Music of the Heart (Runaway Train #1)(50)
Author: Katie Ashley

Rhys crossed his arms over his chest. “And just how exactly do two people fall into a fountain that isn’t more than a foot deep?”

“It’s a long, somewhat sordid little tale that involves a foot massage, dirty thoughts, and cooling off out-of-control libidos,” Jake replied.

“Huh?” AJ asked.

“I’m freezing. I gotta go get into some dry clothes,” I said as I walked past the guys.

“Well, the party is breaking up, so there’s no need to worry about coming back down. Plus, you guys have an early morning recording session,” Brayden replied.

Jake nodded. “Do me a favor, Bray, and go tell my dad what happened. I’ll throw something on and come back down to say goodbye to Allison.” He then turned to me. “Come on, Angel. Let’s go get changed.”

“Wait, my purse with my room key is on the table.”

“I’ll go get it for you.” AJ hustled inside and then returned quickly looking quite comical carrying my satin clutch.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you, Angel,” he replied with a grin.

As Jake and I made our way to the elevator, we got quite a lot of funny looks from the other hotel guests. I guess it wasn’t everyday they saw two drenched people in formal wear. When we got to my room, I dug around in my purse for the keycard.

Jake leaned one arm against the suite door above my head. “Want me to come in and help you change?” A wicked gleam burned in his eyes. “I’d love to help you out of that drenched dress.”

I laughed. “No thank you. I think I’ll manage just fine.”

“You’re killing me, Angel. I think I have the blue balls to prove it.”

My eyes widened. “What happened to the ‘we need to take it slow and savor every moment’ plan?” I asked.

“I realized that plan was f**ked the moment I saw you across the lobby tonight.”

His words caused my heartbeat to drum wildly. It took everything I had within me not to jump into his arms. “Patience, Mr. Slater. All good things come to those who wait.”

He waggled his eyebrows at me. “I just don’t want to wait that long to come!”

“Goodnight, Jake,” I huffed.

“Goodnight, Angel. Sweet dreams about me.”

I glanced back at him over my shoulder and grinned. “And sweet, G-rated dreams about me for you.”

He groaned. “You’re killing me.”

With a laugh, I let the door close behind me.

***

Chapter Fifteen

Regardless of how much I wanted to sleep in the following morning, I was dressed and downstairs at eight am sharp for the car to take Abby and me to the recording studio. As she hopped in the backseat, I didn’t miss the yawn that stretched across Abby’s face. “Sleepy?” I asked as I shut the door behind us.

“A little,” she replied with a grin. She then scooted across the leather seats to snuggle against me. “Last night was so amazing, Jake.”

I chuckled. “I’m glad you think so.”

Her brows shot up in surprise. “Don’t you agree?”

Bringing my lips to hers, I devoured her mouth in a hungry kiss. I thrust my tongue against hers, seeking her taste and her warmth. I snaked an arm around her waist and tugged her onto my lap. After several long, delicious minutes passed, she moaned into my mouth before pulling away. “I seem to remember there’s someone driving this car,” she whispered.

I grinned. “Are you embarrassed or are you afraid he’s gonna get off on me making out with my girl?”

She lowered her eyes and then bobbed her head. “A little of both.”

“Angel, you’re going to have to get used to me wanting my hands and lips on you. It’s hard for me to hold back, and frankly, I don’t give a shit who sees or what they think.”

A shy smile formed on her lips that were swollen from my earlier assault. “Can we at least take baby steps to the whole mauling me in public?”

I threw my head back and laughed. “Sure we can.” I rubbed my thumb along her cheekbone. “I never, ever want to do something that makes you uncomfortable. So, I’ll try toning it down.”

“Mmm, my hero,” she murmured before kissing me again. We were just about to get hot and heavy again when the car pulled to a stop in front of the studio.

“Ready to go make some music together?” I asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”

I laughed. “You’ll be fine.”

After I helped Abby out of the car, we headed inside. Pinpoint Productions was a smaller studio than what the guys and I usually recorded in, but it was the intimacy about the place and the production team that I loved. Gio, the head producer, came out of his office and shook my hand. “Good to see you, Jake.”

“Good to see you too. This is Abby Renard. She’s the one singing the duet with me.”

“Nice meeting you,” Gio said.

Abby smiled. “Nice to meet you too.”

“We’re thrilled and honored that you wanted to cut you first duet with us. That was some amazing music you and the guys laid down yesterday for the track.”

“Thanks, man.”

Gio glanced between us. “So who wants to go first?”

I chuckled. “I would say for Abby to go ahead and get it out of the way since she’s so nervous, but I guess I better.”

Abby furiously nodded her head. “Yes, you first.”

I took her hand and gave a reassuring squeeze as Gio led the way back into the recording and sound booth. “You can sit right here.” I motioned to a chair at the soundboard.

“Thanks,” she murmured as she eased down. I could tell from her wide eyes she was taking in every aspect and detail around her. I went inside the recording booth and shut the door. After I put on my headset, I waved at Abby. She grinned and waved back. Although the lyric sheet was laid out before me, I didn’t need it. The lyrics were emblazoned on my mind.

Gio’s voice came through my headset. “Okay Jake, let’s try Take One.”

“Sounds good.”

The opening guitar melody played out in my ears, and I began singing. I closed my eyes and focused on the emotions of the lyrics. When I finished, I opened my eyes to see Abby wiping the tears from her eyes. “Good, huh?” I joked.

She nodded while Gio gave a thumbs up. His voice rang in my ear again. “That was kickass, Jake. You’re good, but you’re never one-take good. Let’s try it again.”