Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Raelyn
Light streams through the curtains as I slowly open my eyes. It’s still early, but my internal clock usually doesn’t let me sleep past eight. Looking over, I find Holt sound asleep, breathing softly, with his arm draped over me. I drink in his naked, sleeping body.
Carefully, I stretch a little, not wanting to wake him. A smile forms on my face, I have been thoroughly used from the soreness I feel. I had a one night stand with a beautiful stranger. He may have ruined me for life, but I would never take a moment back.
My phone is just within reach on the nightstand. Grabbing it, I snap a picture of him to always have a memento to look back on and remember this moment. A pleased smile spreads across my face. Satisfied with the picture, I set my phone back down.
Enjoying the warmth of his body, I take in all his features, ingraining them permanently in my mind. He eventually starts to stir, and those dark eyes slowly flutter open to find me.
A slow grin spreads across his face. “You’re even beautiful to wake up to.”
Butterflies fill my stomach. “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”
At that moment, the silence is broken with ringing.
He groans, rubbing his face. “Shit, it’s too early for this.” Climbing out of bed, he makes his way over to the culprit.
I pull the warm sheets around me as I sit up, mesmerized by his naked body as he answers his phone. I wish I had the confidence he does. His expression is tense as he listens. I can tell that someone is probably pissed at him. My money is on his manager since he gave him the slip last night.
I finally tear my eyes off of him, and reluctantly start to redress. Talk about a walk of shame I’m fixing to do. Looking up, I find his eyes on me as I finish slipping my clothes on. He’s still engaged in conversation, so I ease into the bathroom to freshen up.
I groan at my reflection; my hair is disheveled and my eye makeup is smeared. “Real cute Raelyn,” I mumble to myself. I do all I can to help my appearance, and then send for an Uber to pick me up. Exiting the bathroom, I hear Holt say, “Yes, I’ll be there within an hour. I understand Paul.” And with that he hangs up.
I lean against the wall. “I'm assuming Paul is your manager.”
He casually puts on his boxers. “You would be correct. He’s pissed about last night, so I got the third degree.”
“I can only imagine,” I say.
He gives me a tight smile. “He called about some other news, though. A big, unexpected meeting has come up this morning, and I can’t afford to miss it.”
The sound of disappointment in his voice makes me smile.
Walking over to the bed, I grab my purse. “That’s fine, I understand. I knew our time was limited. Plus, I have to get back to my girls. I will never hear the end of it if I don’t return soon.”
I hope I sound casual even though I desperately want to be back in his arms.
He nods. “Let me drive you.”
I shake my head. “I sent for an Uber while you were on the phone. It should be here within five minutes.”
We stand silently staring at each other for a minute. I feel as though he wants to say more but doesn’t. I’m not even certain what to say in this moment. I feel like this shouldn’t be so hard.
He walks to me, placing his hand on the side of my face. “Something tells me I will never forget you, my pretty little poison.”
A smile touches my face as I lean in and press a kiss to his lips. “Thank you for a night I will never forget.”
His hand slides further into my hair as he deepens our kiss, pressing his body against mine. “You’re intoxicating,” he whispers against my lips.
I can feel how much he wants me right now. I run my finger down his chest and over the length of him, hearing him suck in a breath. “It’s a shame we’re out of time,” I say as I push away.
I use this moment to my advantage, grabbing my heels as I make my way to the door. I toss my long dark hair back and look over my shoulder at him. I can feel his desire as he watches me with a dark expression.
I take in his glorious body one last time, then press my fingers to my lips, blowing him a kiss. “Good luck, music man.” I catch his signature breathtaking smirk as I walk out the door.
Holt
I had just enough time to drive home, shower, change, and make it to the studio.
Paul is standing outside the building. With just one glance, I can tell he’s still fuming about last night.
He crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes. “You would pull some shit like that at your own release party.”
