Another person approached from the left, and security stopped them when they were within a few feet. I was sure most of the people wanted to talk to Kurt. There had been a low buzz about his presence all evening.
So far, security had not been overly obvious and blended well with the atmosphere. I still felt like I had my freedom. Kurt’s attendance also made a great cover for the need to have security. I wondered if Garrick had asked him to attend for that reason.
The band played soft music as people mingled. Kurt had been introspective for the last couple of minutes. He turned to me. “Do you remember when we would go to karaoke night and sing together?”
I smiled. “Those were good times.”
Dylan hadn’t been a fan. But he’d been a good sport because Kurt and I loved it. No one cared what you sounded like at karaoke, and everyone cheered for everyone. I enjoyed the comradery.
Kurt took a swig of his bourbon. “Man, they were. You and I could really carry a tune together.”
“We could. I only sing in the shower now.”
“Great acoustics in the shower. I bet you can still carry a tune.”
I shrugged and sipped my drink. “Maybe we’ll have to see some time.”
Kurt was about to speak when someone from behind us said, “I’ll donate twenty thousand dollars if you two sing onstage.”
Our heads whipped around to the man standing five feet away—short dark hair, clean-shaven, expensive tux. Security instinctively drew closer.
“What?” I asked.
Casually, he took a sip of his drink and watched us. He had a dangerous feel about him. Louder, he said, “I’ll donate twenty thousand dollars if you two sing onstage.”
Kurt stepped in front of me. “I’ll donate twenty grand for the gesture. Have a good evening.”
A few of the officers in attendance turned our way, and the attention was completely on us. Twenty thousand dollars. Wow. The large sum was being thrown around as if it were five dollars.
The stranger appeared to be sizing up Kurt. “Well that would make forty grand. I’ll throw in an extra twenty for the hell of it. Sixty grand for the men in blue. Seems the least we could do for the men who protect our community.”
Those who heard clapped. Great. This was a no-win situation.
I stood there, shocked. If Kurt matched it, this man would raise it again. Kurt began to say something, but the last thing Garrick needed was to have some headline hit the newspapers about his girlfriend unwilling to help raise money. And Kurt’s band didn’t need the bad press, either. “It’s okay, Kurt. It’s for a good cause. One song.”
He leaned in to speak quietly. “Knoah, this could make the headlines.”
“It’s fine. We’ll deal with it.” With the mob potentially after me, how could this make my life any worse? I already had security out the yin-yang. I teased Kurt, “It’s for a good cause. And you better pay up when it’s over.”
Ignoring the challenger, Kurt and I walked toward the stage. “You sure you’re okay with this, Knoah? We don’t have to do this. I can handle it.”
That man would cause a scene—I could feel it. And before it was handled, it would be news. Ugh, whoever he was, I hoped Garrick would set him straight later.
“I promise.”
Kurt watched me to make sure there wasn’t any hesitation on my part. “What do you want to sing?”
I thought for a second, but my mind came up blank. “Something not romantic so they can’t try to tie us together. I don’t want that battle again now that Garrick and I are involved.”
He gave me a nod and a grin. “I’ve got just the thing. Hold tight.”
When the song ended, Kurt signaled to the lead singer. The band kept playing a slow melodic tune to avoid dead air. The lead singer was dressed nicely in slacks and a dress shirt but had an edge to his look. Kurt extended his hand. “Kurt Hendrix.”
“Jimmy Mason.” Of course, he tried to play it cool, but Jimmy was a little awestruck.
He nodded to me as Kurt continued, “Hey, Jimmy. Someone has offered a substantial donation if we sing a song. Do you mind if the band backs us up?”
“Nah, man, it would be an honor. I’m a huge fan. What song do you want to sing?”
“Do you guys know ‘Hallelujah’? I know it’s probably not what you typically play, but the melody is easy enough to improvise.” Kurt loosened his tie a little. He hated tuxedos with a passion. He’d even refused to wear a tux to prom back in the day.
