Chapter 2

Energizing music blasted through the stereo as Kade Hardy dripped with sweat. His muscles screamed for a reprieve, but he suffered through his final five pull-up crunches before dropping back to the floor. Dust that had gathered rose in the air and swirled with the breeze that swept in from the open barn door. It was early. The sun was barely filtering through the buildings, but Kade hadn’t been able to sleep last night. Since being told that the CEO of Homes Music wanted to meet with him, his mind hadn’t been able to rest.

Grabbing the towel from the back of the chair, he wiped off his face and turned off the music. The abrupt silence was welcoming. As he walked across the cement to the end of the barn, he pulled his phone out from his pocket.

I know you’re awake. Don’t ignore more me!

Christopher Parks knew him so well. With a smile, he sent his old friend and apology and assured him that he’d be at the meeting. It wasn’t every day that someone like Peter Homes wanted to meet with you, and he wasn’t about to miss out on what the music mogul had to say.

Leaning against the doorframe, he breathed in the crisp air. He loved that moment in the year when the air started to chill. It revitalized his senses and made him feel more alive.

Sometimes he couldn’t believe that he was here. The farmhouse and large acres of land had cost him more money than he’d ever dreamed of making, but it was the perfect place to raise his daughter, Cadence. There were nights that he feared when he woke up the next morning. He’d still be the scrawny kid from the streets struggling to keep it all together. Now he’d been able to afford the nicest of senior citizen’s homes for his mother and pay for his youngest sister to attend the school of her dreams.

Who would have thought that when he was bullied for his poetry at the age of fifteen that he would make it here? A successful songwriter?

It hadn’t been his first dream of course, but as many things in life, that all changed when he had his daughter. He’d been the lead singer in an up and coming rock band, but after their first single hit the charts and the band members had gotten a bit too into their partying, he’d left the scene. His daughter was on the way, and he couldn’t bring her into the same life he’d lived growing up. No, she would have it better than he did, even if he had to settle to make sure of it. But then he found his true call, writing songs with heart and meaning; songs that mattered and he’d found success.

Part of that was due to Christopher. The unlikely friendship that had formed between the two men had opened doors that Kade didn’t even realize was possible. Still, he never forgot where he came from and vowed his daughter would have a better life than a pair of wasted parents who weren’t good for shit. In her eleven years, he’d managed to make sure she’d had it better than him, and he’d see to it that she didn’t want for anything. She’d been the light in his darkness, and he was a long way off from that neglected kid he’d once been. He’d turned the scars on his body into tattoos to remind himself that no matter how high he flew, the ground was only one prideful mistake away.

Knowing that his friend would hit the roof if he was late, Kade hit the showers, shave the five-o’clock shadow that had grown overnight, and pulled out his one suit. He only broke it out as a necessity and never wore the many ties that Christopher had given him over the years. No matter who he met, he would never willingly put a noose around his neck. Sweeping his hand through his dark hair, he didn’t even bother checking his reflection in the mirror.

The inner pocket of his jacket was meant for a tablet. Kade had one, another present from Christopher, but he just couldn’t get into using it. There was something more personal and intimate when a writer put pen to paper, and Kade hadn’t been able to replicate that emotion with the many apps at his disposal on the tablet. So, he used it to record his final products, but nothing could ever replace the notebook. He tucked it into the pocket and swiped his wallet, keys, and phone from the table.

“Where are you off to?” Cadence stood in the doorway behind him with her bright blue eyes narrowed and her lanky arms folded across her front.

“I’ve got to fly out to New York for a meeting, so wish me luck.”

“You weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye were you?” She stalked across the room and leaned against the chair beside him.

He took in the sight of her and sighed. His baby girl was growing up, and it wouldn’t be long that she’d be a grown woman standing in front of him. She was already looking more and more like her mother every day, and he only hoped that she never acted like her.

He’d gotten his girlfriend pregnant too young and even though he’d tried to do right by both of them, she couldn’t take being in a relationship or being a mom and left when things got too rough. After that, Cadence was his focus, and he was determined to not only live his dreams but to raise his daughter in a much better environment.

