Notes of the Heart: Book 2 of the Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series

by Charli B. Rose

  His touch tenderly rubbing the paint off my cheek brought me out of the whirlpool of my thoughts. “There,” he whispered and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “All clean and perfect.”

  As his lips moved to mine, his slippery fingers ran over my torso, warming my skin and generating a pleasant buzz beneath the surface. Soapy hands cleaned, then dirtied and got me off in a span of minutes. Then he hoisted me up and linked our bodies. I watched as he closed his eyes and lost himself to the pleasure he quickly found in me.

  When he set me back on my feet, he shut off the water and tossed me a towel. “Now I remember why I prefer sex in a bed,” he said with a chuckle.

  I had no response. I’d always enjoyed shower sex with…

  Nope, not going there.

  Leaning over, I rubbed the fabric over my hair briskly. The soft sound of terrycloth against skin was the only sound in the steamy bathroom. From the corner of my eye, I watched him. The whole scene was a level of intimacy we’d never had before. The white fabric stood out starkly against his sand-colored flesh. A swift swipe of the towel over his head easily dried his super short, dark hair. Pulling his jeans on, his eyes met mine.

  “Why are you staring at me?”

  I shrugged and answered, “I was just imagining what you’d look like if you let your hair grow out.”

  “Uh-uh. Not gonna happen.” He shook his head, then grabbed his shirt from the floor. “If my hair gets much longer than this, it gets curly and kinky. Courtesy of my mom’s genetics. Makes people not take me seriously enough.”

  “Don’t have a coronary, Doctor. I was just wondering.”

  I bent down to dry off my legs. Stepping behind me, he curled his body over mine and pressed a kiss to the base of my neck.

  “Hurry up. We have to go.” With that he strode out of the bathroom. “I’m going to put your bags in the car.”

  Shaking my head, I finished drying off. He hadn’t even tried to cop a feel when he was draped over me. I could’ve been persuaded into round two. Maybe.

  I was feeling all kinds of weird. Probably because every night as I tried to drift off to sleep, I’d been trying to imagine living with Beckett. Being in his life permanently. I was very conflicted about it. Running a brush through my hair, I examined my reflection in the mirror to make sure all the paint was gone. He’d done a good job.

  Satisfied, I moved to my room and was gathering a clean set of clothes when Beckett made his way back in. I donned a pair of purple undies and matching bra. For a brief moment, he took in my scantily covered form.

  “Where do you want to put the portrait?” He strolled over and touched his lips to mine.

  “Umm…” I shimmied into my skinny jeans. “Will it lay on top of our suitcases in the trunk?”

  “I think so. I’ll put it in and wait for you in the car.” He spun on his heel and headed out of my room.

  “I’ll be right out,” I mumbled at his retreating back.

  Five minutes later, I locked up the front door and made my way down to my car. As I leaned inside the passenger door, I said, “Pop the trunk so I can make sure the painting isn’t going to shift too much.”

  After shifting it a tad, I was certain it wouldn’t move in a detrimental way. “OK. I’m ready,” I said with a sigh as I slid into my seat.

  Beckett waited for me to buckle up before he shifted the car into reverse and set us on our way. “Did you take your pill?”

  “Not yet. But I will in just a second.” I leaned forward and adjusted the radio to Beckett’s favorite station, since the radio would be his only company once I passed out.

  “I didn’t get to tell you, but the painting of your parents is really good.” He turned to look at me for a second, then looked back at the road.

  “Thanks. I didn’t actually finish it until this morning,” I admitted.

  “So, that’s why you had paint on you when I arrived.” His eyes crinkled as he grinned at me.

  “Yes. And I’m sorry about that. I know you like to keep to your schedule,” I apologized as I dug my phone and my motion sickness pill out of my purse.

  “I’ll forgive you this time since I got a few minutes of quality time with you out of the deal. Speaking of being late, don’t forget to text your mom.” He directed his attention back to the road.

