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“It did,” she said. “Let’s go through it a few more times before recording.
Two more times through the song, and they were ready to move to his studio. Theresa followed him into the kitchen, and they left their water cans on the counter.
“Mary is going to be ecstatic when she hears we have a new song to debut,” she said. “I’m not sure I want to wait until Star Launch’s anniversary show to release it though. We could include it on the set list for our upcoming tour.”
He led her down the hall to his studio and opened the door for her. “I agree, and we can continue working on the album while we’re on the road.”
“If I can find the time, I’d love that.” She frowned. “I’ll have Jeremy, Charlie, and their teacher with me a lot of the time. I’m also going to fly back and forth for my sessions with Dr. Grayson.”
“How are things going with your therapist?” He flipped on his keyboard, indicating the stool and microphone where Theresa needed to be.
“Really well. By the middle of our tour, I’ll be down to seeing her once a month. I’m also off social media and I’ve stopped reading the tabloids, which has really made a huge difference to my peace of mind.”
“I wondered about that.” He cringed inwardly. “So, you don’t know about the pictures of us strolling on the beach that are circulating through social media?”
She groaned. “Nope, but you were right, Caleb. The people who take those pictures and feel like they have the right to speculate and spread rumors about my life, they don’t know me. It’s one thing to be a fan, to appreciate an artist’s work and to be supportive. That I get, but I truly don’t understand why some people feel the need to run others down or to make stuff up about them. If someone has so little going on in their own life that they have to focus on mine, that’s their problem.”
“I agree.” He gestured toward the stool. “Would you prefer to stand or sit while we record?”
“Stand, so my diaphragm opens more fully.”
He set up the equipment, placed the microphone before Theresa, and handed her the headphones. He swung the second microphone in front of himself and put on his headphones. Sound check,” he said through the microphone. She sang a nursery rhyme, and he joined in as he adjusted the levels.
“Ready?” he asked, glancing at her.
She cleared her throat, drew in a long breath again, and nodded. He played the opening bars, and she began. They got through the entire song without a hitch, and he couldn’t contain his grin. “Want to hear it?”
She nodded and took a seat on the stool. Caleb hit play. He couldn’t tear his gaze from Theresa who’d closed her eyes to focus on listening. Once the song was over, he shut off the equipment. “That came out really well, and we both know how rarely that happens on the first take.”
“It does sound great,” she said, still smiling.
He hadn’t seen her smile so freely or so often since he’d become her band’s director. “We should celebrate,” he said on impulse
“Okay.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s still a little early for dinner though.”
“I know. I was thinking maybe a glass of champagne might be in order.”
“Oh?” Her eyes widened.
He winked at her. “I have a bottle I’ve been saving for a special occasion, and this seems like the right time to pop that cork.” He opened the door for her.
Caleb followed Theresa down the hallway toward his kitchen, nearly overwhelmed by the longing to draw her into his arms. He imagined losing himself in her softness, scent, and her heat. Easing into changing the nature of their relationship would definitely be a challenge. Now that he’d made the decision to take the risk, he wanted her now.
Now works for me. Go for it, said the devil on his left shoulder.
You would think that, moron, said the angel on the right.
He crossed the kitchen to a cupboard and took down two flute glasses, setting them on the counter. Then he went for the champagne and undid the wire over the top. The bottle made a sweet hissing noise when he twisted out the cork. He poured them each a glass and handed her one. “Here’s to the success of our song.”
“Here’s to many more successes,” she said, clinking her glass with his. “Can we sit outside?”
“Of course.” Caleb grabbed the champagne bottle and followed Theresa to his patio. She took a seat on one of the faux wicker chairs, and put her feet up on the ottoman. “What a perfect day,” she said. “Before we go to dinner, can we listen to the recording one more time?”
“Sure.” He placed the bottle on the teak coffee table and settled on the couch.
They drank their champagne and conversation flowed easily between them. He refilled their glasses as they talked about their upcoming tour, local events, and even the role of art and music in society. Still, he couldn’t seem to find an opening to broach the subject of dating.
“How’s Sully’s training coming along?”
