New Beginnings by Cheryl Douglas Read Free Book Online Page B

only person who would understand.”
    “I do understand.” She touched his cheek, wiping away the path of his tears. “I know how you feel about counseling, but I think you may need it before you can put all of this behind you.”
    He sighed. “You might be right. I’ll think about it.” He took her hands in his, looking her in the eye. “I need your help.”
    She took a deep breath, afraid of her answer as much as his question. She knew how difficult it was for him to let his guard down and ask for help. It would be difficult to say no, even for the sake of self-preservation. “Go on.”
    “Sierra, I really need your help on this album.”
    She let out the breath she’d been holding, relieved that he hadn’t asked for a favour of a more personal nature. “I don’t understand. How could I help you with that?”
    “We wrote some amazing songs together for my debut album.”
    “So?”
    He looked away, glancing at the minibar. “I haven’t been able to write anything since the accident.”
    She gasped before she could rein in her reaction. “Are you serious?” She knew Trey’s writing was his therapy. She could only imagine how tormented he must be now, having all of his creativity locked in the prison of his mind.
    He scrubbed his face with his hand. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to get it back.”
    “I thought I heard you were due to release a new album soon?”
    “I am; that’s the problem.”
    She hated to suggest it, knowing how much he would hate the idea. “Have you thought about using another songwriter’s material?”
    He feigned a smile. “You’re kidding, right? I just signed with a new label. If they found out about this, I’d be history.”
    She shook her head. “I don’t believe that. You’re at the top of your game. Everything you touch turns to gold, Trey.” She grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “Make that platinum.”
    He looked her in the eye, exposing his vulnerability. “Tell me you’ll collaborate with me on this album. It might help me to get the creative juices flowing if I have someone like you to feed off. Please say you’ll do this for me. I’ll make it worth your while, financially.”
    She thought about what that kind of money would mean for the foundation and was tempted to accept his offer, but when she thought about the effect it would have on her relationship with Eric, she knew she would have to decline. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
    “I know you don’t owe me anything, Sierra. But I think this could be win-win. You help me and I could help you with your charity.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “I could be your spokesperson.”
    The air drained from her lungs. A spokesperson of Trey’s status would make her charity a household name. It was everything she’d ever hoped for, but never dreamed possible. Dare she accept? How could she not? Those families were counting on her.
    “I’ll do it, on two conditions.”
    He grinned. “Just name it. Anything you want.”
    “I want you to promise me you’ll stop drinking.”
    His smile fell. “Damn it,” he whispered.
    “I know it won’t be easy, but I can’t work with you otherwise.”
    He shook his head. “Fine, I’ll do it, whatever it takes. What’s the other condition?”
    “Our relationship has to remain strictly professional. You need to respect the fact that I’m engaged to another man. I don’t want you to think of me as your ex-wife; I want you to think of me as your partner on this project, nothing more.”
    His hot gaze travelled the length of her body. “I think it’ll be easier to give up the bottle, baby.”
    She glared at him and folded her arms over her chest. “I’m serious, Trey.”
    His gaze finally settled on her eyes. “Okay.” He extended his hand. “It’s a deal.”

 
     
Chapter Five
     
    Trey woke up the morning after his talk with Sierra feeling better than he had in years. He’d finally been able to share his secret. He had Sierra back in