The Wedding March

Bells? She blinked, realizing the disruption came from her cell phone. Grabbing it from her jacket pocket, she read her manager’s name on the screen. She swiped the screen and said hello.

“Hey, stranger,” said Travis. “You don’t write, you don’t call.”

Did he suspect her dilemma? He couldn’t. She’d only told Lauren about her predicament. See, she was so off balance she was transferring her fears to everything.

“Sorry. Been busy with wedding stuff.”

“Not too busy to work on new material, right? I gotta say, I’m a bit concerned I haven’t heard from you.”

Travis Bailey had taken Cassie under his wing when she’d first made a splash in the club scene around LA. Without his guidance, there’s no telling how she would have navigated the murky waters of the recording industry. The man had a heart of gold, for his clients, anyway. Otherwise his instincts resembled an attack dog, brokering deals and keeping those he managed away from bad contracts and shady characters making false promises. A middle-aged hipster with thinning hair, he had plenty of lines on his boyish face, attesting to years of smiles. He’d become something of a substitute dad to her over the years. Letting him down would break her heart.

“Sorry, Travis. I’m trying to get some work done while I’m here.” She bit her lower lip. Not a lie, exactly. She was trying.

“Great. We have to hit this thing with everything we’ve got. I’ve spoken to Ron and they’re looking for a stellar product.”

Cassie swallowed hard. Ron Harding, an executive at the label and the idiot, er, mastermind, in proposing the changes in her sound, was a hard man to please. He’d dropped other artists for less of a flop than Cassie’s last album.

She’d always wondered why Travis had let the producer tweak her sound. Travis had been gung ho and she’d been so caught up in the whirlwind excitement of cutting another album, she didn’t dare ask. Didn’t dare voice her opinion after only one album with people who’d had years of experience. Well, she’d learned. The bad album fell squarely on her shoulders for not expressing her true self. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

“In the meantime, what about a few touring dates before you go into the studio? You know, for momentum. Any thoughts?”

How on earth could she make any appearances when she was most likely going to get kicked out of said studio? All without her manager realizing any of her concerns.

“Um, why don’t you hold off. Or better yet, start looking at the calendar after I finish the album. Don’t want too much on my plate. This project is so important.”

And she needed to stay in Cypress Pointe where she had access to Luke.

Travis went silent for a few beats. “You okay? You sound weird. Pressure isn’t gettin’ to you, is it?”

“We both know this is make or break, Travis. I’d be unrealistic not to be concerned.”

“Now, calm down,” he tsked in the soothing voice that had pulled her from the edge multiple times. “You’ve got this.”

“And if I don’t?”

“We’ll figure it out. Like we always do.”

His words should have made her feel better, but created the opposite effect.

“You’ll keep me in the loop?”

“Yes, sir,” she answered, adding a little sass to her tone.

He chuckled. “That’s more like it, although I still think you should consider touring.”

She winced. “I’ll get back to you on the concert idea.”

“That’s my girl. Talk to you soon.”

Hitting the end button, she stared at the dark screen. She couldn’t tour, not now or in the future. Planning a concert was on the bottom of her to-do list. If, and when, the album was made, she’d consider going on the road. Until then...

Her manager had faith in her, but did she? “What were you thinking, Travis?”

The sound of a throat being cleared made her jump. She looked up into amused brown eyes. “Talk to yourself much?”

Good grief. So much for a positive impression.

* * *

LUKE HELD BACK a grin at Cassie’s mortified expression.

He’d been in his office, fingers stalled over the calculator as the same numbers kept appearing on the screen. A sharp ache took residence in his temple. No matter how many times he went over the accounting, there was still a big gap in his operating capital. Contributions came in regularly, but since the move to the warehouse, cash was tight.

A shout came from the gymnasium. Every Sunday, a bunch of the boys gathered for a game of basketball. Luke didn’t mind opening up, especially when he discovered how many kids wanted to hang out. To him, the sound of voices meant he was doing something right, justifying his decision to move into this larger building.

