Reckless (Thoughtless, #3)(43)
Giggling, Sienna dropped his fingers and took a step back. I let go of the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Ah, love, aren’t you a sweet one.”
As Sienna’s hangers-on flipped on a TV and made themselves at home, Kellan introduced the rest of his band, sans Griffin of course, who was probably screaming at the linebackers in the hall to let him in. Sienna greeted them politely, but only with a demure handshake. I guess her lips were solely reserved for greeting Kellan. Hopefully that was a onetime thing . . . otherwise I may have to have a talk with the pop princess.
When the introductions with the band were finished, Anna stepped forward and grabbed Sienna’s hand. “Anna Allen, mega fan. You’re practically my idol.”
The two beauties smiled at each other, then Sienna patted Anna’s belly. “You due soon, love?”
Anna frowned for a second, then shook her head. “No, November . . .” Her voice trailed off, and I wondered if Anna was offended that Sienna thought she looked so big that she was going to pop at any moment, or if the idea of her upcoming birth still scared the pants off of her. I figured it was a little of both.
Eyebrow cocked, Sienna looked back at Kellan. “Yours?”
Kellan glanced at Anna’s belly and shook his head. Placing an arm over my shoulder, he drew me to his side. “Mine.”
I smirked at him as I extended a hand to Sienna; my fingers were trembling, and I prayed she didn’t notice. “Kiera . . . hi.”
The smile slipped from Sienna’s face as she looked between Kellan and me. It seamlessly returned as she shook my hand. “Nice to meet you.” Her accent reminded me a little of Denny. I made a mental note to call him soon, let him know that I landed safely. My dad too, for that matter.
Once everyone was introduced, Kellan asked, “You . . . wanted to see me?”
Sienna clasped her hands together. The move accentuated her ample cleavage and I couldn’t help but sigh; she was perfect there as well, even more endowed than my hormonally enhanced sister. I wondered if they were real.
“Yes! I have a proposition for you. One I think would be in your best interest. Yours and mine.” Kellan didn’t seem any less confused. Sienna smiled wider and pointed at him with her laced-together fingers. “I want you.”
I was just about to politely tell her that she couldn’t have him, when Nick finally spoke. “As you know, Sienna is the label’s largest star.” Sienna winked at Nick’s praise. He smiled at her, then continued, “She’s been listening to your finished tracks, and she’s impressed, to say the least.” Nick splayed his fingers out as he gestured to his “biggest star.” “We’ve been looking for a way to rejuvenate Sienna’s sound, add some kick to it.”
Sienna nodded. “Something new . . . fresh.”
“We’ve been looking for a collaboration that would blend well with her unique style.” Nick brought his hands around to Kellan, his smile wide. “And that’s where you come in.”
Kellan blinked. “Me?”
Nick clapped his shoulder. “Yes. Your sound is exactly what Sienna’s been looking for. And we have the perfect song for you—‘Regretfully.’ Sienna’s already recorded her half of it.” He shrugged. “We just need you.”
Kellan stared at him a moment, then looked back at Matt and Evan. “You mean all of us, right?”
Sienna gave him a sweet smile. “Of course.”
Matt and Evan tried to keep their composure, but I could tell they were bursting with excitement. A song with the hottest person on the charts—they’d be an instant sensation. My heart dropped as Kellan looked back at me. I always knew he’d be big one day, but I thought I’d have years to get used to it all. This would practically guarantee him stardom overnight.
Almost like he was reading my mind, Kellan chewed on his lip. After a few seconds, he looked back to Nick. “Our styles are very different. Can I hear the song first, make sure it’s a good match . . . for us?”
Nick pursed his lips, clearly just wanting Kellan to do whatever he asked him to do. Smile tight, he told him, “Absolutely.”
“Come, I’ll play it for you.” Sienna grabbed Kellan’s hand and pulled him toward a piano in the back of the room. I tried to not be irritated with how comfortable she was touching him, or how little effort he made to get away. I also tried to ignore how much of her body was visible through her diaphanous cover-up. Shouldn’t business meetings be conducted fully clothed? Not if you’re a world-famous pop star, I guess.
Excited over a private performance, Anna giggled and grabbed my hand. Sienna sat down at the piano while Kellan stood beside it, arms folded over his chest. As Sienna began to play, Matt and Evan made their way over to Kellan. I reluctantly followed, not really wanting to hear how fabulously talented this provocative, beautiful woman was. But then her voice filled the air and I couldn’t deny it—she was incredible. She was clear and powerful, sweet and sassy, all at the same time. The rhythm of the song was beautiful, not quite a ballad, not quite up-tempo. The lyrics were similar to something Kellan would have written. They were good, really good. Haunting, soulful, a touch profound, and . . . romantic. “Regretfully” was a song of loss. Of having everything with somebody, and then losing it all and trying to pick up the pieces.