Liner Notes

by Madden, A. M.

  Fresh tears sprung, not only because of my love for my friends, but for the outcome I craved that seemed impossible but was now within my reach.

  “Leila, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes.”

  “Most definitely yes!”

  The moment I opened my door and saw her there, I knew I should have ignored the hard, obnoxious knock.

  “I reached out to Heather. She said she hasn’t spoken to you yet,” Jen said with a raised brow. No hello, no explanation why she’d appeared on my doorstep with ice-blue eyes blazing. I had to fight from barking out, Fuck off, bitch!

  “I haven’t had a chance. Come in.”

  She whooshed past me before plopping down on the couch. “Louis wants her signed sooner than later.”

  Fuck Louis too.

  “I’ll call her in the morning.” Lie. I had no intention of investing a minute in a new client when my resignation letter was already sitting in my draft emails.

  “Good.”

  “Is that all? I was about to head out to meet a friend for dinner.”

  “Oliver?”

  “No.”

  “You two made quite a ruckus last night.” She scooted that bony ass further back on the cushion and crossed her legs. “I’ll have to thank Oliver for including your title and company to the press. He’s really good for you, Lori.” Her expression softened enough to cause suspicion. Nothing Jen did was from the heart. Reaching into her designer handbag, she pulled out a folded piece of paper and smiled. “Louis is thrilled with Cannon’s success so far, and he attributes it to your hard work.”

  Right then I knew she was full of shit. No way had the execs, or even she, missed Cannon’s defiant move on Galaxy this morning. And no way were they happy about it. I could only imagine what lies Jen had spun to cover his ass. With each one, no doubt she’d made sure the silk of her web was securely wrapped around each of my ankles.

  “What’s that?” I asked with a sickly cheerfulness.

  “These are your promotion details.” I went closer to take what felt like the devil’s contract, and by simply unfolding it I felt like it was her way to ensure I sold my soul to said devil.

  I glanced over the bulleted temptations—20 percent increase in pay, two additional weeks of vacation time, and an apartment in New York City.

  “This is very generous.”

  “Louis believes in rewarding his employees.” Where most would be concerned with my lack of appreciation, she merely threw me a smug smile and stood. “Well, I’ll let you go. Enjoy your dinner, and I’ll touch base tomorrow to get details on your conversation with Heather. She’s a doll; you’re going to love her.”

  That was more bullshit. I had researched my little prospect, and from what I’d read so far learned that she was a spoiled rotten brat.

  “Sounds good.” Refusing to give her the satisfaction of what she probably believed was a reward that would forever indebt me to her, I opened the door and added, “Good night, Jen.”

  Once the cloud of her expensive perfume had wafted by, I pushed the door closed before flipping her the bird on my side of the wood and muttering, “Bitch.”

  Chapter 36

  Cannon

  I hadn’t had a moment to breathe since my interview on Galaxy the day before. Nor had I a moment to myself between rehearsing with the band, meeting with Dylan to review last-minute tour details, and then meeting his wife, Krista, to discuss that damn pic of Tabitha and me that wouldn’t go away.

  So it wasn’t until I was in my dressing room, waiting for word it was time to hit the stage, that my nerves consumed me full throttle. I had downplayed my family’s sadness over missing my opening night. And now I knew why I preferred them not to be there. The way my hands shook so badly, I had no confidence I wouldn’t bomb tonight. It was bad enough to do it in front of thousands, but it would be even worse to have my family witness my epic demise.

  Seth suggested I take a shot of whiskey to calm me down, but one shot did nothing. In my state, I wasn’t sure three or four would do the trick. Maybe that was why so many rock stars depended on alcohol; it all started with that shot to chase away the jitters.

  “Knock, knock.” Glancing at the door, I saw Seth standing there with clipboard in hand and a ridiculous earpiece thingy that wrapped around his head and managed to distract me for a few seconds. What a tool. “Ready, boss?”

