One More Chance, page 13
Before long, the two of them were led up to the second floor where they had a fantastic view of the stage from the balcony. Simon took the stage and the crowd below went wild. Sienna looked over at Mick and noticed he was intently studying the stage, but he wasn’t smiling or even moving a little bit to the music. It looked like he was completely in his own little world and she would love to know what was going through his mind.
Note to self: ask him about his process later.
Rather than obsessing about Mick and what he was thinking, Sienna forced herself to focus on the music. Simon’s voice reminded her a little of Ed Sheeran and every once in a while, she caught a hint of a growly little gruffness that told her he wanted to sing something edgier than this kind of music. Hopefully that was something Mick could help him with. She had a feeling he might lose part of his fanbase if he changed his image too much, but no doubt Mick’s team would know how to handle all of that.
A server came over and refreshed her drink and that’s when she noticed Mick hadn’t touched his. She figured he was too busy watching the show and didn’t want the alcohol to maybe cloud his thought process at all.
Hell, she was grasping at straws here. No matter how much she kept telling herself not to think about how Mick worked, she just couldn’t seem to help herself.
The next thing she knew, Simon was taking a bow and walking off the stage.
“That was it?” she asked when Mick turned and looked at her. “It’s over already?”
He chuckled softly. “Already? He was on stage for over an hour! He’ll come out and do an encore, but in the meantime, we’ll head down to his dressing room. Come on.”
Wow. She had really zoned out there for a while, but it was still a fun experience.
At least...she thought it was.
Down in Simon’s dressing room, she felt mildly disappointed.
“It’s never glamorous,” Mick told her, as if reading her mind. “And the smaller the venue, the less glamorous.”
“I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but...this wasn’t it,” she murmured.
The room was maybe ten-by-ten, had a small and somewhat dirty couch, a desk with a mirror over it, two folding chairs, a mini-fridge, a changing screen, and a small—and very dirty—attached bathroom. As much as she wanted to sit down, she didn’t dare touch anything. Beside her, Mick laughed softly before tucking her in close to his side.
“Don’t worry. I promise we won’t stay long and then we’ll head back to the hotel,” he said before kissing her cheek.
Her plan for that romantic bubble bath was now more of a necessity rather than part of a sexier scenario.
Simon walked in five minutes later and gave them both a nervous smile. Sienna would guess him to be in his mid-twenties and his blond hair was a bit sweaty and matted and he was a little scruffier than she realized, but it all looked good on him.
“Simon Bennett, I’m Mick Tyler. Dex asked me to come and see the show tonight,” Mick said as he shook his hand. “Great set!”
“Oh, um...thanks. We had some issues with our sound check earlier, so I wasn’t sure how it was all going to go.” He walked over to the mini-fridge and pulled out a bottle of water before looking at them. “Can I offer you guys something to drink? It’s not much, just water really, but...”
“Thanks, kid, we’d love that,” Mick told him before accepting a bottle for himself. “Simon, this is Sienna Ashley. Sienna, Simon Bennett.”
He didn’t introduce me as his friend or girlfriend or even a colleague...interesting.
Smiling, she accepted the water. “It’s nice to meet you, Simon. I really enjoyed the show.”
“Thanks.” He sat down on one of the folding chairs and firmly put his attention on Mick. “I’m sure Dex told you what’s been going on.”
With no other choice, she and Mick sat down on the sofa, and Sienna did her best not to cringe.
“He did, and I have to say that I’m intrigued. Why don’t you tell me what it is that you want,” Mick prompted. “Dex isn’t here, no one from the label is here, so you can speak freely.”
He looked a little hesitant and paused to take a long drink of water before responding. “I don’t want to be a pop star, Mr. Tyler,” he began. “I was relieved when I got eliminated from the show. I never thought I’d actually make it that far in the competition.”
“Why’d you audition?”
“I was hoping to get noticed long before I made it into the finals. As soon as I was eliminated, all kinds of music executives came out of the woodwork—including Dex—and they all had this image of what I was going to be, but no one bothered to ask if it was what I wanted. I figured I’d go along with it to get a deal and then have time to share my ideas.”
“And that never happened,” Mick stated.
“Exactly.”
“Why don’t you tell me who you see yourself being like?”
“Riley Shaughnessy,” Simon told him confidently. “And I’m not just saying that because he’s your client or to sway you. I’ve been a huge fan of Shaughnessy since I was a kid and if you go back and watch my audition tapes from America’s Next Singing Sensation, you’ll see that I sang “Suddenly Mine”. One of the judges even said I sounded like a young Riley, but then once the competition got going, we were told what to sing and it was all like bubble gum pop.” He muttered something under his breath before adding, “I hate that shit.”
For a minute, Mick didn’t say anything. And then, without warning, he stood. Sienna saw the nervous look on Simon’s face and no doubt he was thinking he blew it. Hell, she actually felt nervous for him.
Reaching into his pocket, Mick pulled out a business card and handed it to Simon. “I’m going to be away for the next week, but I want you to call my office and speak to Lynn. She’s my assistant. I’ll let her know to be expecting your call. I don’t know what the rest of your tour looks like, but I want to see you in my office by the end of the month. I’m going to work on some strategy and see what you think of it.” He held out a hand to him. “I look forward to talking more with you, Simon.”