  “On it.” I tapped away, letting Mom know we were slightly behind schedule. Opening my water bottle, I washed down my magic pill and prepared for the drowsiness to take over.

  Not even five minutes down the road, my eyes started drifting shut. “Do you remember how to get to my parents’? My Dramamine is kicking in.”

  “I remember, babe. You take a nap now. I’ll wake you when we get there.” His hand squeezed my knee for a brief moment before returning to the proper position on the steering wheel.

  “Thanks, babe.”

  As my mind started to float to oblivion, the radio announcer caught my attention. “Hey, all you Loyals. We don’t have official confirmation just yet, but we have it on good authority that Lyrical Odyssey will be doing three special shows in the coming weeks. One of them will be within our listening area. We’ll keep you posted.”

  My head was too fuzzy to process the words that may have only been part of a dream anyway.

  When I woke up later, Beckett was pulling into my parents’ neighborhood. “Welcome back,” he greeted me when he saw me stirring in the passenger seat.

  “You remembered the way.”

  “Yep.” He parked in the driveway.

  Before we could even get out of the car, my mom was rushing down the steps to greet me. “Don’t open the trunk while she’s out here,” I muttered under my breath.

  “Huh?” Beckett asked, confused.

  “The painting’s a surprise,” I whispered behind my hand.

  “Oh, right.” A sheepish look crossed his face.

  I got out and enveloped my mom in a hug. “Sorry we’re late.”

  “No worries. Let me help you get your stuff inside, then we can go.” She moved to the backdoor of the car.

  “I’ll get our suitcases, sweetheart. You just grab your purse and your camera.”

  “Thank you,” I mouthed at him as I reached into the backseat to grab my camera bag.

  Linking arms with Mom, we went into the house while Beckett wrestled our bags out of the trunk. Moments later, he entered the house. “Should I take our bags to where we stayed last time?” he asked.

  “That’d be lovely, dear.” Mom patted his cheek affectionately before turning back to me.

  I smirked at him behind Mom’s back. When Beckett returned moments later, I asked Mom, “Where’s Daddy?”

  “Out back.” She motioned to the backyard. “He’s hoping Beckett will go with him to pick up food for dinner.” She cast her eyes up at Beckett, where he stood with his arms looped around my waist.

  “Absolutely. And where are you ladies off to?” He squeezed my torso in a backwards hug.

  “We’re going to pick up the flowers and go make sure the venue is set up,” Mom chimed in.

  Beckett pressed a kiss to the top of my head, then headed out the backdoor to find my dad. “Ready?” Mom asked as she handed me her folder full of party info.

  “Yes.” And with that, we were off.

  As Mom drove to the florist, I opened the folder to see a list of names. “Is this the list of everyone who’s coming?” My finger tracked down the list to see who I recognized.

  Mom glanced over briefly. “Everyone who RSVPed, at least. There are always a few who don’t answer. But the more the merrier.”

  My eyes scrolled down the list. “Brittany’s coming?”

  “Yes. She’s visiting her parents this weekend too. So, I thought it would be nice for you two to catch up.”

  “Thanks.” It had been a while since I’d seen her. Not since I was home recovering from surgery a couple years ago.

  “Mr. Anderson is bringing his new girlfriend?” I asked in astonishment. Dawson’s dad hadn’t ever gotten r
eally serious about anyone after the divorce. But it was time for him to settle down again in my opinion.

  “Yes. Kimberly’s really nice. I think you’ll like her.”

  My breath hung up in my throat as I continued to read down the list. Dawson + 1 was scribbled near the bottom.

  “Dawson’s coming?” I squeaked out.

  THANK YOU

  I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you have taken your precious time and money to read my creation. Your options of reading material are limitless, yet you invested in me. That means so much. So, thank you for giving me a chance. I’d love to hear from you about what you think of Dawson and Izzy’s journey so far.

