Private Lessons

Chelsea

I’d never felt such a rush in my life before.

The man in front of me, the one who walked directly out of the hottest fantasies of mine, said words I’d never pictured hearing.

I want you.

My face felt hot. If I spoke, my words would betray me. Feeling like my tongue swelled twice the size, I stared at him like he was crazy.

I didn’t know what Antonio Rowe wanted from me, but I knew I’d give it to him in a heartbeat.

“I want you to play alongside me.”

Suddenly all of my rushing thoughts slammed to a halt. Was my hearing going out? After noticing his expression grow more serious, I realized a joke wasn’t being made. Despite the lack of humor, I forced out a laugh.

“You can’t be serious.” Shaking my head, I looked at him like a second handsome head popped on his shoulders. “I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” Another laugh passed my lips, sounding weaker than the last. “That, or you didn’t watch the other performances.”

Even when I thought my life couldn’t get worse, it had to swing the knockout punch.

“Chelsea.” For once, I wished he wouldn’t say my name. Hard to believe he made a mistake when he made my name sound so familiar on his tongue. The man was a perfectionist, no way would he make a mistake. To make things even more complicated, he reached out and brushed his fingers against my sleeve. Even through the fabric, I could feel the burn of his touch.

“You saw it yourself, I can’t play. Before tonight, I hadn’t even played in front of a crowd before.” Swallowing thickly, my body wouldn’t pull away from his touch. “I’d make you look like a fool, Mr. Rowe.”

He clicked his tongue, frowning at my words. “So you had one bad performance and decided to throw away hours of training? Give up on something you love?”

Biting my lip, I attempted to take a step back but bumped into the wall instead. Looking away, my brows furrowed in frustration.

“It’s just piano.” The words left a foul taste in my mouth. “I’ll live.”

“Liar.”

Being called out, I tried to think of some sort of argument against his one word. Looking at him, I noticed the familiarity of his expression.

On his taped performances, the man always looked frustrated, angry as he played whatever piece was scheduled. Looked like he hated playing the instrument. Annoyed him back and forth whenever I saw his performances. Watching him as closely as I had, I could see the truth. He was terrible at showing emotions. If he had a piano, he could express himself. With words, he sucked. He was right about one thing though.

While I might never want to perform in front of people again, I wouldn’t be able to stop playing.

“You’re willing to put your name on someone who has admitted they aren’t good?”

He nodded as if my question meant nothing.

“What if I freeze up?”

I was considering it. Right now, I had the chance of a lifetime resting at my feet. If I walked away now, I knew I’d regret it all the way to the grave.

“I’ll teach you.”

God, did the guy go around offering things like this to other people? As far as the media went, they painted him out to be a pretty intense guy. I guess they weren’t wrong.

“We’ll have plenty of time to learn,” he promised. For a moment, I swore his gaze softened. “For the next few months, it will be just us two. Playing for others is only a small part of the tour. Just think of it as an internship on wheels.”

I didn’t know which part of his offer sounded more terrifying. Playing in front of his large audiences or being alone with the older man.

I came here in hopes I’d get his attention. Now that I had it, I never wanted Antonio to look away. What a mess I became in such little time. With that intense look of his staring down at me, it felt impossible to think.

“Give me some time. Let me think about your offer.” It should have been an obvious yes, but right now, my mind felt frazzled. I needed to process today.

He didn’t look satisfied with my answer. The sigh from his lips gave it away. Took him a second to nod before holding his hand out.

“Your phone, let me see it. I’ll add my number.” It wasn’t an offer, more of an order.

Sucking in a breath, I did as he commanded and dug out my phone. It took him all but a few taps before handing it back.

“I hope to hear from you within a week, Miss Wilson. Try not to keep me waiting.”

In a surprised state, I nodded my head to his words.

Did he just put his personal number on my phone? Normally, important men like him would offer business cards.

Before I could think too deeply into his actions, I watched him turn around and step into the crowd, disappearing in seconds.

Only then could I breathe.

Antonio Rowe wanted me. When would I wake up from this dream? With only a few words, the man turned my nightmare into something more enjoyable, packed with a layer of heat.

After leaving the building and attempting to find my folder with all the lost sheets, I went home and soaked in a hot bubble bath. All while relaxing, I replayed our conversation in my head. Did a little research on his planned tour.

Months being away from home sounded nice. A fresh breather from life. He offered to teach me, to strengthen my weaknesses. Only an idiot would reject him.

What in the hell did he see in me?

Sinking into the water, the hot water cooled my blush. Enjoying the submerged sensation for a few seconds, I popped back out with more of a resolve.

I’d call him. Tell him my concerns and if he still wanted me, then I’d join him.

If he saw potential, then I’d let him use me as he saw fit. Enjoy the opportunity I’d been given, I suppose. It wasn’t often I got the chance to hang out with my role model and crush.

Once he was satisfied or realized the mistake he’d made and decided it was time to toss me away, then our time together would be over.

I’d live and die at the same time.

Time to leave my pessimistic shadow and turn over a new leaf.

Hopefully, he wouldn’t mind me calling so late.

Hopefully, he hadn’t changed his mind either.