“Wow, um...thanks, Mr. Tyler!” he replied as he got to his feet. “I’ll give your assistant a call tomorrow.”
“Sienna? You ready?” Mick asked as he walked to the door and opened it.
“Uh...yeah. Sure.” Smiling at Simon, she shook his hand. “It was very nice meeting you and I wish you luck with your career.”
“Thanks!”
It was still crowded out in the main area, and Sienna was happy to simply let Mick lead the way out. As soon as they stepped outside, he pulled out his phone to call for a car and once he had it confirmed, he turned to her.
“So? What did you think?”
“Oh, my goodness! I have so many questions!” she said with a laugh.
“Really? Questions about what?” He was clearly amused.
“All of it! You looked so stoic while Simon was on stage and then it seemed like as soon as the kid started opening up to you, you kind of cut him off and prepared to leave!” Laughing again, she shook her head. “I’m completely confused!”
“It’s hard to explain,” he began. “While I’m watching someone perform—especially when it’s for a situation like this—I have to tune everything else out and give it my full attention.”
“That’s completely understandable.” Honestly, did he really think she wouldn’t get it?
“As for backstage, I listened to what he had to say and I watched his expression when he was talking. He’s miserable. I’ve worked with enough musicians that I know when they’re blowing smoke up my ass and when they’re sincere.” He shrugged. “The kid was sincere. I didn’t need to know anything else. I’ve watched the videos, read his bio, and I think he’s someone I can work with. He just finished performing and I knew he was eager to get the hell out of there. Why would I hold him back?”
“Oh, well...”
“Which reminds me...” He held up his hand before reaching for his phone and tapping out a quick text. Once his phone was away again, he said, “Now Lynn knows to expect his call and I don’t have to think about this again for the rest of our trip.” Leaning in, he kissed her thoroughly. “Thank you.”
She wanted to melt into him and kiss him some more, but their car arrived. Once they pulled away, she looked over at him. “Thank you for sharing this with me tonight.”
All Mick did was frown.
“We’ve talked about what you do for a living and we hung out with Shaughnessy, but this was actually very interesting to witness. I was standing there for part of the show, just fascinated watching you and wondering what you were thinking. You’re amazing at what you do, and I really love the way you chased after your dream and made it come true.”
The lopsided grin was his initial reaction. “Well...you didn’t feel that way when I told you I was leaving all those years ago.”
“To be fair, I was sixteen and a little selfish. This was your destiny, Michael. Think of all the people you’ve helped—all the careers you launched. If it weren’t for you, the entire landscape of music could be very different right now.”
Even in the dim light of the car, she could tell he was blushing. “I don’t know about that.”
Reaching up, Sienna cupped his jaw and forced him to look at her. “I do. And I’m very proud of you.” Leaning in, she gave him a gentle kiss. “And when we get back to the room, I have a little surprise for you.”
His eyes lit up. “More sexy underwear?”
Laughing, she shook her head. “You saw what I was wearing under this outfit earlier, of course it’s more sexy underwear,” she said with a wink. “But that’s not all.”
“Really? So what is it?”
“A surprise, that’s what. And you’ll just have to wait and see.” The look of pure delight on his face did her heart good. She’d never done anything like this before, and she never knew how much fun it could be.
The drive back to the hotel only took fifteen minutes, and they spent the bulk of the ride talking about the show and her thoughts on the music. It was obvious that the music business was Mick’s passion, but she loved how he wasn’t condescending about it or how she perhaps didn’t catch all the nuances that he did. No doubt if she took him into one of her labs that he would feel just as awkward and she wasn’t so sure she would be as gracious as he was.
Of course, that was all part of his job, whereas Sienna’s...well...social skills really weren’t required.
Pulling her phone out, she quickly tapped out a text while Mick was staring out the window.
“I should have gotten a picture with him,” she commented as they pulled up to the hotel. “I could have sent that to Bree too.” Then she giggled. “Although, I don’t know if she’s a fan of Simon’s, but it still could have been fun.”
“I think you’re having a little too much fun torturing your sister-in-law,” he teased.
“Maybe. But I saw a whole different side of her that night at dinner and it’s the first time in my life that I’m the one out having fun.”
“Sienna...”
“Oh, stop. It’s true and we all know it. Not talking about it won’t change anything,” she said as she climbed from the car. “I know perfectly well the kind of life I’ve been leading, just like I know this is the most adventure I’ve ever had.” When he was standing beside her, she gave him a quick kiss. “Now come on. Let’s go up to the room so I can show you my surprise!”
Their suite included butler service and if it all went as planned, everything she ordered would be waiting for them up in the room. The text was to ensure that the tub would be full and steamy and waiting for them.
She was so excited about pulling this off that she was practically bouncing on her toes and willing to sprint up to the room.
The ride up in the elevator seemed to take forever, but as soon as they stepped off onto their floor, Sienna took the lead, taking out her card and opening the door for them.