  My anxiety stopped me from barking Don’t call me boss, something he’d kept doing even after I’d asked the pain in the ass a million times not to. “I am. Is Chris all set?” My best friend had kept to his promise and come to support me.

  “Yep. He’s first row, three seats to the left of your microphone.”

  It had been great spending time with him last night. We’d had a quiet dinner in my room, which had led to reminiscing over our childhood. Externally, he’d seemed okay, but I could see in his eyes the hurt breaking up with Holly had caused. It had made me ache with guilt, and I’d said as much out loud. He’d admitted he missed her, but he unquestionably appreciated me forcing Holly to tell the truth.

  “You’re on in about ten. Do you want to stay here or wait side stage?”

  “Side stage.” Being in that room for even another minute would drive me mad. I grabbed my guitar, something I insisted I carry out myself to give my hand something to grip, and blew in a few deep breaths before heading for the stage.

  Seth fell in step beside me, halted with a finger to his ear, and said, “Ugh. Dylan needs me. Are you okay to walk alone?”

  Was he serious?

  “Yeah, I think I can manage.”

  “Okay. I’ll be waiting for you after you’re done.” He clapped my shoulder and with a cheesy grin said, “Break a leg, boss,” and took off in the same direction we’d come from.

  It was dark backstage, but the house lights being on as I peered toward all the filled seats in the area kick-started a new bout of anxiety. Forcing myself to focus on the music itself and not the numerous faceless bodies watching me, I paced to release some of the pent-up adrenaline.

  “Cannon.” Expecting one of the stagehands who worked for the arena, I twisted to see a female silhouette standing a few feet away. I knew the curve of those hips, the proud posture of those shoulders.

  “Red?”

  “Yeah, it’s me.” Her soft voice caused every ounce of my nervousness to dissipate into thin air. When I stepped closer and my eyes focused through the darkness on her face, she steadily held my gaze.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for you.” She came closer still, but not close enough to touch me.

  Not wanting to pin too many hopes on why she might be there for me, I asked, “As Seth’s boss?”

  “No,” she said with a small smile. “Seth doesn’t know I’m here. Neither does Jen or the label.”

  My eyes scanned the area. “He’ll be back any minute.”

  “No, he won’t. Dylan and Krista are aware that I’m here. They know everything. They’ll keep him busy for a while.” Only then did she step close enough to eliminate the space between us. “I have a lot to tell you, and I will. But for now, I’m here to wish you luck… although you won’t need it. You’re going to kill it, Cannon.”

  “Red, I need to know why you’re here,” I repeated. If it was as a supporting agent, I wasn’t sure I’d be okay with that.

  “I’m here to support the man I fell in love with as he opens his tour in New York City.”

  Still gripping my guitar in one hand, I slid my other around her lower back to keep her body against mine. “How long are you staying?”

  “Just tonight. Play for me, and know I’ll be watching the entire show. And then I’ll meet you in your hotel room.” She leaned up and kissed me long and hard, and fuck I felt that kiss in every part of my overanxious body. Like a salve, it soothed the nerves and calmed the anxiety while stirring that deep-rooted desire I’d carried since the day we’d met.

  “Sorry to interrupt,�
� said a familiar voice. Refusing to break away from her, I opened my eyes to see Dylan standing to the side. At that moment, the house lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into a deafening applause. “It’s time.”

  “Knock ’em dead,” Lori said against my lips through a stunning smile. “I love you.”

  Before I could kiss her again, tell her the same, hug her one last time, she slipped out of my hold and disappeared down the darkened hallway.

  Dylan met my confused expression with a large grin. “Surprised?”

  “Just a bit.”

  “We got your back, Cannon.” He expertly nudged me so I could snap out of my daze. “Go.”

  Running up the stairs with a smile that split my face in two, I looked out into the crowd, not seeing anything but the gorgeous redhead who’d taken a huge risk to come see my opening night.

