Chapter Seventeen
“You were brilliant,” Hone said and, unable to help himself, he hugged her while they were both still holding their guitars. He stepped back with a grin, but kept hold of her free hand. “The crowd loves you.”
“Thanks. I have to admit, I was worried about the new songs.”
Hone led her backstage and tugged her from the path of the musicians loitering behind the scenes, ready to play.
“Katie-Jo!”
The manager guy—Kevin—glared at him. Interesting. Obvious he disliked Hone hanging around Cassie. Too bad. He’d had his chance and mucked it up. Cassie wouldn’t forgive and forget his betrayal. Besides, Hone was certain she liked him a little now. This Kevin joker wouldn’t get his way this time.
Unless Cassie decided to sign another contract with him.
Hone pushed aside the concern and his taniwha’s snarl—luckily hidden amongst the rockin’ beat coming from the headline act who’d taken the stage.
“Kevin, what did you think of the segment?”
“The songs were good. Not your best, but they went down well with the crowd.”
Hone found himself gaping as her manager tried to undermine her confidence. He opened his mouth to slap the man down but Cassie beat him to it.
“Bullshit, Kevin. What are you drinking? The crowd picked a new song for my encore.”
“Because they don’t know you here. They haven’t heard your songs before. This isn’t a good test. You’re better going the pop route. I think—”
“You know what, Kevin? I don’t care about your opinion, and this isn’t the time or place to discuss it. I’ll give you a call and make an appointment to see you when I get back to Los Angeles. You coming, Hone?” She stomped away, and both men stared at her retreat.
“You won’t keep her,” Kevin snarled.
Hone forced himself to meet the other man’s gaze, forced his taniwha to behave, forced calmness to his tense muscles and gestured with a hand shrug. “Hey, I’m just the music man.”
He ambled after Cassie. The last thing he wanted was for the man to hurt Cassie again. After all, he’d discovered jealousy could make a taniwha do stupid things. A human male was probably no different.
His phone buzzed as they exited the performers’ room. Fresh air washed across his face as he answered. “Hey, Jack. Did you guys catch me playing?”
“Is that Jack and Emma?” Cassie asked.
“Yeah.” He raised his hand in a hang-on motion. “Wait. What? Crap. You okay?”
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Cassie demanded.
“Okay, we’ll meet you at the gate. Just a sec.” He lowered the phone. “Do we need to hang around for much longer?”
“I’d like a quick word with Charlie about the show next week. We can leave after that.”
“Yeah, we won’t be much longer.”
“Why don’t we meet them at the pub we passed? The one just down the road. That way we can grab something to eat. I’m starving. A sandwich won’t cut it tonight.”
“Good idea. Jack. There’s a pub called The Thirsty Cricket. You should have seen it on the way to the vineyard. Yeah. We’ll meet you there. Grab menus. We’re both starving.” He hung up. “We have a date. You were great out there. I am in awe of your talent, and the crowd loved your songs. All of them. Don’t let that fool manager of yours pierce your confidence. If you don’t believe me, ask Jack and Emma. They were in the crowd and will have ground-level feedback.”
Cassie beamed and darted close to press a quick kiss to his lips. “I was excellent tonight. Don’t worry about me. I don’t understand the game Kevin is playing, but I won’t fall for it. The man is an ass.”
“That’s my girl.”
“I need a shower. Do I smell?”
She smelled like him, not that he intended to impart that knowledge. “You’re good.” He nuzzled her neck. “You smell like flowers and woman. Perfect. Let’s go and find Charlie then we can have dinner.”
