Rock Star: The Song (Book 1 of a Bad Boy Romance) by Kate Ward Read Free Book Online Page B

would be out on my ass or touring for years for little to no money. She really knows the business like the back of her hand.”
    “Lucky.”
    “You could say that. In fact a large chunk of doing well in this business is who you know, not what you know. There are some great songwriters but they can’t get their stuff out there. It’s a tough game and it’s only getting harder with so many folks downloading songs for free.”
    “How do you feel about that?”
    He took a sip of his drink. His eyes were soft, dark and had a way of drawing you in. Over the past few days, he maintained just the right amount of stubble on his jawline. It was never too much, or too little. With so many people drinking coffee in my store on a daily basis, I tended to not really pay attention to the way people took a drink. It’s strange how when you feel an attraction to someone that all of their subtle nuances become interesting. It all feels like a discovery.
    “What can you do? If people want the music they are going to get it for free. Those who want to support the artist will always buy. What can I say? You have your haters and those who love you to bits. It’s the yin and yang.”
    “I can’t imagine that gets any easier if you aren’t with a label though?”
    “Sure, it helps to have the machine behind you getting your music into stores, airports and Walmarts, but the way people are consuming is different nowadays. People are picky. They want what they want, when they want it and the label is realizing that. It’s creating quite a disruption among the bigwigs who run the whole show. Hell, that’s why they are coming down on me so hard, and I’m meant to be one of the top country rock stars in the world. If I can’t escape it, who else can?”
    “Have you thought of going independent?”
    “You sure have a lot of questions.”
    “Sorry, I just find it all fascinating. I mean so many would die to be in your shoes. Having all that money and fame thrown at them.”
    “Is that what you’re after?”
    His tone changed. It sounded almost defensive.
    “No.” I laughed. “I never even sent in my song. I wouldn’t have even thought about it. My life is the café shop.”
    “But you would like it, wouldn’t you?”
    I nursed my coffee.
    “I mean, who wouldn’t?”
    “So it does matter to you?”
    I placed my cup down.
    “I’m not sure if you have misunderstood me. Does it bother you that people would want to be in your shoes?”
    “No. I mean it wasn’t too long ago I was in the same position. What bothers me is those who are looking for fame and money, without giving any consideration to whose toes they step on in the process.”
    “What are you insinuating, Chase?”
    He paused, studying me.
    “Listen, thanks for the supper.”
    “Well, you made it.”
    “I mean the company. I think I should go now.”
    I got up and made my way to the door. I was feeling a little uncomfortable with his questioning. I don’t know what trust issues he had but it was clear that he assumed I was after something more than just an evening.
    He grabbed my wrist and I swung back around.
    “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it. You don’t have to go.”
    I stared into his sultry amber eyes, feeling the allure of being close to him.
    In that moment he pulled me in fast and pressed his lips against mine. Some say a kiss can leave you breathless. This only did because he caught me off guard and I barely had a chance to inhale before he smothered me with those lips of his. For a few seconds I gave myself to him. Allowing myself to feel his tongue swirling in my mouth. I could feel heat building inside me. An urge to completely let me take him. But then I pushed away. He still had hold of my wrist.
    “Let go of my wrist.”
    He paused for a second then immediately released me. “Sorry.”
    “Maybe you are used to having women throw themselves at you. But that’s not me.”
    “I’m used to women using me,” he replied, turning away.
    For