Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Crystal felt her cheeks warm at the praise. “That’s what friends are for, right?” she echoed.
A stunning blonde in ripped jeans and a crop top sauntered up to Damien, wrapping her arms possessively around his waist. Crystal tried not to let her smile drop. Melody. His girlfriend.
“You were incredible, babe,” Melody said into his ear, loud enough for Crystal to hear.
Damien squeezed her shoulder. “Thanks, Mel. It felt great.”
Crystal’s stomach twisted as Melody pulled Damien into a passionate kiss. His hands tangled in her hair, their bodies pressed close. The intensity of their embrace made Crystal’s cheeks turn an even deeper pink, a mixture of embarrassment and longing coursing through her.
When they finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Crystal forced herself to admire Melody’s confidence. The way she claimed what she wanted without hesitation. Something Crystal could never do, at least not when it came to Damien.
To no one’s surprise, Steel and Shadow won Battle of the Bands and once more the band took center stage to play a final song. Crystal found herself stepping out of her role as event organizer and clapping and whistling along with the rest of the audience. Even the other bands seemed happy.
When the applause finally died down and the band trooped offstage, Damien’s voice snapped her out of her dreamlike state. “Hey, Crys? Could you do me a huge favor?”
Crystal’s heart leapt. “Of course! What do you need?”
He held out a soda can—the one she’d given him, now empty, and flashed that disarming smile. “Mind tossing this in recycling for me? I promised the guys we’d grab a quick bite to celebrate.”
“Oh.” Crystal’s hopes deflated, but she plastered on a bright smile. “No problem at all.”
“You’re the best,” Damien said, already turning back to the crowd. He scanned the sweaty throng of people and then grinned. He’d spotted Melody.
As Crystal watched them leave, arm in arm, she clutched the soda can to her chest. It was still warm from Damien’s hand.
Crystal’s fingers trembled slightly as she tossed the can into the recycling bin. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Now or never.
“Damien, wait!” she called, her voice carrying across the emptying auditorium.
He turned, eyebrows raised in question. “What’s up?”
Crystal hurried over, her heart pounding. “I, um, I was wondering…” She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear, willing her voice to stay steady. “Would your band consider playing at my sixteenth birthday party? My mom said she’d pay you.”
Damien’s face lit up. “Seriously? That’d be awesome!” He glanced at the rest of the band, who looked pretty happy. “Our first paid gig,” the drummer said, raising his fist in triumph.
“When is it?” Damien asked her.
Of course he wouldn’t know when her birthday was. Why would he?
“Two weeks from Saturday,” Crystal replied, her excitement building. “I know it’s short notice, but—”
“No worries.” Damien grinned. “We’ll make it work. It’s not every day my favorite roadie turns sixteen.”
As she watched them leave, Crystal couldn’t help but imagine Damien singing “Happy Birthday” just for her.
It’ll be worth every penny of the babysitting money I’ve been saving up. A secret smile played on her lips. Even if he never knows I paid for it myself.
Chapter One
Present day
* * *
Crystal Lopez stood at the edge of the sweeping lawn, her jewel-toned dress shimmering in the golden light of the setting sun. She inhaled deeply, savoring the salty breeze of the Pacific as it mingled with the fragrance of blooming roses. She couldn’t have designed a more delightful scent if she’d tried. Everything was going to be perfect for the birthday party. It had to be. The party was for the wife of one of the richest tech moguls in Pebble Beach.
“Ms. Lopez, where should we place the ice sculpture?” A harried waiter approached, gesturing toward a glistening swan perched precariously on a rolling cart.
Crystal glanced over at the buffet table. “Center it on the dessert table, please. And make sure to angle it so the lights catch those crystalline wings.”
As the waiter hurried off, Crystal’s gaze swept over the bustling scene. Servers in crisp white jackets wove between tables draped in white silk, arranging delicate china and polishing already gleaming silverware for the supper to be served after the performance. A string quartet played on a raised platform, while bartenders served everything from champagne to an impressive array of top-shelf liquors. The party guests—all rich, famous, or well-connected—were nearly all present.
Crystal allowed herself a moment of pride. Now, if only our star attraction would arrive…
“Crystal!” The shrill voice of Brett Huntington, the evening’s host, cut through the ambient noise. “Where is he? Damien should be here by now! I promised Margot, and when I make a promise to my wife, I keep it.”
Crystal turned, her posture relaxed even as she noted the panic in Brett’s eyes. The billionaire was used to getting his way, and he’d paid a good chunk of money to have Damien Davenport sing at his wife’s birthday party. “Don’t worry, Brett. Damien will be here right on schedule. You know how rock stars like to make an entrance. It’s all part of the performance.”