Page 26 of Rock My Girl

FORD

Iwould never have guessed that those sexy little legs could move so fast. Cassie took off like a shot, ignoring me as I called after her.

There was no chance I was going to catch her, so I turned back to Frank.

If he hadn't been a work associate, I would have clocked him and hopefully broken his nose. As it was, I took a deep breath before I muttered evenly through grit teeth, "If you ever raise your voice around her again, I swear to God…"

I was so angry I didn't even know how to finish the sentence.

Frank took a step backward, looking at me strangely. "What?"

"Didn’t anyone ever tell you that you don't yell around women, asshole?" I growled. "There's always a chance that there was a man in her past who screamed at her."

He frowned, but wasn't apologetic. "So? Christ, Ford. Stick to what's important. I've got people breathing down my neck, wondering why I've rearranged so many schedules to get your album done. And now I find out the fucking paperwork hasn't even started?"

"It's started. Steven and James are looking at it. And the only people with access to the new song are the band and Clark, all of whom are one hundred percent trustworthy."

He grunted. "Well…good."

"However," I said, stepping closer as my eyes narrowed, "you may have just frightened off the magical pixie who has turned this project from adequate into great."

Frank rolled his eyes. "Come on, Ford. She'll calm down."

That wasn't nearly good enough. "No. I'm going to need a new label contact. Preferably female. Someone that Cassie will be completely comfortable with. Otherwise there's no way I will be able to talk her into recording the rest of the album, never mind coming on tour."

"Shit." Frank grimaced. "Fine."

He stomped back into the studio, as I grabbed my phone.

Me: Baby, I'm so sorry. I told Frank off, and we're getting a new label contact. Someone who is not a hotheaded jerk.

Me: I have to go back into the studio, so my phone will probably be off. But please let me know that you're OK.

Me: I'm going to fix this, baby. I swear. My guts are churning just thinking about how upset that must've made you. I am so, so sorry.

I reluctantly put my phone away and went back inside to take a listen to the full track, as everyone gave their notes for the mix and effects to Clark.

Even though the project was known simply as "Ford Walton", I always gave control of the individual instruments to the band members.

Clark had the last word on the overall mix and arrangement, but each musician had the final say regarding the details and effects in their parts. My take on it was that everyone should have autonomy over their own performance.

Sneaking a glance at my phone, there were no messages. Then something terrible hit me with a thud.

I hadn't given Cassie autonomy over her own life.

I had just assumed she would be on board. Assumed that everyone wanted to be a rock star, recording albums, going on tour.

If that wasn't for her, I shouldn't be pushing her onto a path that she was either not ready for, or completely didn't want.

A chill ran through me as I realized this album, that had meant so much to me, now wasn't nearly as important as keeping Cassie in my life.

I could find another female singer, someone who could copy Cassie's style as much as possible. I could go on tour and stay in touch with video calls. I could do absolutely anything she wanted in order for us to make it work.

But I couldn't push her away with my bossy energy.

I couldn't lose her.

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