d have to get to know her and somehow manage to keep his hands and heart to himself.

  Chapter Seven

  Cameron guided them into a private room. The scent of cumin and jalapeños made her mouth water as he pulled out her chair to the tune of mariachi music.

  Sydney scanned the menu aware of his eyes on her. The power of his energy made it hard for her to focus, as the words blurred before her. She closed the menu thankful for the privacy of the room. She’d slept in most of the day and spent sometime around the rooftop pool. Now, she was ready to negotiate a contract with RSE.

  Cameron had the power to give her back something she wanted more than her next breath, music. But holding his intense gaze she wondered, if it was possible to have him too. The thought froze in her brain settling into the space left void by her disappointing relationships in the past. Men wanted Lady Bird, they tolerated Sydney. Would Cameron be the same? Another somebody she’d have to get over?

  “So, to what or whom do I owe this honor?” She said in a silky voice, using a finger to trace the rim of her glass, channeling Lady Bird.

  “It’s all about you. Your performance last night had the men excited about the future. So, you can thank yourself.” He relaxed in the chair, poker face intact. It was his eyes that gave him away, caressing her from afar. “Would you like to order Sangria or a margarita?”

  “No, thank you, I don’t drink,” her voice broke.

  Sydney saw the ghost of something running behind his gaze. as if he were leading them somewhere. He asked about her accommodations and the shopping trip. All had exceeded her expectations.

  The waiter returned and took their orders. His eyes locked to hers as if her were reading her soul. It her that made her feel exposed and aroused. She couldn’t take it anymore, her only choice was to lay it out on the table.

  “Is tonight business or pleasure Mr. Carter?”

  “Both.” Her heart hiccuped. His voice had an air of certainty. But nothing about his intensity said “business”.

  Sydney inhaled attempting to gain her composure, “Do you plan to dance around this obvious chemistry we have?”

  “I’m not the dancing type.”

  “What type are you?”

  “I’m in transition.”

  “Transition? What does that mean?” She held up a hand stopping his response. “And please do me a favor and be honest. I’m too old for games. I’m a big girl, you won’t hurt any feelings over here.” She took a sip of her water.

  “I don’t have to lie to get a woman, Sydney. Ask me and I’ll tell you, straight up. And I’m not dancing around our attraction, I’m just having a hard time deciding what I plan to do about it.”

  The waiter returned with their food and she remained mute. They talked about the weather, Houston traffic, and the Austin music scene as his statement hung between them.

  “Mixing business and pleasure is bad business.”

  “We could always pass on the business.” His face fell the slightest bit.

  “That’s not an option.”

  “Why?” He was distributing in every way.

  “Because I need you.” His voice was low and smooth. The haze reflected in his eyes made her squeeze her thighs tighter. A
woman could lose herself with a man like him.

  “Me or my voice?”

  “Both.”

  Cameron’s honesty stung. She wanted him to want her, and only her. She’d traveled the whole “dating her manager” road. Cameron had it right, the two were a recipe for disaster. One Time made millions off her and when he was finished with her, he left taking her career with him. And it left her unable to give herself completely to any man.

  But something about Cameron struck her as different, starting with Isaac’s reaction to him. The way people gravitated to him like trained moths to a flame. Knowledge is power, fluttered to mind. Maybe learning more about him could help her.

  “Why?”

  Cameron sat forward. “Why what?”

  “Why me? Why now?” She left the other questions unsaid. Why do I feel drawn to you? Why do you make me want the very things I shouldn’t? Like intimacy and companionship. Love.

  “I think your voice is a gift the world should experience. And now because RSE has the opportunity to score our first motion picture. I want your voice on that soundtrack. But Sydney, I need you to keep it one hundred with me.” He turned her words on their head. “I’m willing to offer you the writing contract, if you’ll work with Bruce.” He stopped breaking eye contact with her.

  “And….” His pregnant pause called up her fears and uncertainties.

  “We have a strict moral code of conduct for our entire team. No drugs or excessive drinking.” His hands emphasized the words.

  “I haven’t used drugs or had a drop of alcohol in five years. And I don’t plan to start.”

  “Are you sure?” He stared back in waiting silence. Was he baiting her?

  “Cameron say what you need to say.” She an edge of dread creep up her spine, panic rioted in her. Would she always be remember for that one night? Hundreds of shows. Millions of records sold. Yet, Sydney had to find a way to overshadow her youthful ignorance. To move on. To be seen once again for her talent, not her mistakes.

  “I want you but not at the cost of what we’re building. This is a huge opportunity for all of us, and I can’t gamble on you and lose.”