Page 25 of Meant To Be - Irresistible Bachelors

We are finally getting a break after traveling around the eastern part of North America for the last four weeks nonstop. We all agreed that Miami is the perfect place to take a rest before we get on the road again, and Rocky figured this would be the perfect time to record a duet between Nikki and me. He rushed us into the studio as soon as we got here, not wasting a single second. He said it would be better if we just got it out of the way now, but I think he just wants it ready by the time we get to our next stop.

Our entire entourage watches from outside the sound booth as Nikki’s voice harmonizes with mine. Both our voices intertwine, creating a melodious sound. We decided to do a remix of a love ballad she wrote a few years ago. It’s one of her greatest hits and the perfect track to mesh our voices on. I wrote my verse on the flight down here, and every lyric describes exactly how I feel about her.

She finishes singing her last note, and everyone in the studio applauds. I almost wish the song wasn’t over. Her voice is heavenly. I look into her eyes for a moment longer. Rocky knocks on the glass window, disrupting our gaze. She flashes a grin at me as she exits the sound booth. I get a little aroused as I watch her bottom swaying with every step. I grab my guitar and follow behind her. Everyone is still applauding as we step out of the sound booth.

“Oh my gosh, that was amazing!” Kenny exclaims as he and the other dancers in her troupe surround her. “Your voices really are the perfect match for each other.”

“Thank you,” Nikki replies as she blushes.

“The chemistry between you two is crazy,” he continues, looking back and forth between us.

I can tell she’s getting uncomfortable with the extra attention.

“I think I’m going to head back to the hotel. I could use a drink,” I announce, trying to make a swift exit.

Besides, Nikki and I have plans to meet up later, and I want to be waiting for her when she gets back.

“I’ll come with you,” Rocky states as he slings his arm around my shoulder.

Great. With him hanging around, it’ll be harder for me to sneak up to Nikki’s hotel suite later.

“Okay,” I agree reluctantly.

I shoot Nikki one last glance before I leave the studio with Rocky. She smiles as I exit, both of us anticipating the evening ahead of us. I light a cigarette as I step outside, but I barely get a pull out of it before Rocky flags down a cab. I toss it to the ground as we both get inside.

“The Mirage Hotel,” Rocky directs.

“Right away,” the cab driver says as he drives down the road.

Rocky and I sit in silence as we ride in the back of the cab. Usually, he’s a fast talker with a whole lot to say, but right now, he’s silent. Something must be on his mind, but what? The duet Nikki and I recorded sounds great, so he should be happy right now. He hasn’t even mentioned the song yet. Maybe he doesn’t like it, or maybe he thinks it’s bad for my image to record a pop song? Whatever it is, it has him as silent as a mouse.

The cab slowly comes to a stop in front of our hotel. Rocky tosses the driver some money, and we both get out. He follows close behind me as we walk into the luxury hotel. He’s still silent as we approach the bar, his lips sealed shut. I take a seat, and he climbs onto the bar stool next to me.

“What will it be, gentlemen?” a blonde bartender asks.

“I’ll have a rum and coke,” Rocky orders.

“Rum and coke, coming right up,” she says.

“I’ll take a whisky neat,” I reply.

“Wait, are you Leo Colt?” she asks with wide eyes.

“In the flesh,” I smile.

“Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it! I know you probably get asked this all the time, but could I please have your autograph?” she asks.

“Sure, no problem.”

She hands me a napkin and a pen.

“What’s your name?” I ask as I sign my name on the napkin.

“Jamie,” she answers excitedly.

“Here you go, Jamie,” I say, handing her the napkin with a smile.

“Thank you so much! I’ll be right back with your drinks,” she says as she scurries away.

A soccer game is playing on a huge TV above our heads. I lean back in my seat and fold my arms as I watch it.

“Leo, what are you doing?” Rocky asks.

“Watching the soccer game,” I say.

“No, I mean with Nikki. Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” he asks.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I try to play it cool.

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