He’d been about to abandon his depressing act of going over the finances when a feminine voice floated in from outside his office door. He recognized Cassie’s sweet cadence. What was she doing here? Intrigued, he went to investigate.

He certainly hadn’t expected to see her any time soon, if at all. Since the wedding events were over, he figured she’d leave town before they had a chance to reconnect. Yet here she stood, her hair in her signature braid, dressed in a stylish outfit. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her at the wedding.

“Sorry to bother you.” She held up her phone. “My manager.”

He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but heard enough of the conversation to know she was all about her career.

“Can you spare a minute of your time?”

“Sure. C’mon in.”

He gathered the paperwork littering his desk and stuffed it into a file. “I’m actually happy for a distraction.” He took a chair from the corner and placed it beside his desk. “Have a seat.”

She sat, her gaze taking in his office. Pictures of kids he’d worked with adorned one wall. Another displayed framed certificates of appreciation from local businesses. When she met his eyes, he glimpsed the uncertainty there. Guessed he’d be the one to break the ice.

“So, what brings you by today?”

“I’m hoping to talk to you about volunteering here.”

His brow rose. “In what capacity?”

“I was talking to my sister this morning and she told me about Kids’ Klub and all the great things you do for the community.”

“Lauren helped me in the beginning.”

“She said. Thankfully, my sister and I never got into too much trouble, but I have to say, starting a program for at-risk kids is really honorable.” She spread her arms. “So here I am.”

Interesting.

“While it would be easy to simply write a check, I’d like to propose a more personal touch.” A nostalgic expression softened her face. “I used to give music lessons as a way of earning money through college. Piano. Guitar. I love seeing kids get excited when they begin to learn to play a new instrument. So, I’d like to volunteer.”

“Volunteer? Don’t you have a career you’re busy with?”

“Yes, but while I’m here in Cypress Pointe I’d like to be part of your program. You know, something bigger than myself.”

“Cassie, I’ll be honest. I overheard some of your conversation just now. Won’t a concert schedule keep you too busy to be involved here?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize...” She stopped. Composed herself. “It might have sounded like that, but I’m staying in Cypress Pointe for a while.”

“So no running off to concerts just as you start to bond with the kids? They need consistency. People who stick around.”

“I realize that. I remember those angsty teenage years, so I would never intentionally hurt anyone.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll admit, the Klub has lots of needs, including volunteers in time and money. I need you to be sure about a commitment, not thinking about concerts or PR gimmicks.”

“PR? I wasn’t even considering that far in advance. I can do some good and—” A slow smile bloomed over her lips. “You’re a genius.”

“Come again?”

“You just gave me an excellent idea.”

“Which is?”

“How about I give a benefit concert with all the proceeds going to Kids’ Klub?”

Surprised twice in the time span of five minutes. A new record.

“Your offer comes out of the blue.”

“That’s because I just thought of it.” Her expression turned serious. “It would be a great opportunity to raise funds and the kids would have fun, as well. Plus, I’d get some musical time with you.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes. The idea is win-win for Cypress Pointe and the Klub.”

He propped his elbows on the desk and steepled his hands under his chin, quickly doing the math. One concert with Cassie could set the Klub up for at least a year if he was wise with his spending. Or it could be enough for a down payment on the property. His mind went over all scenarios, returning to his initial gut reaction.

Cassie had a career and he knew how consumed some artists could be in that business. He remembered that she’d shown promise on her first album, then appeared to change her style to chase the charts with her second. Would a benefit concert for Kids’ Klub just be a media event for her? A chance to grab the spotlight in the guise of helping a good cause? He didn’t want that type of tabloid exposure if it was only meant to advance her career.

“I see the benefits for the Klub. What do you get out of the deal?”

A puzzled frown marred her forehead. “Who says I need anything from it?”

“Because I’ve been in that world, Cassie. I know how the PR machine works.”

She avoided his gaze for a second too long before scooting forward in her chair. “Luke, I love to perform live. It’s how I made my way before the studio work.” Her eyes sparkled. “I also love Cypress Pointe. My sister, mom and her husband live and work here. It’s the place I return to when I need a break from the craziness of this business. I’m sure you understand.”

