Private Lessons

“She doesn’t have a manager,” Travis said after a couple more performances. “I can’t find her anywhere outside of her own social media. If you’re going to want to work with her, you’ll have to catch her before she leaves.”

He didn’t need to tell me that. I planned on running out the moment the last musician performed. As if I could let her slip in and out of my life like a distant breeze. No. Chelsea Wilson would never be a breeze or a gust of wind. The woman radiated like a hellish storm and I’d caught myself standing right in the middle of it the moment my eyes rested on her form.

“I’m not going to risk losing her.” Moving to stand, I collected my coat. Expecting her damn well to make a run for it, I stopped at the doorway. Looking at Travis, I cringed at the confusion on his face. He just wouldn’t understand. “If anyone approaches me, I’m sending them your way. Be prepared.”

Knowing I’d have a target on my back while trying to catch a running angel, I tried to be smart. Act ahead while I still could.

When I made it to the lobby, I noticed a few people already lingering about. Rather than thinking badly of them for rudely slipping away, I had to acknowledge I was just as bad. Though, I hadn’t come to enjoy the performances. I came to find a partner. Soon, she’d be out on the floor, and the hunt would begin.

I was not known to be a man with patience. After a few minutes, my foot tapped against the ground. Arms crossed against my chest, I must’ve looked like the most unapproachable person here. Good. I had a few looks go my way, but no one tried to stop and talk.

Finally, the doors burst open. Expecting to see my wounded angel first thing, I cursed at the crowd of people who swarmed out. My eyes couldn’t scan fast enough.

Would I really lose the chance of finding her? Whenever I wanted something, I took it with a tight fist. For once, I might let her slip past my fingers.

Fuck that.

Leaving my wall, I entered the crowd. Constantly on the search, my body wavered through everyone. Could’ve sworn I heard my name from different directions, but I ignored them entirely.

Where could she be?

I regretted not standing by the exit. With my mind being as frazzled as it was, I didn’t think as a smart man would. Hoping that Travis would also keep an eye out, I shook any discouraging thoughts out of my mind.

I would find her. I would ask her to be my partner. I would make her mine.

Repeating those phrases in my mind, I refused to give up.

After a few torturing minutes, I finally found her hunched over a window. With her face hidden, I had no idea how she could be feeling.

Approaching her in a few steps, I fought to even my breathing. Knowing I had to look frazzled, I brushed my hair back with the palm of my hand.

“You there,” I rasped, desperate to grab her attention. When she didn’t move, I lost a little hope. Before I could become any less of the man the world knew me to be, I slapped my hand down next to her. The poor woman had a rough time inside and now my roughness would make things worse. Fuck. Why couldn’t I be graceful at the one time I needed to be?

She turned her head and up close, the effect she had over me felt strong. Tenfold times as rough. Like the breath had been punched out of my lungs. Those gray eyes of hers looked dimmed, like the light inside went out. As I expected, she looked worse for wear. I had a need to touch her, to take all of her hurt away.

“You…” she started before her eyes widened. “I know you. You’re Antonio Rowe.”

Most people here did. I wished I could say the same when it came to her. Life cheated me by never letting our paths cross before today.

“Yes, and you’re Chelsea Wilson.” Pulling my hand back to my side, I tried to keep a little distance between our bodies. Her perfume made my head spin, taking away the ability to think of a proper sentence. “I’d like to talk to you.”

A blush took over her pale complexion and I swore I’d memorize the image of her rose-colored cheeks. “You know my name.”

She looked absolutely star-struck. Good. Far better than that expression she showed while sitting in front of that piano.

Grabbing her by the elbow, the small amount of contact felt like a shot of adrenaline. How touch-deprived had I become? Now wasn’t the time to think about it as she let me drag her away from all of the conversations happening around us. I needed silence if I wanted to be able to concentrate. Hell, with her alone, I struggled to do the simple task. Aiming for the corner of the room that lacked life, I released her when we arrived.

Taking in her wide-eyed look, I cleared my throat.

“Chelsea, I want you.”