I don’t think Jimmy expected that song choice from Mr. Rockstar. I had to keep a straight face and not laugh. The public only knew one side of Kurt, but he could sing the hell out of any genre. “Yeah, we sing it at weddings and shit. Our version is a little faster, to give it a different spin, if that’s okay.”
“That’ll work. Knoah and I can improvise on the speed.” I nodded when he glanced my way. Kurt and I had sung it a million different ways over the years. Kurt asked, “Wanna sing with us?”
The singer’s eyes widened. “Yeah… wow. Holy fucking shit.”
I suppressed another giggle at seeing this man awestruck in front of Kurt. Having a third person singing would make it less intimate, which had been my fear. I loved my best friend. He always looked out for me.
Jimmy looked at Kurt and then me, obviously excited. “How do you want to do this?”
Kurt thought for a second. “How about I do the first verse, you the second, Knoah the third, and all the fourth. We’ll harmonize on the Hallelujahs throughout.”
“Perfect,” Jimmy responded. It was sweet that Kurt gave him this moment as opposed to taking over.
Kurt looked at me, and I said, “Got it. No problem.”
This song would be perfect for this function with regard to style.
A band member handed us additional mics. Jimmy said, “Why don’t you introduce it while I catch the other guys up on what we’re doing.”
“Sounds good.” Kurt took the stage, and I followed behind him. Before he spoke, he looked at me, giving me another chance to back out. I nodded to go ahead. Stage Kurt came out—the tightness in his face relaxed and his show facade come out in full force. “Hey, guys. Sorry to interrupt the party.” The room grew silent. “I’m Kurt Hendrix and this is my friend Knoah. A considerable donation was offered if we’d sing. I think it’s a pretty good trade-off, don’t you?”
People clapped. Garrick appeared from one of the side doors and looked at me with concern. I smiled, hoping to keep my expression casual. He wasn’t happy. Uh-oh. We’d talk about it later, and I’d explain everything. I was safe, and security had been around us. The decision we’d made was best for all parties.
I focused back on Kurt to keep the nerves at bay.
Kurt continued, “I thought so, too. We all appreciate what the police force does for this community. Thank you to all the officers.” Another pause for applause. “And thank you to Garrick Shaw for sponsoring this event. It’s an honor to be here.” More claps. “We’re going to sing something Knoah and I have sung since the early days when we became friends. Are you guys ready?”
More cheers.
The room grew silent and Kurt began the song a cappella. His voice reverberated through the room. It was smooth, deep, and absolutely beautiful. I closed my eyes, listening to the sound and getting myself ready.
The first set of Hallelujahs came. I brought the mic to my lips and came in on the back half of the word. At least my voice hadn’t cracked. I had this. Focusing on the song and the tune, I blocked out the crowd.
The band came in and the beat increased.
Jimmy was up next, and he, too, had a good voice. It was soulful like Kurt’s, full of dimension but higher in pitch. He took a step forward until he was parallel to Kurt, leaving me a foot or so behind them. As he sang about beauty in the moonlight, I prepared for my turn.
We harmonized our Hallelujahs, our voices melding better this time as we learned each other’s voices.
The sound gave me peace.
Quickly, the song morphed into the last verse, and we harmonized, our voices blending perfectly now that we had the feel for each other. This was why I loved karaoke; the impromptu feeling was amazing. It was like old times with Kurt blending with my present.
I had needed my friend more than I realized. As the song drew to a close, we moved toward each other until we stood together on the stage, lowering our voices for the final notes.
The song finished and applause filled the room. I searched for Garrick, who stared at me with a blank expression. I wasn’t sure what he thought, so I shifted my gaze to above everyone’s head.
Was I terrible? I blinked a few times to keep the tears from coming. My chest felt heavy. I wanted to cry.