  The story you’ve just finished in Notes of the Heart was actually written before Beats of the Heart. When Dawson and Izzy first started revealing their love story to me, they were already broken up and trying to figure out their futures either together or apart. Their breakup story as told in Beats of the Heart came about as I was transitioning from Notes of the Heart into Songs of the Heart (the conclusion to Izzy and Dawson’s story). I know that many of you were angry with Dawson at the end of Beats of the Heart. I hope after reading this installment, you have a better understanding of what happened. And I hope he’s winning your hearts back like he has to do for Izzy.

  Thank you for taking this ride with me.

  SNEAK PEEK!

  Want to find out what happens with Dawson and Izzy next? Their story continues in Songs of the Heart. Sign up for my newsletter to find out when the next installment will be available.

  Songs of the Heart

  Blurb:

  Sometimes love’s song needs rewinding.

  Izzy

  Best friends to soul mates to … nothing. Since we were six, Dawson was the most important person in my life. He was my first everything. First friend, first boyfriend, first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. For years our love was a masterpiece. Then two years ago, he ghosted me. Now my world is grey. I’m finally trying to start over, to add muted colors back. Beckett has helped let the light back in. And he’s ready to paint our future. But I’m not sure if I can give it to him, even if I owe him. Every time I consider moving forward my heart starts singing a familiar tune.

  Dawson

  Now I know why they call it falling in love. The splat at the end. I should’ve known better than to fall for my best friend. Because now I’ve lost my love, my friend and the inspiration for every song I ever wrote. I know the truth now about how it all ended, and I long to fix it. But there’s a new man in her life. A good man. One who hasn’t broken her heart and doesn’t put her at risk by just being around. My head says I should love her enough to walk away. Too bad we don’t love with our brains.

  Best friends to lovers to heartbreak. To a second chance?

  Excerpt from Songs of the Heart

  My breath hung up in my throat as I continued to read down the list. Dawson + 1 was scribbled near the bottom. “Dawson’s coming?” I squeaked out.

  “Oh, yeah. I guess I forgot to tell you that I sent him an invitation. I didn’t think he’d be able to come. I mean I’m sure he’s really busy. But then he called to confirm that he’d be here, and he was bringing a friend. Isn’t that nice, honey?” She patted my hand.

  “Yeah,” I whispered. After all this time, I was finally going to be in the same place at the same time as him.

  “Maybe you guys will be able to catch up. Clear the air about whatever went wrong so you can be best friends again,” her voice was hopeful.

  “With all the people who’ll be at the party, I’m sure we’ll both be busy chatting with everyone.” I prayed that was the case. I wasn’t sure I was ready for an awkward reunion with the former love of my life. Keeper of my broken heart.

  “It’s a good thing he’s coming for dinner tonight, then,” Mom declared nonchalantly.

  “What?” I screeched. My heart started palpitating at an odd rhythm.

  “Yeah. Michael and Kimberly were already coming over for dinner. When I found out Dawson would be in town early enough, it seemed rude not to invite him and his date. Is there something wrong with that?” She frowned at me.

  “Um… no. But Beckett just may piss his pants,” I joked, trying to play it off.

  “That’s right. He’s a big fan of LO, huh?”

  “That’s an understatement,” I scoffed. “So… um… what time are you expecting them over tonight?” I asked casually. Meanwhile inside I was freaking out.

  Could I really stand to see Dawson with a date? I hadn’t paid a lot of attention to entertainment news lately, but surely, I’d have noticed if he was in a relationship. Wouldn’t I?

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  So, I know these things are generally written in third person as if someone else is talking about me. But I just can’t do it. LOL. It may be “unprofessional” but I’m just me. And I hope that’s OK with you guys.

  I’m a Carolina girl, through and through. I have lived in North Carolina my whole life. I’m a wife, a mom, a scientist and a freelance editor. And now I guess I get to officially add author to the list of things I am. I still can’t believe it.

  For as long as I can remember, reading has been my favorite way to pass the time. I always have a book with me and usually am reading more than one at any given time. Editing for indie authors gave me a unique glimpse into the indie publishing world. It’s a world I’m really enjoying becoming a part of.