He did. All too well. “What about your schedule? Can you make the time?”

Pain flashed in her eyes before going flat. Pain? Where had that come from? She’d been downright excited moments before.

“I don’t have to be back to LA for a few weeks.”

“Planning a concert is a big undertaking.”

“I know, but it won’t take much to figure out the logistics. Since it’ll be a local event, we can pull it together in no time. The only hitch is that the guys I usually play with will probably be busy, but I’m hoping Sandy Palms can fill in.”

Had he heard her right? “You want my band to play with you?”

“Sure. You sounded great at the reception. It may take a couple practice sessions for us to mesh, but they’re your friends. I can’t imagine them turning you down since it’s for a good cause.”

“You’d really do this for us?”

“Why not?”

Why not indeed? As much as Luke tried, the cynical part of him kept wondering if after all was said and done, she’d let them down. Last night she’d tried to engage him in conversation that was definitely headed to a place he didn’t think he’d like. His past career. Eons and miles from the present.

He looked at her now, with that earnest expression and the hopeful curve of her pink lips. Not wanting to believe this was some sort of trap, he tried to push past the reservations hindering his decision. He’d hate to see Cassie, or anyone, for that matter, use Kids’ Klub for their personal agenda. That’s how much the program meant to him.

Before he could give Cassie an answer, a knock interrupted them. Denny, one of the teen volunteers, bounded in, his dark hair spilling over his forehead, his glasses slightly askew. Tall and lanky, his sneakers skidded on the tile floor as he came to an abrupt stop. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were busy.”

“What have I said about knocking?”

“We need to respect each other’s space,” he replied in mock exasperation. “I get it, Mr. H., but I need the key to the art room. Lizzy forgot her paints and needs them for art class tomorrow.”

Luke opened the top drawer to his desk, removed a key ring and tossed it to Denny.

Denny caught it midair. “Thanks. And sorry, again.” He took a step, stopped and twirled around. “Hey, do I know you?”

Cassie smiled. “I’m a musician.”

He noted she didn’t call herself star. Props for her.

Denny pushed his glasses more securely on to his nose. “Cassie Branford, right? My friend Erin listens to your music.”

“You’re correct.”

“I heard some of the kids say your family lives in town.” He frowned. “I’m not real familiar with your songs. I’m more of an opera fan.”

Cassie blinked and glanced at Luke.

“I know, most kids his age don’t have a clue.”

“It’s my grandma’s fault,” Denny explained. “She raised me on the stuff.”

“There’s nothing wrong with opera,” Cassie rushed to assure him. “It’s an acquired taste.”

“Which usually skips teenagers,” Luke deadpanned.

“Yeah, my friends think it’s odd, but before long I’ve got them listening. Some of ’em actually like it.”

“Good for you,” Cassie said.

Denny gripped the keys in his hand. “I’ll bring these back when we’re finished.”

Luke nodded as Denny hustled out the door.

“Interesting young man.”

“He is. I’ve known him since he was a freshman. He was one of the first students to try out the program.”

“Troubled home life?”

“If you call having a family who loves you trouble.” He chuckled. “No, it might have been because he was bullied when he was younger. He’s never admitted it, but I can see the signs. Once he heard about the concept for the Klub, he tagged along and has been an integral part ever since.”

“He must be an amazing young man.”

“He’s getting there. Now, back to the subject at hand.”

“I can see you’re not convinced,” Cassie said.

“I got the distinct impression you were trying to ask me something the other night. Does this offer have anything to do with that?”

“Busted.” She sighed. “Yes. I might as well be honest. I do want to volunteer here, no matter what your answer to my next question is, so keep that in mind.”

“I know I’m going to regret it, but, what do you need to be honest about?”

As she bit her lower lip, Luke couldn’t ignore the rush of attraction. Cute and conflicted. Her hair shone under the fluorescent lighting, highlighting the bright pink streak. Her skin, so luminous, had him itching to trace his fingers over it. And those unforgettable eyes. His downfall so far.

“I have a deadline coming up,” she went on to say. “I have to be back in the studio in three months. Problem is, I have no new material.”