Kurt took the mic. “Thank you to Jimmy and his band for letting Knoah and I sing the song. To the gentleman over there who suggested we sing…” With his finger, Kurt pointed out the man who stood off to the side. A few gasps were heard. Though no one else could probably detect it, I heard the irritation in Kurt’s tone. He didn’t like this man forcing our hand. “I’ll see you at the donation table with your check for forty grand.” A few more gasps. “Another thank you to the police force for all you do. I know everyone here appreciates the sacrifices made.”
The room erupted in applause, and I waved and then followed Kurt off the stage. Out of sight from everyone else, he grabbed me for a hug. “You did fantastic. Man, I missed that.”
“Me, too. I’m glad you’re back in my life.”
We rounded the corner as Garrick came up the steps. He stopped and stared at me. Kurt said, “I’m going to track down that asshole and make sure he fucking pays. Prick.”
Garrick nodded, still not saying a word. Was I awful? Surely, Kurt would have told me or jumped in to save my solo part. “Garrick, I—”
“You take my breath away.” He paused, letting his emotions free for a second. Pure wonder stared back at me. “Seeing you up there, knowing you’re mine… It was the best feeling in the world.”
Relief washed through me. “Really?”
“You were amazing. Unbelievable. I had no idea.” He leaned in and touched his lips to mine. Against them, he murmured, “Now I have to make sure everyone knows you’re taken.”
Teasingly, I bit my lip. “My dance card is open at the moment.”
“Consider it filled.”
With one last kiss, we walked back out to the party. Knowing Garrick felt extremely possessive of me was a heady feeling—one I’d never experienced before.
Chapter Thirty
In the blink of an eye, dinner was finished. The menu turned out to be fantastic and more in line with the Shaw name. The fish, steak, and chicken dishes were all from one of the finest chefs in the area. I was pleased, since they were the initial meals I’d voted on. Brenda and the team at Shaw International had kept everything in line with my initial vision, including the emerald accents. The guests seemed to enjoy themselves as they raved about the event.
From a distance, I watched Mickey work with the two new girls. It was bittersweet to see someone else do my job. But they were Navarro’s people. Why is Mickey working with him? It was too coincidental for it to be nothing. Did Joe find anything out about Mickey and her secret rendezvous? I wasn’t sure.
None of it made sense.
The captain of the police department and his wife, along with a few other prominent members of the department, sat at our table. Conversation flowed easily, especially with Kurt receiving most of the attention. He handled the questions with grace and poise, making the people feel like they knew him more than they actually did.
I leaned in to Garrick while everyone else was engaged in other conversations. “Were Kourtney and your mom not able to make it?” Their names had been on the original guest list.
“No, Kourtney’s kids are sick. Mom is helping her since Hugh is out of town for work.”
“Oh, no. Poor Savannah and Derrick. We should send them a little get-well bouquet. Balloons make everyone happier.”
Garrick brought my hand to his lips. “They would love that.” The song changed, and he stood. “I think my name is on your dance card.”
I laid my napkin down on the table. “I believe it’s on all the lines, if I’m not mistaken.”
“It is. May I have this dance?”
“Absolutely.”
Garrick turned to the table. “If you’ll excuse us.”
He led me out onto the empty dance floor. “Garrick, no one is dancing.”
He winked and pulled me to him. “This way there will be no mistake who you belong to.”
The possessive words sent a shiver down my spine. I loved belonging to him. That giddy feeling danced in my stomach, and I stared up into his eyes and saw only admiration. The beginning lines of “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran filled the room.
Garrick brought me into his arms, and slowly we made our way across the floor, completely lost in each other. I followed his lead easily.
“I didn’t know you sang.” He kissed my lower jaw. “When did you start singing?”
“It was something Kurt and I did for fun after we turned eighteen. We would go to karaoke night and sing different songs.”
We circled a few more times as the song described people falling in love in mysterious ways. What I felt for Garrick was strong, and it scared me.
