Page 49 of A Billionaire Rebel

Her arms went around me. “I’m so sorry.”

I returned the embrace, closing my eyes and taking the comfort she offered. “I wouldn’t have wanted to replace anyone anyway. It would’ve been different if they’d left under other circumstances but like this…I just can’t see anyone but them being Holden.”

I didn’t know how long we stood there, but neither of us moved until the door opened and someone came inside.

“I’m looking for–” The woman’s voice dropped off suddenly, only to return when we turned toward her. “Fuck me sideways! You’re Damon Holden!”

I laughed and gave Jae a nudge forward. “I am. And this is Jae Knox. She’s going to help you with whatever you need today.”

Jae’s cheeks were red as she crossed to where the woman stood. I hoped she wouldn’t be embarrassed enough to ask me to leave because I had a feeling this lady was going to call some friends, and the next hour and a half were going to be insanely busy.

I moved back to the keyboards and began to play. At least I could offer some distraction for anyone who might be waiting for assistance. I was glad I’d decided to come. Being with Jae made it easier to accept that my life was changing direction, and I knew it was because I wanted something different with her. I wasn’t quite ready to put it in words, but it was the sort of thing that I’d never even thought about with other women, even ones I’d dated for a few months.

My brothers were going to have way too much fun with this.

* * *

People had been comingin steadily for the past hour, and I kept encouraging them to buy something to support a locally owned business and the arts. After the first fifteen minutes or so where people had been packing in but not buying anything, I’d offered autographs to anyone who bought something and pictures with people as they left. A little charm went a long way to keep the traffic flowing.

Now, we were in a bit of a lull, and Jae leaned back on the stool behind the cash register with a sigh.

“Next time you stop by, I’m going to make you an honorary salesperson,” she said with a laugh.

I grinned at her. “Maybe this is my true calling.”

“Damon Holden, working at a music store.” She shook her head. “No, you’ve got a bigger future than that.”

I suddenly wanted to ask her if she was going to be a part of that future.

“Music isn’t done with you,” she said. “You should go solo.”

“What?” It came out a little sharper than I intended.

“You wouldn’t be abandoning your friends,” she said. “You said yourself that Holden is breaking up. Why can’t you transition to a solo track? I’m sure the others wouldn’t just understand. I think they’d be thrilled.”

For the first time, I gave someone the real reason I’d never tried it. “I’m not good enough.”

“Bullshit.” She smiled as she said it.

Before I could argue, the door opened, and Starla appeared. “Well, if it isn’t Houston’s cutest new couple.”

“Starla.” Jae flushed.

Starla held up a newspaper. “You two got your picture in the paper. Then there’s the video of you guys singing together last night. It’s gone viral. It won’t take long for people to figure out where you work, Jae.”

“About that…”

The door opened again, and five giggling teenage girls came in. I couldn’t hear their whispers, but I had a pretty good idea why they were here.

“Why don’t I tell you about the deals I’m making for you and Jae can help these girls before clocking out?” I returned the guitar to where it had been hanging. “I also left you a list of the instruments I played and what I thought of them. Feel free to use my name and any quote you want.”

Starla eyed me. “All right, music man. You’re officially on my good side.” She took my arm. “Let’s talk.”

Twenty-Seven

Jae

The apartment smelled amazing.Jamie’d had a rare day off, and we’d planned for homemade pizza and a movie for the three of us. We’d had it on the calendar since Wednesday, and I’d been looking forward to it as much as Jamie and Kevin had.

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