The older she got though, he couldn’t help thinking about how she needed a mother. Maisy was a hell of an influence, but not ideal for what he thought Cadence needed to develop into a young woman who would be ready for the world. Someone she could confide in that would teach her the things he and Maisy couldn’t.

“You know better. I was just coming to say goodbye. Where’s Maisy? I need to leave her the new card.”

“You’re not going to wear a tie?”

“Don’t you start.” He got enough ribbing from Chris, but then stopped and took another look in the mirror. “Do you really think I need one?”

“You’re good, daddy. You always look handsome no matter what.” She was only mocking the many times he’d told her the same about her beauty.

Cadence stepped into his embrace, and he kissed her forehead. “Maisy’s downstairs with Biscuit. He knocked over another plant.”

“Then you should go down and clean it up. I told you he’s your responsibility.”

She held up her hands and shrugged. “I tried, she didn’t want me to do it.”

He shook his head. That cat had been a menace from the day he bought the place, and if he’d known it would come with its very own feral barn cat, he’d have reconsidered his offer. “If that cat tears up one more thing in this house I’m going to make him into guitar strings.” He walked her out to the hall and down the stairs where Maisy was talking to the cat.

She looked up from her dustpan as Kade and Cadence approached still arm in arm. “I’m going to wring this varmint’s neck if he doesn't stop getting in the house. He’s as wild as a tied coon.”

Kade held his mouth in a straight line to keep from laughing, but he’d always loved the way Maisy talked. Her accent was thicker than most southerners, but she’d been brought up in the deep woods. Kade had hired her to keep his daughter while he traveled when Cadence was six, and she’d been like part of the family ever since.

Kade realized he must have let him in. “Sorry, I think this one’s me. Cadence, baby, catch him and throw him out. Make sure he’s got food and water too.” He took out his wallet and turned toward Maisy. “I’ve got to get going. I wanted to leave you with the new card. I should be back in a few days, so if you need anything just call.” He gave her the card and then headed out.

He had a plane to catch.

Several hours later, he was glad that he’d left so early. Traffic in New York was always a nightmare. No matter how many times he made the trip, it always astounded him how anyone could live in such chaos. Hailing a cab, he settled back and reviewed what he knew about Peter Homes. The man was a shark when it came to talent. He had a gift for turning the average person into celebrities overnight. The man had the Midas touch. He’d yet to produce someone who hadn’t made him millions, but he mostly dealt with pop music. Kade didn’t write pop songs. So what did Peter want from him?

Finally, they pulled up to Christopher’s offices. His friend managed several different successful songwriters, but Kade’s relationship was always different. Christopher gave him his start, so he did favors for his friend from time-to-time, but he wouldn’t sign a contract with him. He would write what he wanted when he wanted. Kade couldn’t deny the money the industry had given him, but he wouldn’t lose his soul over it.

After paying the driver and tipping him generously, Kade unfolded his long legs and climbed out of the cab. The doorman was familiar with him and greeted him warmly. “Mr. Hardy. It’s good to see you again.”

“Javier, how many times do I have to tell you? It’s just Kade. How’s your wife?”

The man shook his head. “Crazy. She’s just crazy.”

The answer was always the same. Chuckling, Kade clapped the man on the shoulder and entered the massive lobby. Just like Javier, the receptionist knew him as well, but he has a feeling that her memory stemmed not from the massive tip that he gave the doorman but from a crush. The pretty and petite brunette blushed and stammered her greeting. Kade gave her a slow smile and winked as he headed to the elevator.

When he entered Christopher’s offices, he was stunned a little off-guard when he saw that Peter Homes himself was there. He assumed that he would be speaking with an assistant, not the CEO.

“Kade! Thanks for meeting us so early.” Christopher said as he leaned over to shake his hand. Pulling Kade close, he frowned. “You couldn’t put on a tie for this?” he whispered.

Shrugging, Kade turned and shook Peter’s hand. “Mr. Homes. I’m pleased to meet you. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the music that you produce.”

The older man beamed with pride. “I just have a talent for spotting talent. I’m sure you’re familiar with Addilyn Wheeler. She’s more widely known by her stage name, America Holden.”