  “Good evening, New York City!” I said hungrily. “I’m Cannon Davis!” Now that I knew she was here fighting for us, what I should have been feeling all along came rushing through me. The theater continued to buzz with chants and cheers. “Thank you for coming. I am so honored to start my tour in such a great city.” I waved to my backup band, positioned myself front and center, and said, “It’s time to party!”

  It wasn’t the thunderous applause that ignited the fire within I hadn’t felt all day—and worried I wouldn’t ever again. It was knowing that my girl was there, in the building, watching.

  Seth hadn’t stopped talking since the moment I flew off the stage. And there wasn’t one thing he’d said that had registered. I just nodded through it all—out the back door, into the waiting car, on the drive to the hotel, and up the elevator.

  Once we arrived on my floor, I finally spoke my first words. “Seth, thank you for all your help, but I’m tired. So get lost.”

  He looked insulted for all of three seconds before a smile lifted the corners of his thin lips. “Ahh, you got me. I’ll be sure to…”

  “No, I’m serious,” I said in a tone that left no doubt he had grated on my last nerve. “Whatever you need to tell me can wait until tomorrow. I don’t want to be disturbed for any reason tonight.”

  “Um… okay, boss… um. I mean, Cannon. If you need anything—”

  “I won’t,” I said over my shoulder, leaving him standing with one foot in and one out of the elevator. I really didn’t know how I’d get through this tour without killing him. Led by a beefy security guy named Hank, I then walked down the hall toward my room.

  My heart pounded in anticipation as I waved my key across the sensor. “Thanks, man. See you tomorrow.”

  Hank nodded and waited for me to let myself in before heading back the way we’d come. With a motorized click, I was inside searching for her. But the room was empty, and my heart sank.

  “Red?”

  And then the bathroom door opened, and there she was again, barefoot, in jeans and a sweater, looking fucking gorgeous. “Hi. I didn’t know if anyone would be with you.”

  “Nope. Just me.”

  “Cannon, you were fantastic out there.”

  “Because I knew you were watching.” I was torn in half over wanting to know what brought her to me and needing to rip every shred of clothing she wore before sinking into her. The way she uncharacteristically fiddled with the hem of her sweater was what stopped me from the latter.

  “Can we sit a minute?” Following her lead, I sat beside her on the bed and waited. “Just let me say what I need to, okay?” My silent nod caused her to drag in a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” she began without pulling punches. “I didn’t know how to handle Jen’s threats without putting you in jeopardy. The day you walked out, Cannon, crushed me. I wanted to stop you, but I couldn’t do it. And then I spoke to Leila, and she said I needed to play Jen’s game until we could figure out a way around her manipulations.”

  I listened for what seemed like hours as Lori recapped the things that Jen made clear she wanted to happen. The things she dangled in Lori’s face to sweeten her requests. The way she tried to sway Lori’s platonic relationship with Oliver into something more. Although I still believed he was a fucking prickhead.

  She went on to tell me about how the Lairs planned to start their own label, and by doing so they’d walk away from LRV and their calculating golden child, Jen Baxter.

  “Where does Jen think you are right now?”

  “A family emergency. She deserved no more than that explanation.” She studied my face for a moment. “We know we’re asking you to put a lot of faith in us, but once this tour is over, Jack and Leila would like to sign you on with their new label. And as soon as they are up and running, I’m giving LRV my notice.”

  “What happens then?”

  “I’ll be joining you on tour as your girlfriend. LRV can’t stop me in that capacity.”

  She continued to watch as I processed all her news. “How long before that can happen?”

  “A few weeks?” Torture. “Until then, I’ll sneak over to see you whenever I can swing it. Krista and Dylan will help in any way they can. I already planned to meet you in Boston next week.”

  I stared deep into her gorgeous green eyes, waiting for an exception to this surreal plan she laid out, but none came. Her expression remained unwavering and steadfast.

