“Oh wise one, giver of beat and bass, Mr. Lover-Lover, what should I do?” Cameron smiled, grateful for a friend like Bruce. But he had to pull his leg a bit. Dodging the wad of paper flying in his direction.
“You’re an ass sometimes.” Bruce laughed.
“Only sometimes?”
“Cameron you have to live in the moment. Sydney’s past is not one you expected, but it made her the woman she is today. A strong, resilient woman. The type of woman worthy to be at your side. She’s the type of woman men like us need. She’s not going to take your shit and she won’t crumble under the pressure of our lives. Like my Sandi.”
Sydney was all that and more. Nothing like he expected. She was a constant presence in his mind since the first time he seen her in S&J. Whether she rocked a big wig, she dubbed her stage hair, or a single plait, her beautiful smile, and golden eyes wiggled past his defenses. Past his wall. Past his hurt.
“Do you love her?”
“Yes.” He could tell Bruce anything without hesitation. Now, he had to tell Sydney.
“Does she know?”
“No, I wanted to finish this soundtrack and get her Southern Sounds situation under control.” Bruce’s I-told-you-so eyes met his. Cameron wanted to control the situation. He dropped his head telling Bruce about their video call.
“That woman has experience enough. Don’t add to it.”
Cameron had no words for his friend.
“You asked, how. How could I love Sandi from afar? I decided to love her whether she wanted my love of not. I would have loved that woman for a lifetime because I knew she was it for me. I decided to pour everything I had into it with no regrets. Not focused on whether she responded in kind, although I knew she would eventually. Her heart just didn’t know it.”
Cameron glanced over at Bruce. Who is this man? “I think you need to become our resident love doctor.”
“Nah, I know you. That Playboy Carter stuff was your way of avoiding this discord you feel right now. To experience the good you have to make room for the bad. No one is perfect. But if you love her, and she loves you….man it is heaven.”
No one is perfect but Sydney was perfect for him.
“I only have one word of caution.”
“Tell me oh wise one….”
“Love her or leave her alone.”
Bruce laid his head back and promptly went to sleep as Cameron played their conversation over and over in his mind, remixed with her, I just don’t want you to feel obligated to love me back. He loved her down to his DNA and it was unlike any previous experiences in his life. It let him know that what he had with Gabrielle wasn’t the same. It didn’t feel like this.
As the plane descended he gathered his possessions knowing his first stop was RSE. He glanced at his watch, it was a little after four. He still had time. They walked from the plane to their waiting cars.
“Man, I’ll see you later.” They hugged. “And thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and for the record, I’m the best man.”
“Dude, that’s too much. Can I tell the woman I love her first?”
“I got to get my name on the list first.” He laughed patting Cameron on the back. “Don’t expect to see me for a few days. I need to spend sometime with my family.” Bruce tossed passed his bags to the driver.
“You should take them to the beach house, Syd and I had a blast.”
“I just might do that.” He walked to the opened car door. “Where are you heading?”
“To the studio, Syd’s session isn’t scheduled to end until six.”
“Look,” Bruce froze pointing a finger in his direction, “no sex in my chair.”
“Who said anything about—”
“No sex in my chair.”
Cameron laughed, lowering into the car.
“Cameron, I’m serious.”
“Bye Bruce.”
“Cameron….” He could hear his muffled voice as Cameron closed the car door. He signaled to the driver. “Take me to RSE.”
“Kid.”
Marques jumped glancing over his shoulder. Cameron entered the room like a thief in the night, following the sound of her voice, slipping into the room. It took his eyes a moment to adjust.
“What’s up Cam? Are you hearing this?”
“Yeah man.” Cameron sat at the board next to Marques. “What song is this?”
“It’s a new song we wrote together. It’s just about done.”
Cameron stood and went back to the couch. He laid back, “Have her run it back.”
Marques leaned over the board. “Sydney, let’s take it from the top.”
“Okay, should I change anything?” Sydney’s voice filled the room.
“Don’t tell her I’m here.” Cameron whispered. The glass partition made it hard to see into the control room when the lights were lowered. It was like a privacy glass meant to help the artist get in the zone.
“No, you’re good. I want to get a clean cut from beginning to end. I’ll layer my vocals, so add any ad libs or runs.”
“Got it.”
Marques relaxed in the chair half turned towards the booth, and half in his direction. He pressed a button and the music dropped.
“Turn it up.” The volume increased and Cameron could feel the under beat vibrating through his body. “What’s the title of the song?”
“Let Love Win.”
Cameron closed his eyes, waiting for the colors to appear. Marques’ hummed over the track and Sydney harmonized with the sweetest twist. He shot up to his feet and glanced at his brother.
“Fire.” Marques said.
Cameron listened at their voices played off each other like a conversation between lovers. Fighting for their love. Lobbying for their love. Declaring love the victor over all. He stared at his love in the booth, her words speaking to his heart, drawing him closer, pleading with him. It was as if she wrote the song for him. To him. About them.