“This is your show, princess,” he said smoothly as he walked into the suite. “You just tell me where you want me to be and I’m there.”
“Ooo...I like that,” she hummed. “Follow me.”
With a little extra sway in her hips, Sienna led him into the bedroom and then stopped him next to the bed. She kicked off her shoes and shimmied out of her little black dress, revealing black lace underwear.
“I knew it was coming and yet it’s still exciting,” he said, reaching out and toying with the strap on her bra.
“I’m glad you think so,” she told him as she began unbuttoning his shirt. “Now let’s see what you have on underneath.”
That made him laugh. “Trust me, it’s not nearly as exciting as what you’re wearing.”
“Says you.”
Together they got him down to his black boxer briefs, but when he reached for her again, she playfully stepped away. “Nuh-uh...not yet. Follow me.” Turning, she walked to the massive en suite and practically squealed with delight that everything was ready. Soft music was playing, candles were lit, there was a bottle of champagne on ice, two glasses, a tray of fresh strawberries, along with whipped cream and melted chocolate. The tub was filled and there were bubbles and rose petals.
“What in the world...?”
Spinning around toward him, she said, “Surprise!”
Mick stepped further into the room with a look of total awe on his face. “Sienna, I...”
“You have done so much to make these incredible memories for me and so far I have done nothing for you.”
Looking at her over his shoulder, he said, “Really? You went shopping for sexy underwear, you make love like a freaking goddess, and you’ve shared all of yourself with me. Anyone can make travel arrangements, but what you brought to the table is so much more.”
Now she was the one blushing. “Mick...”
Holding out his hand to her, he said, “Come on. Before the water gets cold.”
Together, they stripped off the last of their clothes and carefully stepped into the tub. “Oh...I love that it’s still so hot!”
“Hot? Sweetheart, this is almost scalding!” he said and was only partially joking.
“Just give it a few minutes,” she told him as they settled into the water together. “Can you reach the champagne from here?”
“Definitely.” And within minutes, he was pouring them each a glass and then placing the strawberries, cream, and chocolate on the ledge of the tub.
The moan of pure pleasure was out before she knew it. Resting her back against Mick’s chest, Sienna felt very pleased with her plan.
“Can I let you in on a little secret?” he murmured seductively against her ear.
“Yes.”
“This is the first time I have ever taken a bubble bath.”
That pleased her even more.
“Good. I’m glad I’m not the only one living through a bunch of firsts on this trip,” she replied softly.
“So tell me how you pulled this off. I’m normally the guy working behind the scenes to make stuff like this happen.”
Looking at him over her shoulder, Sienna gave him an impish grin. “Remember when you were on the phone earlier with Simon’s people?”
He nodded.
“Our butler came in to make sure everything was to our liking and it just sort of came to me. Well...after I saw this bathroom, I knew there was a bubble bath in my future, then I realized I wanted you in here with me.”
“Very sneaky. I love it.” His arms wrapped around her and they both seemed to need a minute to relax and enjoy the whole scenario. “Would you like some champagne?”
“Definitely.”
Mick handed her a glass before taking the other for himself.
“How do you like San Francisco so far?” he asked after a moment.
“Well...I think this hotel is even more luxurious than the one we stayed at in Vegas.”
He chuckled. “Seriously?”
“Oh, yeah. I don’t know why. Maybe because it’s smaller and a little more...reserved? Is that a thing to describe a hotel?”
“I think that says it perfectly.”
“Everything we’ve been doing, for the most part, has been fairly...loud. Graceland, helicopter rides, Vegas...your place in Malibu was a nice little reprieve and then coming here just sort of helped me stay relaxed.”
“Even after a concert?”
“I’ll admit the screaming fans were a bit much, but it was really interesting to watch.”
He laughed again. “Sienna, I think you’re the first person I’ve ever met to describe a concert that way.”
She shrugged. “Would you have preferred that I screamed along with the crowd?”
He hugged her tighter. “Hell no. The only one I want making you scream, is me.”
His words were low and gruff and sent a shiver of delight through her entire body, and she wouldn’t mind if he made her scream right now in this glorious tub.
Instead, he picked up a strawberry and dipped it in the whipped cream and fed it to her. “Mmm...so good.”
“Yes, you are.” His breath was hot against her throat as he began to kiss her. Somehow, he managed to put both their glasses aside before turning her in his arms. The tub was large enough that it was easy to move, but it was still slippery enough that it made her giggle. Mick slowly shook his head. “It’s hard to seduce you when you’re laughing.”
And for some reason, that just made her laugh even more. Soon Mick joined her and their seductive bubble bath turned into a lot of splashing and laughing and silliness.
And it was quite possibly the greatest moment of the entire trip.
It has been so long since she’d felt this relaxed and happy and so full of joy! And it was all because of this man. This crazy, sexy, wonderful man.
I love him.
For all her big talk earlier about how they needed to be better at talking to one another, Sienna found that she wasn’t ready to say those words yet.
Wasn’t sure she was brave enough to say them first.
Looking at him, she saw the same level of joy and happiness she knew he could read on her face and she loved the fact that they’d not only found one another again, but that they were exactly what each of them seemed to need.