I knew he wouldn’t let it go easily, but I wouldn’t take last night back if I could. A picture of Raelyn’s striking blue eyes plays in my head.
“Something unexpected turned up.” I shrug, and that’s not a lie.
He shakes his head. “You have got to start taking these events seriously, Holt. This is your career you’re promoting, if you care to remember.”
I blow out a breath. “I know, I know. I was distracted, but I won’t be anymore.”
“Good, it’s time you get your shit together. I have a good feeling about this meeting, Holt. This could be big,” he states, excitement now filling his eyes.
I nod my head to the door. “Well let’s go find out, shall we.”
We walk into the meeting room and are welcomed by a group of people. One of the men instantly grabs my attention. The head of my label.
He steps forward out of the group to shake my hand. “Holt Hayes, I’ve been watching your music career from a distance for a while now. I’m Kent Walters.”
I shake his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I know exactly who you are.”
A pleased smile spreads across his face. “Let’s sit and talk business.”
I take a seat at the table and look around.
Mr. Walters walks to the front of the room. “Holt, we believe you have a gift. Not only are you a gifted singer, but also a talented songwriter—that combination is gold. Your new song is gaining attention, fast. We’ve been watching you learn and grow with us for a while now. This industry is hard with long, winding roads, but you’ve put in the time and dedication it takes in this line of work. I have a proposition for you. I know you are new to the label, but we’ve had an unfortunate event happen. I won’t go into details, but I need a new headliner. Someone to open for big names. Please, tell me your thoughts.”
I sit and take in everything he’s saying. My heart is hammering in my chest. I have dreamed about hearing these words. When I signed with Yellowstone Industry recently, I knew it was my golden ticket to the top. Their connections are unmatched. I just didn’t expect things to develop this fast.
I look over at Paul, who is now smiling ear to ear. Guess I’m back in his good graces now.
I look back to Mr. Walters. “So, you want me to go on the road now to headline?”
He nods. “That is exactly what I want you to do. This opportunity is fixing to open all the doors for you, son, not to mention the contract bonus. I think you will be very pleased.”
I’m fixing to be headlining sold out stadiums with idols I’ve looked up to. Pride swells inside me.
“Mr. Walters, I would be honored to headline for Yellowstone Industry, sir. Thank you for this opportunity,” I reply with a genuine smile.
He claps his hands together. “Excellent! I can’t wait to watch your success unfold. We’ll get the ball rolling immediately. Welcome to the big show, son. The sky’s the limit.”
This meeting has been a whirlwind. They want me to go on tour immediately, opening for a big time artist, Morgan Hardy; the dude is gold. I have finally gotten the big break that I’ve been hoping and praying for.
Walking outside, I immediately reach in my pocket for my phone. I’ve got to call Mom.
She answers on the first ring. “There’s my boy. How was your release party? You didn’t drink too much did you? Image means a lot, son.”
I smile into the phone. If she only knew. “I got my big break, Mama. I’m set to go on tour immediately, headlining sold out stadiums and arenas.”
Her laughter fills the phone, along with hooting and clapping. “Holt Hayes, that’s the best news this mama could hear, honey. I always knew you would. You have a gift, my boy, and now you get to share it on the big stage. I love you so much.”
“I love you, Mom. Thanks for always being in my corner.” I smile.
“Baby, I’m in your corner until the end of time. You better always remember that.”
She means every word.
“We’re wrapping things up, so I will call you back later with details.”
“Ok, son. I’m so proud of you, and I know your dad is smiling down right now.”
I can hear the emotion in her voice. My chest feels tight as I think of Dad. He always said he would see me on the big stage one day. I just wish he was still here, but I know he’ll have a front row seat in heaven.
“Thank you, Mama.” I end the call smiling.
Adrenaline pumps through me as I think about my future. This is what musicians dream of, yet I have a smoking hot brunette with big, beautiful blue eyes sitting on my mind amid the biggest news of my life.