Page 181 of Off Limits Mogul

She’s so sweet. I don’t have the heart to argue.

I’ll make sure she gets the other colors.

“This is promising to be an epic year for you,” she says.

“Yesterday, I expected a photoshoot and nothing more. I never imagined walking on that set would help me find my voice again.” I pause. “Rhys has been after me to talk to Holt Christensen—a friend of his who owns a record label. He’s a former big time rock star, so it’s not only about the money with him––”

“You’re going to meet with him?” The excitement shines bright in her green eyes.

“I’m considering it.”

“You should give this another chance,” Mikki says. “If you’re dealing with a former artist, he won’t try to turn you into a commodity like your former record label.”

“Rhys assures me Holt won’t,” I say. “Belching out the emotional lyrics to that powerful song on the set, and then afew hours later performing a fun song with a catchy beat… People have never reacted to my voice like that before.”

“Because people have never heard yourrealvoice before.”

I laugh a little.

“What?”

“That’s what Rhys says.”

“You owned those songs––”

“Once again, you’re in sync with Rhys.”

“Your boyfriend and I are pretty smart people.”

“Har har. Funny.”

“On a serious note. Maybe I’m off base here because I don’t understand the ins and outs of the music industry,” she says. “Your reluctance to step into the limelight again is justified. Your old record company was only interested in fabricated vapid teenybopper bobbleheads. What if the second time around, you work with an ally who will foster the gift God gave you instead of forcing you to be someone you’re not? You think you crashed and burned after leaving London. What if it was merely a steppingstone?”

Chapter 34

Rhys

Joey warned me by shooting me a text as I was trailing towards the elevators on my way to my early morning meeting. Flint’s crew couldn’t stop talking about the candid photos he took of Keira and me lost in a passionate embrace. The famed photographer wanted my permission before releasing a few of those shots along with the ones promoting SCORE Yours on the internet. I never planned on announcing to the whole world my girl and I were dating, but it’s bound to come out. I might as well control how it happens.

I gave Joey my blessing, shot my girl a quick text, and headed to my meeting.

By mid-morning, the frenzy was at fever pitch. The photos went viral in a blink of an eye. The pre-orders for SCORE Yours ballooned. Arianne was jumping up and down. Beckett was floored. So was I. He’s the one who gets tongues to wag. Not me.

On the heel of the media frenzy, I was assaulted by a flurry of text messages and emails––the press, friends,colleagues, contacts, family members, my mom and Noah. It was nonstop. Even a few brave members of the staff came up and congratulated me. My best friend’s text message had me in stitches.

Noah

I don’t do the lovey-dovey stuff because I don’t go there with women, but I have to admit those photos of you and my sis… Jesus. You two are into each other.

I never intended on backing away from Keira because I was too far gone, but at the same time, there was no way I was going to lose my long-standing friendship with a guy who’s had my back more times than I can count. His acceptance of my relationship with his little sister is a huge weight off my shoulders.

By three o’clock, my brain is mush.

“I need coffee and cheesecake.” I stand up from my desk. Since Beckett was in a generous mood when he came back from a meeting with the advertisement agency, he stopped by one of the best shops in town.

Just as I’m about to reach the door, my phone rings.

I shake my head as I accept the call.