  “Red, I need to tell you everything that happened with that chick in the photo.”

  “Cannon—”

  “No, listen. We made out, there was a lot of touching, but it went no further. I swear.” I could’ve gone on to inform her of Oliver’s instigating visit, and the things he’d spewed, but if that man’s name never came up again I’d be fine with that. “I’m yours… but you’re mine.” It wasn’t a question.

  She smiled and nodded at my declaration. “I’m yours.”

  The smile fell from her face when I pulled her to her feet and in one swift motion lifted the sweater up and over her head. Using the pad of my thumbs, I circled each lace-covered nipple while stating, “We have one night?”

  “For now. I’ll be sneaking out after you board the bus tomorrow morning.”

  “Well, then don’t plan on sleeping until then, Red,” I said with a smirk, unbuttoning her jeans to slip my hand inside. When my fingertips skimmed over her, she arched and moaned so erotically that I practically came in my pants. I quickened the motion while attaching my lips to hers, circling and circling until she trembled at my hand. While still devouring her mouth, I swallowed her heavy breaths and didn’t break away until the last tremor ceased.

  A long, breathy sigh told me she wanted more. The just-came look on her gorgeous face was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen.

  With the foreplay out of our way, I quickly stripped her bare and yanked off my own boots and clothes before tossing her on the center of the bed. My eyes ravished her nakedness as I fisted my throbbing cock. I was on fucking fire for her, and she was the only thing that could extinguish the flames.

  She opened her eyes as I settled between her legs. “Fuck me, Cannon.”

  “I plan to, Red.” I rubbed my hardness against her clit, enjoying how she squirmed at the contact. “Feel that?”

  “Yes.” Leaning closer, she took my bottom lip between her teeth and tugged. Her hands skimmed my chest and traveled to my back until she gripped my ass. “Stop teasing me,” she pleaded, pulling me tighter against her.

  Not able to stand the pressure building in my cock any longer, I drilled forward in one swift thrust. She slammed her head back onto the pillow.

  “God, I love fucking you.”

  “And, I fucking love you,” she responded in a breathy whisper. The curve of her neck begged to be kissed. I trailed my lips along her smooth skin, but with each stab, my needs became carnal, animalistic. Savagely, I bit down on her shoulder, causing her to gasp.

  “Come, Red,” I demanded when I looked at her face. Grabbing the back of my head, she pulled me to her lips and kissed me like we hadn’t seen each other for years and not days. The way she moaned into my mouth made it hard
for me to hold back any longer. “Fuck, Red. Now.”

  On my demand, she clenched around me so forcibly I could feel it in every cell of my body. I watched in awe as she came apart right before my eyes. Only when she stilled from exhaustion did I focus on myself. Through hooded eyes, it was her turn to watch as I chased my own release.

  She opened wider for me, knowing I was almost there. Lunge after lunge had me feeling like I’d run a marathon. The buildup in my balls became unbearable until I finally exploded inside her. With our eyes tethered in an unbreakable bond, she traced my lips with her thumb as I panted from my exertion.

  “Fuck, that was phenomenal,” I managed to say between my gasps for breath. A slow smile spread across her face before she laughed. “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m so glad you’re a stubborn motherfucker.”

  Remembering my claim from the night we first came together I grinned and kissed her hard and fast. “I warned you.”

  Epilogue

  Lori

  From the shadows we watched in awe. Knowing what an emotional moment this was, he held my hand tightly while pure magic happened before us. It all seemed like a dream. The hazy air swirled through the darkness and made it impossible to see anything but them in the spotlight… making it surreal, ethereal. The soothing melody mingled with his raspy voice and filled the cavernous space. Otherwise you could probably hear a pin drop.

  The song had been written by Jack for Leila a long time ago, but its message was clear. Those lyrics could have so easily been written for Cannon and me, because they fit us perfectly.

  I can’t guarantee a life free of pain.

  But I’ll protect you always, every second each day.