“That’s a problem.”

“No kidding.” She pulled her braid over her shoulder and tugged at it. “I can’t come up with any new songs. You might not know this, but my last album was a bomb.”

He’d heard.

“I have writer’s block. No matter what I do, I can’t come up with anything new. No sparks. No inspiration. Nothing.”

So here it was. The real reason behind her altruism.

In the music industry, Luke knew how devastating writer’s block could be. He’d never experienced it, but had friends who’d agonized because of it, usually after a big blow, like a bad album. He could sympathize, even though he didn’t live in that world any longer, but he found his back up at her request. He could agree to most anything but songwriting.

“So you want, what, help? Suggestions?”

“At this point all I know is that my career will definitely suffer if I can’t snap out of this—” she wiggled her hand in the air “—whatever it is.”

The music business could be fickle at times. One day you were a star, another a has-been.

“I’m hoping being around you and the Klub might kick-start my muse.” She lowered her eyes for a moment, then met his gaze, a captivating grin making his chest squeeze. “No pressure or anything.”

Cassie’s look got to him. He didn’t want to be the guy she pinned her hopes on and who let her down. Or have her get involved only to have her muse show up and then she’d leave him in the lurch. His focus was on troubled kids, not a pretty songwriter who’d lost her way. He glanced at her again. Those green eyes always managed to trip him up. She bit her lower lip again, anticipating his answer.

“If I said I can’t make any promises will you still do the concert?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

He knew he was digging a hole for himself, but if this wasn’t a publicity stunt and truly a chance to aid his kids, then he might be willing to give her pointers. Still, he’d closely watch her actions after the concert. One sign that she was playing him and he’d sever ties between them. “Then what do you say we plan this concert and go from there?”

At her relived burst of breath, he cringed and forcefully told himself he was agreeing in order to keep the Klub going.

CHAPTER FOUR

WHAT HAD SHE been thinking? How had she expected to pull off a full-blown concert in two weeks’ time? Therein lay the problem. She hadn’t been. Her only thoughts had been to impress Luke.

How’s that going?

Cassie paced the stage, clasping her sweaty palms together as the tech team buzzed with activity around her. A late afternoon coastal breeze picked up, swirling the ankle-length sheer skirt around her high-heeled boots, carrying with it the scent of salt water sweetened by the newly blooming orange blossoms. Her entire outfit, a black mesh with gold embellishments around the waist and hem, fit over a black tank minidress. She’d even dyed the pink streak in her hair black to match.

“Watch out for the loose cords,” one of the tech guys commanded as he hurried over with tape to secure the cable snaking out from beneath the keyboard she’d be playing tonight. The sustain pedal kept sticking, giving her problems all during sound check. The team investigated and fixed the issue, a relief after a messy preconcert hour onstage coming right on the heels of a strained two-week practice. Just remembering made her want to jump in her rental car and drive away.

As promised, Sandy Palms filled in as her backup band. From the get-go things were tense. At first the guys were thrilled to work with her. Sonny and Brian were friendly, Ryan, not so much.

“Have I done something wrong?” she’d wondered out loud.

“Nope,” Sonny had slapped her on the back. “He’s always like that.”

As they practiced, nerves got the better of all of them, which made Cassie mess up her own melodies, adding to her already strained confidence. And Luke? He’d been a rock.

“Hey, guys, watch the tempo on the first song. It’s a beat slower than you’re playing. This is a particularly difficult transition. Once you nail it, you’ll be fine. Just have fun with it.”

His encouragement had bonded the practices together. But now?

Okay, she’d cornered Luke with this concert idea. So far her plan wasn’t going as...planned. She could only hope the turnout for the concert was a success so Luke wouldn’t see it as a huge bust.

“Miss Branford?” one of the organizers approached her. “Mandy Rose from the Cypress Pointe Weekly wants to know if you have a few minutes.”

“Please ask her to drop by Kids’ Klub tomorrow morning.” Cassie had planned a breakfast blowout to thank all the concert volunteers. “I can give her a few minutes then.”

“And your father wants to speak to you.”