Too late did Kade see the knockout beauty in the corner in the office. Of course, he was familiar with America Holden. The pop star graced glamor magazines everywhere as well as tabloid magazines. Where some stars managed to kick up scandal all on their own, the platinum blonde icon was a mystery all of her own. She had a natural sexuality that immediately made a man hard, but she didn’t endorse it on the stage. If she had relationships, they were private, and she’d never been caught with more than a glass of wine in her hand. In the absence of dirt, the tabloids made up outlandish claims that no one in their right mind would believe to be true.

Today she was dressed in a simple maroon dress that hugged her figure and stopped mid-thigh. It showed off nothing improper, and yet Kade felt all the air leave his lungs when his gazes lingered a little too long.

“Ms. Wheeler,” he said in a low voice as he politely offered his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

She gave Peter a puzzled look, but she accepted his handshake. “I’d say likewise, but I’m afraid I’m not sure who you are.”

As Kade raised an eyebrow, Christopher hastily stepped in. “Ms. Wheeler, forgive my apologies. Kade and I are old friends, and sometimes I forget my manners around him. This is Kade Hardy, a successful songwriter.”

To his surprise, he saw something dark cross her features, but it was gone in an instant. “Mr. Hardy, it’s a pleasure.”

Despite her wholesome public appearance, it was obvious from her disdain that she didn’t think highly of him. After years of working with successful singers, Kade learned one thing from them. These days, it was less about their talent and more about their appeal. These days, he’d be hard pressed to consider them talented. He wrote their songs, they repetitively sang them until the records could be layered and auto-tuned enough to sound marginally good, and suddenly they were successful. Even their concerts were sometimes prerecorded, or there were enough dazzling lights displays to distract the audience from the horrible singing.

Not to mention they were just incredibly annoying to work with.

“I’m sure you’re wondering my interest in you,” Peter said as they all sat down. “After all, Addilyn is a pop singer and not your usual clientele. While she’s an amazing singer, I’m afraid that she’s looking for a challenge. We’re changing tracks. Addilyn would like to try her hand at country music.”

It was all Kade could do not to scowl. She wanted to make the change because she was bored? In that case, she’d just make another country singer who revamped the same song, made it popular for a couple of months, and then faded back into the shadows. That was hardly something that he wanted to be a part of.

“Country music is full of soul and emotion. What sets apart trendy new singers and true country artists are whether or not the singer can replicate that same feeling. It’s more than just singing a few bars. It’s singing with feeling,” he said coldly. He was ready to cut the meeting short when Christopher suddenly cleared his throat. Gritting his teeth, he forced a smile. “I’m sure you’ll find it a wonderful change of pace.”

“That’s exactly what I said!” Peter said.

“Peter, Addilyn, could you please excuse Kade and I for just a moment? There something that I’d like to speak with him about before we get down to details. It’ll only take us a minute.” Christopher gave them an apologetic smile as he gestured to Kade to follow him out of the office.

Once the door was closed, he whirled on him. “What are you doing?” he hissed.

“I could ask you the very same thing. America Holden? You know exactly how I feel about a partnership with someone like that. She won’t last more than a year as a country singer, and that’s mostly because her die-hard fans will loathe to let her go,” Kade pointed out with narrow eyes.

“You don’t know anything about her, and you don’t need to be concerned how long she lasts. You just need to be concerned with how her next few songs will do, and as you pointed out, her fans will follow her. Not to mention that I’ve never been able to connect with anyone as big as Peter Homes.”

Kade regarded him closely. “You’re asking me to do this for you?”

“I’m asking you to do this for both of us. You sign a contract with Peter Homes and America Holden, and you and your daughter will never want for anything.”

“That’s low,” Kade growled.

Christopher shrugged. “That’s reality, my friend. If you make this work for you, you won’t have to work with her again because you’ll be too busy rejecting everyone else. Everyone will want to work with you, Kade. You really will have complete freedom. Isn’t that what you want?”

It was exactly what he wanted. Exhaling slowly, Kade shoved his hand through his hair. “America Holden. Fuck,” he muttered.

“She’s excited about this change,” Christopher pointed out. “She may not be the person that you think she is.”

Kade shrugged. “I doubt that. They’re always the same. Come on, let’s get this over with. I’m sure you’ve already negotiated a disgustingly high rate for me?”

Christopher grinned. “What are friends for?”