  I’d love to hear from you guys. Tell me what you think of Dawson and Izzy. Tell me what you’d like to see me write next. Recommend a great book for me to check out. Let me know what typos you found within my pages. Whatever you want, I want to hear from you.

  Join my Newsletter

  Check Out My Website

  Send Me an Email

  Join my reader group: Charli’s Rockin’ Reader group

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Here I go again—wracking my brain trying to think of everyone who has helped me in some way on this authorship journey. This is probably the most emotional thing I’ve had to write for this book. Even since my debut release just a few short months ago, my village has grown and so has my gratitude. I am going to do my best not to forget anyone. The list of wonderful people in my life who helped make this possible is really long.

  Always, my husband is first on the list, as he should be. Brian, your belief in me astounds me. We vowed a lot to each other all those years ago. And you have surpassed everything you promised. I am so blessed that God gave me you. To my son, your pride in your mommy warms my heart so much. You have told so many people about your mommy writing a book. I love you and Daddy so much.

  And to my family, close and extended, your love and support over the years gave me the courage to do something like this, so thank you.

  Leslie, you have been a constant in my life for longer than we should even say since that dates the both of us. I know romance isn’t your jam, but you read my books anyway—even in their rough form—simply because you’re a good friend. Your help on all things art related and assistance in creating authenticity for my plot added so much.

  CJ, thanks for your help on making sure the musical aspects of my story were accurate. And the book trailer you created for me, with original music, was so much more than I ever dreamed.

  Alora, you set my feet moving down this crazy path. I can’t thank you enough for making the voices start talking to me in my head. And thank you for your help with the photo edit for the cover.

  Susan, I don’t even know exactly where to begin. You’ve given my stories a physical image, a way to make an impression on readers long before they read the first word from me. It’s like you crawled in my mind and gathered up all the bits I dreamed for a face to these stories, and you not only put them together beautifully, you made them better. You’re more than my cover designer though. You’re my friend. And that’s worth far more than a cover. Your encouragement was always timely and kept me going, even when I might have stopped.


  Krysta, Yanette, Jill, and Crystal, thank you so much for beta reading and helping me work through the parts of the story I worried most about. I couldn’t have done it without you.

  Ann Marie, you’ve been amazing throughout this journey. Your marketing help has been instrumental in helping me gain visibility.

  Tempi, thank you for helping me try to make smart decisions.

  Athena, Crystal, Anne, Kennedy, Sunniva - thank you not only for helping me find and fall in love with the rocker romance genre, but also for being wonderful friends to this aspiring author.

  Rebecca and Heather, your tips and advice pushed me to tell this fully fleshed out version of Dawson and Izzy. I have no doubt your guidance helped me paint a story people can’t just imagine but also experience.

  Nathanie, thank you so much for making my words shine and for loving my characters (and for demanding the best for them).

  Karen, thank you for your editing expertise. You’re the comma queen.

  KB, thank you for making my interior look so pretty and for being so patient with me as you accomplished that.

  Special shout out to the authors whose fictional bands made appearances in this book—Crystal Kaswell’s Sinful Serenade (My Book) and Athena Wright’s Feral Silence (My Book). I can vouch for both these series. If you love rocker romance, you will love both series.

  Thank you to Whiff for helping me create something so very unique. Izzy’s special perfume mentioned in the book is an actual perfume that I worked with a perfumer to design. It really is called Happily Ever After, and it is amazing. If you want your own bottle of it, here’s the link to it https://www.whiff.com/products/charli-happily-ever-after

  My ARC team, thank you all so much. I am so new to this whole thing. Your willingness to help has been such a blessing to me. And your feedback made me feel so much better about the decisions I made with this story. Thanks will never be enough.

  Charli’s Rockin’ Readers, you guys kept me going. Your enthusiasm and love for my characters is not something I ever could’ve anticipated. You all have had me tearing up on more than one occasion.