Page 32 of Among the Stars
“No need.” He pressed a kiss to her temple as he passed, and Veronica’s cheeks warmed.
The touch was casual, caring, and confused the hell out of her. If she wasn’t careful, more than her new panties were in danger of melting.
* * *
Cam knew local council members,state legislators, and businessmen like himself who pulled down million-dollar deals over a casual lunch. Countless musicians passed through his club, and many big shots in the music industry were his neighbors. But he’d never seen this many Music City power players in one room.
From songwriters and session musicians, to label owners and media personalities, they’d all gathered to celebrate with the happy couple.
“I thought this was a bachelor party,” he said to Veronica on one of the rare occasions she wasn’t running off in another direction. “This looks more like the after-party for an awards show.”
“You think?” She glanced around as if unaware of who was in her house. Cam had watched her greet every guest at the door. By name. “This isn’t a typical crowd for one of my parties, but Music Row is a small world, and everyone loves Ash. Plus, Jesse’s popularity is growing from the looks of things.” Veronica nodded toward a small crowd in front of the Christmas tree that included Clay Benedict, Chance Colburn, Dylan Monroe, Jesse Gold, and two women Cam didn’t know.
Benedict was a fellow member of the Governor’s Club, an exclusive country club and golf course in Brentwood. Cam didn’t love the game, but in his line of work, dabbling was necessary, and he’d encountered Clay more than once in the clubhouse. Benedict also owned Shooting Stars Records, a relatively new label experiencing substantial success with both Colburn and Monroe. If there was any doubt about Jesse’s future success, it didn’t show on their leader’s face.
“Did you know how many people would be here?”
Veronica smiled and waved to a guest near the stairs. “I had no idea,” she mumbled. “The one waving is the woman I went out with on Christmas Eve. Her date is the man she picked up that night.”
Cam assessed the pair. “He looks familiar.”
“Part of a duo. And married.”
“Is the wife here?”
“Last time I spotted her, she was stepping outside for a smoke with the other half of the duo.”
Interesting. “Running interference?”
“Or one-upping each other.” The woman approached, and Veronica’s voice rose a full octave. “Melanie, I’m so glad you could make it.”
The brunette eyed Cam as if he were a Tiffany’s gift box. “You know I wouldn’t miss Ash’s send-off. What happened to you the other night? You disappeared on me.”
“I moved on to another club.”
Sensing Veronica’s unease, Cam said, “She came to meet me.”
Narrow brows arched. “I don’t blame her.” She squinted as if trying to place him. “Haven’t I seen you before?”
Veronica tucked her hand around his elbow possessively. “Melanie, this is Cameron Rhodes. Cam, this is Melanie Turnbull. She runs PR for Foxfire Records.”
He didn’t extend a hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Turnbull.”
“Wait.” Recognition dawned. “You were in The Tennessean magazine. In the eligible bachelors article.”
There were few choices Cam regretted, and that article was at the top of the list.
“Yes, but I’m less eligible now.” He shifted their position to drape his arm around her waist. Playing along, his date tucked in tight against his side. As the publicist’s brows arched higher, Cam pulled Veronica closer, realizing this was no longer a game to him. He wasn’t pretending.
“I didn’t realize. . .” Melanie said.
“You might want to check on your date,” he pointed out, and she turned to see a beautiful redhead reenter the house and wrap her arms around the greasy-looking musician in the ridiculous hat.
Clearly uncomfortable, she spun back around. “Don’t be silly. That isn’t my date. He’s a married man.”
“My mistake.” Cam navigated Veronica past her friend. “If you’ll excuse us.”
Veronica, who had remained silent during the exchange, leaned up and kissed his cheek. “That was spectacular.”