What if… No. No what-ifs. Focus on the now. What I feel.
“I’m falling for you, Knoah.”
Did I hear right? Did he say what I think he said? The giddiness came full force. “Really?”
He searched my eyes. “Yes. Undoubtedly.”
I smiled, feeling the remaining walls around my guarded heart fall. “Me, too. Undoubtedly.”
For a brief moment, he closed his eyes. The breath he blew out was soft and full of relief. “Thank goodness.”
It still amazed me that as controlled as Garrick seemed to be, at the center he was vulnerable like me. Though it had been a short time, my heart was ready to take the next step. I was ready to put myself out there. “You know how you wanted people to know I’m yours?”
“Yes.”
“I want to be yours in every way.”
We stopped, and he looked at me, heat building behind his eyes. “Are you sure?”
I reached up and kissed his lips. “Yes, I want this if you do.”
“Without a doubt.”
Garrick pulled me closer, and I laughed with happiness. We began to dance again, but he held me as close as possible. I felt cherished. And the desire came back full force. Tonight Garrick would be inside me, claiming me as his. If only we could leave early.
He pressed his lips to my forehead. “I will treasure this gift you’re giving me.”
“I know you will.”
Regardless how this relationship ended up, Garrick would understand what I was giving him tonight—he would respect it. And if he didn’t…Well, I would cross that path when I had to.
No what-ifs. Focus on how you feel in the here and now.
The song came to an end. “Let’s mingle a bit. I might be able to leave early after making the rounds.”
“Do you want me to go back to the table?”
“No, I want you by my side.”
Another song started. Hand in hand, he led me off the dance floor. I noticed people staring at us as we passed by. A camera flashed in the distance. What had they seen while we danced? I hoped they’d seen two people falling for each other. Inside, I felt changed—alive and free.
Beside me, Garrick tensed.
“Garrick. Knoah. It’s good to see you.”
On Garrick’s right was Hastings, and I stiffened. With a swagger, he took a few more steps until he stood in
front of us. Security remained at a distance. I noticed when Garrick was by my side, people were allowed to approach more freely.
Extending his hand, Garrick greeted Hastings with ease, though his grip on my hip told a different story. Two older people joined us from behind Hastings. From the resemblance, they had to be his parents.
Garrick greeted everyone, defusing the situation. “Good to see you, Hastings. And you as well, Evelyn, Ricardo. This is my girlfriend, Knoah. Knoah—”
The woman cut Garrick off and reached her hand out to me. “I’m Hastings’ mother, Evelyn. It’s wonderful to meet you.”
She was gorgeous with her long blond hair and slim figure. We were almost the same height—close, but not quite.
“It’s nice to meet you, too.” I held out my hand. The woman seemed absolutely delighted to meet me, which seemed a little over the top. But I would imagine being a mobster’s wife, everything was over the top at times. How close had Garrick been with Hastings’ parents when he was younger? “You have a beautiful voice. Have you been singing for long?”
“Thank you. I haven’t sung much since college. But Kurt and I used to sing karaoke all the time together.”
I gave a swift pull, and she released my hand. “That’s very sweet. And it seems our Garrick has found such a sweet girlfriend.”
Our Garrick? By his tight facial expression, this wasn’t a feeling my boyfriend shared. Or was it a mask? I couldn’t tell.
“Thank you. He’s a good man.” I looked up at him, and his features instantly softened when our eyes connected. “I’m a lucky girl.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
I squeezed his hand, and we turned our focus back to Evelyn and Ricardo. They were looking at us with… Is that… love? How close were they to Garrick? Or how close did they think they were? It was odd, to say the least. Behind them, Hastings cleared his throat, and the uneasy feeling increased. While his parents seemed okay, this whole situation put me on edge.
Hell, this was the mob. Of course they would put me on edge. I gave three little squeezes to Garrick’s hand, hoping he’d understand that I wanted away from these people.
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