Just what she didn’t need. She’d rather have a root canal. “Not now.”

The woman nodded. “I’ll let him know.”

“Thanks.”

“Here’s your mic.” Another member of the team walked to her holding up her personalized, bedazzled microphone. As a dare from her sister, she’d used pink crystals to jazz up the piece of equipment. After positive comments from fans, she kept it as part of her trademark style.

Luke chose that moment to walk by, eyeing the mic. Today, he’d chosen a well-worn pair of jeans, a pale blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and boots to complete his very casual, very male concert look. His hair, artfully messy, appeared lighter blond in the late afternoon sunshine. His smile, when he chose to share it, hitched her heart rate up a notch.

“A bit much, don’t you think?”

Right now, she was inclined to agree. “Part of my look.”

He stopped, gave her a nerve-racking once-over. “You look nice.”

Wow. A compliment. From the man who mostly kept his opinions to himself, except when it came to Kids’ Klub.

“It’s not too much?”

“For tonight, I’d say you nailed it.” He scooped up the phone he’d placed on top of a nearby monitor. A blast of loud music startled her, blaring for a few seconds as the sound guys tested volume levels.

“I spoke to them about the crackling coming from your monitor,” she said, struggling for conversation. “They’re working on it.”

He nodded.

“Are the guys ready?”

“As ready as they’ll ever be.”

“Still tense?”

“They aren’t used to playing before big crowds.”

At least he was hoping for good attendance.

“We’ve practiced the songs enough. They should be okay with the lineup,” she said, mostly to reassure herself.

“They can play, that’s not the issue.”

“Issue?” Her stomach plummeted.

He slipped his phone into his back pocket. “Ryan is used to playing the main keyboard so putting him on standby has thrown off his timing.”

She was afraid switching the usual setup might not be a good move, but what choice did she have? She always started out playing the piano and moved back and forth between it and her guitar.

“I’m sorry to mess things up, Luke. But since I’m the headliner, I have to give the fans what they expect.”

His gaze pierced hers and she felt herself cringe. Had she come off as pompous as she sounded?

“I get it. Ryan is set in his ways.”

Evidenced by his less than warm and fuzzy welcome to Cassie.

“And the others?”

“Brian is his usual cool self and Sonny is hitting on the makeup artist, so we’re good.”

A relieved grin curved her lips.

“Once we get playing, the guys will be fine,” he told her.

She had no doubt. Brian was seriously talented, but too laid-back to care. Sonny, so sure the right woman was out there waiting for him, was just plain optimistic all the time. Ryan, probably the least talented, although he could play the keyboard with technical precision, wore a perpetual scowl. Cassie wondered how his wife put up with him.

And Luke? Cassie got the impression he held back. Never truly sharing the real man behind the shadows in his eyes. She spent too much time wondering who’d put them there and why.

Blowing out a breath, she asked, “And you?”

His gaze softened a tick. “The set will go fine, Cassie. You’ve done this before.”

Yes, but never with Luke playing nearby.

Even with her nerves stretched so taut she thought she’d snap like a broken guitar string, his calm voice eased her concerns. Every time he said her name in that smooth-as-butter voice, she fought the tendrils of delight curling through her.

Focus. You’re here for the kids, not their handsome program director.

“I know things were a bit rough during practice,” he went on to say, “but it’ll all shake out in the end.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“Always does.”

Okay, she’d take his word for it.

Glancing out over the park, she watched as streams of people started to fill in the audience area, carrying blankets, folding chairs and coolers. It was a beautiful spring night to enjoy for a good cause. Luke had secured a special permit allowing them to use the public park for the concert, enlisting his cousin Dane to build a temporary stage, which ran parallel to the beach and the green-blue gulf waters beyond. The venue would be casual and inviting.

The last time Cassie had toured, she’d been booked in large venues, so at odds with her love for intimate settings. Tonight’s concert would fall somewhere in the middle.

Another tech hustled by. “Thirty minutes and counting.”

Right. She needed to be alone to center her thoughts. “I’m going backstage,” she told Luke, whose gaze also overlooked the park.