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“Isn’t this that got you guys into trouble in the first place? You claiming ownership of songs that you co-wrote with Jersey and Rory?”

“That,” I said taking a step closer, “was decided on by the courts.”

I took another step, but she didn’t move away.

“It wasEver, wasn’t it?” I said. Her eyes flicked wide open, and she took a sharp breath.

“It was one of my favorite songs too,” I said. “And still is.” I began to sing it softly.

“If you ever need a friend,

Someone to help you tie loose ends,

The one who’ll send you roses,

And watch the stars with you,

Call me.

I’ll be there always and ever.”

I never do this—sing to a woman I’m trying to seduce. Music is the better part of my dissolute soul and I don’t share it with just anyone. But I’m sharing it with her, and she seems to sense that this is something different because she doesn’t resist when I lean in and touch my lips to hers.