Music of the Heart by Harper Brooks Read Free Book Online Page A

stages I’ve been on or how many red carpets I have walked, I still get nervous before I do any of it.  Mason just texted Merritt to let us know the guys were already there and waiting on the pink carpet for everyone.  We have just pulled up ourselves and everyone is busy reapplying lipstick after our drinks in the limo.  The girls have decided to let me be the last one out because they think I will cause a little more excitement being a celebrity.
     
                  The minute I step out of the car, I paste on my big celebrity smile but instantly am overcome with a strange sensation.  I can’t figure it out either.  I begin to walk the pink carpet amidst numerous flashes going off and fans lining the streets and I just feel like I am being watched.  The hairs on the back of my neck feel like they are standing on end and I can’t shake this weird feeling.
     
                  I make it to the end of the carpet and Merritt looks at me and immediately asks me what is wrong.  I tell her nothing and we continue to walk inside. 
     
                  We all head straight to the bar for our first of many cocktails.  I know I need to pace myself since I have to sing later in the evening.  As I am waiting for my drink, Elizabeth quickly grabs my hand and tells me she wants me to meet someone special. 
     
                  “Ashleigh, I want you to meet my son, Cross Hamilton.  Cross, this is Ashleigh Kennedy.”
     
                  I look up and come face to face with what has to be the most stunning man I have ever seen.  Can you even call a man stunning because this one is.  He’s got dark brown hair that is styled like he just woke up and ran his hands through it.  Messy but oh so sexy.  And his eyes – piercing sky blue eyes.  The minute our eyes meet, I am overcome with the same feelings I had when I got out of the limousine.  He held out his hand for me and the moment our hands meet, I feel a jolt of electricity like never before.  He had to have felt that too and by the look in his eyes, I know he did.
     
     
     
    CROSS
     
                  The minute my mom goes to introduce me to someone, I instantly recognize her from the pink carpet.  I could not stop staring at her when she got out of her limo.  How could you not look at her?  She’s a stunner – long dark brown hair with golden highlights and her eyes – they look blue but they also look green.  She’ s wearing this strapless, long pink dress and it literally makes her look like an angel.  The crowd went crazy too and the cameras were taking tons of pictures when she arrived.  She looks so familiar to me but I can’t place where I know her from.  I am pretty sure if I had met her before, I would remember. 
     
                  I held my hand out to shake hers and a jolt of electricity went through me.  Surely, she felt the same thing.  She looked up at me like a deer caught in headlights and I knew then, she had felt it too.
     
                  “It’s very nice to meet you, Ashleigh.  How do you know everyone?”
     
                  Merritt quickly jumped in letting me know she was her best friend.
     
                  “No one can figure out how y’all have never met before.  We’ve been best friends since our freshman year at Auburn.  She came home with me all the time.  I’m sure with both of your work schedules, your paths have just never crossed.”
     
                  “It sounds like you stay busy with work.  What is it you do?”
     
                  My friends and family actually snicker and start laughing at me.  I’m trying to figure out why.  They act like I am supposed to know her.
     
                  “Oh, I’m a singer.”
     
                  “Ashleigh, seriously?  You’re not just a singer.  She is a country music super star.  Do you