Charlie found them. “Thank you, Katie-Jo. The crowd loved your segment. Several people have told me they enjoyed the unplugged aspect because it helped your voice shine. I have to admit I was hesitant because you were an unknown quantity. I researched you, of course, but…” He gave a shrug. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll give you a longer segment next weekend. Enough for two more songs.”
“I’d love that,” Cassie said.
She beamed and looked so beautiful Hone wanted to drag her back to their room. Eating was overrated.
“Excellent. I’ll see you there. Call me if you have any questions. You have my number.”
“Thanks, I will. See you next weekend.”
Charlie left, and they made their way to the carpark.
The moon hung low on the horizon, a copper red in color. Some would say a portent of bad tidings. Hone suppressed a shiver, even though he knew the red glow was likely due to the bush fire they’d had up here this week.
“Is something wrong with Jack and Emma?”
“You could say that. I’ll let them tell you. Why don’t you text Emma and tell her we’re on our way?”
Hone seemed tense and had done since Jack had rung. Actually, he’d seemed strained since Kevin had approached her after the show. Slimy worm. Her manager, not Hone.
Hone…
Visions and memories of their last bout of sex, slow and gentle then fast and crazy as lust had overtaken them both made her smile.
Best. Weekend. Ever.
She tapped a quick message to Emma before shifting her thoughts back to Kevin. He’d done this before—tried to undermine her confidence. In hindsight it was always when he wanted her to do something.Gah!He’d turned her into a needy mess of a woman who relied on others instead of trusting her instincts. She’d changed. All it had taken was one decision to come home because no matter what her mother said or tried to tell her, New Zealandwashome. Once she’d arrived, spending time with Emma had been all she needed to straighten her mind.
Kevin used manipulation to steer her in the direction he wanted.
No more.
“You’ve got your fierce on. What’s the problem?” Hone whipped into a parking spot.
“I was pondering which songs to add for next weekend.” Liar. A quick glance told her he’d bought her line.
“Do you have more new material?”
“A couple, but they’re rough.”
“Work on them. Even if you only add one new one and a cover, the audience would be pleased. You were incredible tonight.”
“Thanks.”
“If you don’t believe me, check with Emma. She won’t lie to you.”
“No, she won’t.”
They walked into the pub hand-in-hand. She hadn’t expected Hone would be a demonstrative lover, but he seemed to savor the contact. He made those weird purring sounds that made her tummy roll in a good way. Unlike Kevin, he didn’t have secrets and agendas.
“They’re over there,” Hone said with a jerk of his head.
“Good timing,” Emma said as they neared. “They said the kitchen was closing, so we decided to order for you.”
“Did you enjoy the show?” Cassie asked, the suspense killing her. She thought the show had been good, had been pleased until Kevin.
“I wish you could have heard the comments from the crowd,” Emma said. “Tell her, Jack.”
“You’ve made new fans. The ones sitting near us intended to download your music online.” He grinned at Hone. “You thinking of changing professions?”