Cameron stood the entire song. His body frozen. “Kid, we’ll see you tomorrow.”
Marques glanced over his shoulder and with a pat on Cameron’s back he left.
Chapter Seventeen
“How was that?” Sydney pulled on ear free from the headphones, her heart racing.
“Perfect.”
Her heart stopped.
“Cam?” Cupping a hand over her eyes trying to see into the control room. The lights in the booth lifted and he stood bent over the board. His eyes glued to hers. “Wha…what are you doing here?”
“I work here,” he said with an unreadable expression on his face.
“But you weren’t scheduled to return until tomorrow,” her voice broke falling into a whisper. How long had he been here? Did he hear the entire song? Did he approve?
“I had a change of plans. Come inside.”
“No,” she shook her head. She wasn’t ready for this conversation. She need more time to make the words work in her favor.
“Syd.”
She rocked back and forth, still not convinced. Call her a coward, but after that awesome session, she didn’t want to hear anything to kill her high. His brows set in a straight line as if he could read her thoughts.
She watched as he stood upright and turned towards the booth door. Oh boy, he’s coming in here. She hung the headphones on the stand then rubbed her moist palms on her dress. The door opened and her man filled the doorway with his broad shoulders. Her eyes floated up to his, he was hiding behind his armor.
“You look tired.” She played with her hands, trying to control her nervous energy.
“I’ve been awake all night.” His expression unreadable.
Knowledge is power. Not now, she thought. If not, now then when? Sydney shook her head and heard him chuckle.
“Talk to me baby.”
She glanced up and his eyes brimmed with tenderness. “Baby?”
“Damn right.” He closed the door.
Sydney held up her hands like two large stop signs. “I said it. I meant it. Bu
t you are under no obligations to say it back. I was caught up in the moment and—”
His mouth was on hers one hand embracing her face the other pulled her body against his. Sydney leaned into his body. He broke the kiss, “I love you Sydney.”
“Really?” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Cameron’s large hands took her face and held it gently, knowing he should have told her sooner. He planned to tell her every chance he got. “Really, I love you Sydney.”
He kissed her forehead. “I love you Sydney.”
He kissed her nose, then her lips again. “I love you Sydney.”
She snacked her arms beneath his and caressed his neck. He lifted her off the ground as her legs wrapped around his waist. He kissed her again, saying the words turned on his flood of emotions. He walked them back to the padded walls, not removing his lips from hers.
Sydney reached for his belt buckle as he tugged on her panties. Their feverish moves were a blur as he pulled out protection, she slipped it on and entered her with urgency.
He arched her on the wall and with each thrust loved her. There were no more words, just the sounds of passion absorbed in the sound proof room. Moving together as one, both giving, both taking, riding the wave of ecstasy. But this was different, rough, primal, welding their souls together.
His groans mingled with her cries as they surrender together.
“I love you too.”
Chapter Eighteen
Sydney and Cameron settled into a rhythm around the rushed project. For six months they worked around the clock, efficiently finalizing the soundtrack, as cast members flew in and out of Houston to record their songs.
It was hectic but it worked.
She’d gone from living at the hotel to staying with Isaac. And now she spent her time split between the studio and Cameron’s house. Today, they were finalizing the the track sequence before sending the soundtrack off for engineering.
Sydney rolled over and glanced at the clock with a smile on her face. She kissed Cameron’s chest. “Babe you up? Babe.”
He didn’t move a muscle. She rubbed her birthday suit against his and felt Cameron’s hand massage her butt. The man could sleep through a hurricane, but the idea of lovemaking could rouse her gentle giant.
“Are you going to Harmony Dance with me?” She propped up on her elbow tracing his lips with a finger.
“For what?” He eyes remained closed.
“I have a taste tasing with the caterer.” She gave his body a hearty shake. “Babe, wake up.”
“I’m up.” He nibbled at her finger, yet didn’t open his eyes. “Who’s the caterer?”
“Helene’s Soul Food Kitchen.”
His eyes popped open. “Uncle Jared and Aunt Helene are here?”
“Yep.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” He stood up and lifted her effortlessly into his arms. Walking through the room to the bathroom cradling her to his chest.
“I tried but you’ve been bouncing around the country.” He’d traveled scouting new artists. Thank God for video calls. He tried to keep the trips short but a day here and two days there added up. “Where are we going?”
“To shower.”
“Oh no you don’t.” She tried to wiggle out of his hold. “I will not meet Bruce’s parents for the first time with my hair plastered to my head.”
“Babe I won’t get your hair wet.” She rolled her eyes. “Promise.”
“I don’t believe you for one second Cameron Carter.”
“I’ll do that thing you like.” He nibbled at her ear and her heart jolted and pulse pounded.
Would she ever get enough of this devious man? The answer was an unequivocal, No. He loved her in all the ways a man could and should love a woman. And all was right with her soul with Cameron by her side.
He lowered her to her feet to the cool tile floor. She turned on the water. There was no way she wouldn’t show up with wet hair, and honestly she didn’t care. Because in about five seconds, she wouldn’t know her name.
Sydney smiled as her man snaked down her body hoisting her legs over his shoulders. Her overwhelming need for him outweighed reason as her held fell back against the shower wall.
He nuzzled the inside of her thigh. “Bon appetit.”
“I look like a wet puppy.”
They’d arrive at Harmony late thanks to Cameron. He tossed her all through the bathroom, the bedroom, and her hair was plastered to her head. She chuckled.
“I think you look gorgeous.” He pinched her nose with between his knuckles.
“Thank you. So what’s the agenda for today?”
“Are y’all still having the brunch afterwards?”
“Yes,” she dragged her comb through her hair, plaiting it while Cameron drove.
“I have my class. I bet the guys will be here. So, I’ll text them to move the meeting to Harmony. That will save everyone a drive.”
She nodded. “I still can’t believe we’re near the end. What’s the status of my contract?”
“Babe, don’t get me started.”
Damian uncovered the details of her contract a few months ago. They’d made several attempts to locate One Time without success. But knowing One Time, he was waiting to make an entrance.
“I sent out a few feelers in LA. But to be on the safe side, I’m interviewing bodyguards for you.”
“Bodyguard? What do I need I need a bodyguard?”
“To give your man piece of mind. Will you do that?”
“Yes, Cameron.” She leaned over and kissed him.
They pulled up at Harmony Dance. Cameron circled the car to open her door, pulling Sydney up to her feet. His hands, massive and strong, wrapped around her waist. He lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her slow and sweet.
“Thank you,” he whispered across her swollen lips. She could kiss him forever.
“Oh lover boy.” A voice called out.
“Marques.” They said in unison.
Sydney laughed dropping her head to his chest. “You better get inside before they all come out.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. They are such pests.” He stepped back grabbing her hand, lacing their fingers together.
“And you love it.”
He His stern face didn’t fool her anymore. She’d learned to read him with almost accurate precision, except his colorful forecasts. By her calculation he had a ninety percent accuracy rate. A few months into her contract she started shadowing Bruce along with Isaac. She saw artists come and go. Many of them singing her songs. And the man would stretch out on the couch and give a yay or nay without a blink or hesitation.
He guided them inside. As always the center was in full force, full of people. Saturdays were the busiest day. Imani had programing for all age levels, children to seniors. Cameron and Marques did their brotherly hug with one arm. Then Marques pecked her cheek.
“Bri here?”
“Yes, her and the kids are back there already.”
“Who’s all here?” Cameron asked, not letting go of her hand.
“Everyone.”
They crossed the lobby going to the back room for the meeting and brunch. They entered the room and it was like the picnic started today.
“Get ready,” Marques whispered down to her, “you’re about to meet the folks.”
Sydney halted, shocked.
“Don’t worry.”
“Just be prepared for Pops to flirt with you.” Marques joked and Cameron groaned.
Sydney shook her head, she’d also learned to stay out of their brotherly teasing.
“Uncle Cam!” A voice screeched from across the room.
He dropped Sydney’s hand just in time to catch a little girl. “Hey Sweetheart! When did you get back?”
“This morning.” He hugged her tight, twisting back and forth. “I missed you.”
“I missed you more. Kayla, I’d like to introduce you to Miss Sydney.” Kayla glanced over her shoulder as Cameron lowered her to the group. “Miss Sydney
this is my lovely niece Kayla.”
“Hi,” she smiled, holding on to Cameron’s hand, “nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Sydney returned her smile, she looked exactly like her mother.
“Which way is your Mom?”
“Over there.” She pointed to the far wall.
“I’ll let you two catch up.” Cameron nodded.
Sydney headed to the table with the wives, stepping around kids and toys. She stopped to hug little ones here and there. And the guys, here and there too. It looked like the entire RSE family was in one room.
“Hey!” She gave a huge wave to the ladies.
“It’s time to get you officially broken into the family. You will get the entire tea today.” Imani said. “Let me point everyone out. There was the Daniels family, Hughes family, and the Carters.”
Sydney couldn’t keep up with all the names. Isaac found her a while later sitting marveling at the grandness of the bunch.
“This is something, ain’t it?” He kissed her check and sat beside her.
“It is. Just when I get used to their family dynamic it gets more complexed.”
“I was like that for the first few years.” He laughed.
“But now you fit right in.” She looked over at her brother.
“Pretty much. I don’t get names mixed up anymore. And if I miss a family function, I get chewed out. So, yeah, I guess it’s official.”
“What should I expect from the Carters?” She leaned into his side.
“Besides Pops being a flirt, they’re good people. Mrs. Michelle would give you the shirt off her back. Mr. Curtis is the life of the party.” He glanced down at her, “Don’t worry, they’ll love you.”
“How did you get used to all of this?”
“I felt weird at first. They love hugging, and staying connected. I thought it was an act. No family could possibly be this close, but now, I’m a believer. It’s like this at every holiday.”
Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2) Page 11