“Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending the launch party of Shadowlight Records’ newest jazz artist, Simona Raye.”

Polite applause broke out around them and Ridley sat up in her seat. “Did he just say Simona Raye? I love her!”

Jackson leaned closer to speak directly into her ear. “You’ve heard of her?”

Ridley nodded. “I downloaded her single when it first came out and I’ve been waiting for the album to release. She reminds me of a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone.”

The announcer waited until the applause died down completely before continuing. “Ms. Raye got her start in the local theatre before she released her first single independently. It did so well that she was immediately picked up by Shadowlight Records. Her album will be released next week but tonight, she’ll be performing several songs from the album for you. Now without further ado, Ms. Simona Raye!”

Ridley jumped up along with everyone else in the room and clapped as a beautiful, dark haired woman took the stage.

“I’m glad you’re excited. Maybe this’ll get me some cool points to cross out all of the idiotic things I seem to do and say around you.” Jackson said.

“Consider the slate wiped clean.” Ridley replied and swayed to the music as the opening notes of the single she’d previously heard were played.

“Would you care to dance?”

Ridley’s head shot up. She wasn’t much of a dancer and she certainly wasn’t willing to risk embarrassing herself in front of all these people. However, Jackson grabbed her hand and led her out to the center of the dance floor where other couples swayed in time to the music. She stopped thinking at all as soon as he pulled her into his arms.

Simona Raye’s smooth voice flowed through the sound system and rolled over her in waves. It almost felt like she was floating with Jackson’s strong arms as her only anchor. Ignoring the little voice in her head warning her to be careful with her heart, she surrendered to the warmth seeping through her pores and curling sweetly through her veins. Jackson hummed softly along with the music. She felt so safe with him, swaying gently to the music, completely unaware of anyone else’s presence.

For just a little while it was their world and she didn’t want to let anything or anyone else in.

The song ending should have provoked her to return to her seat, as she had earlier resolved to, but Jackson wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled her closer so she could feel the swaying motion in his hips. 

“You aren’t scared to get a little close are you?”  

*   *   *   *   *

AN HOUR LATER, a band had taken over and Ms. Raye was circulating throughout the crowd. He didn’t work with jazz artists but since he knew Ridley would love it, he’d made a point to introduce himself so that Ridley could meet her.

He usually hated participating in the fake socializing that went on at these types of events but with Ridley by his side, it didn’t even faze him. As he pulled her against him for another slow dance, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

“Jackson? Hey, it’s good to see you!”

Jackson turned and froze when he saw who was behind him.

“Hey, Bill. I didn’t think you were on the jazz scene?”

It had been years since he’d seen Bill, but he still looked the same. The older man had been one of his biggest supporters when he was younger and one of the most vocal opponents when he’d decided to take his career in a new direction.

He smiled tightly when his old mentor turned to Ridley.

“Hello there. I’m Bill Witherspoon. I’m an old friend of Jackson’s from before he was a superstar. I knew him when he was just another kid with a guitar.”

Ridley laughed and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. Ridley Wells.”

“I can see he still has excellent taste.” Bill laughed and slapped him on the back. “So, is there any truth to the rumor that you’re working on a solo project? You’ve heard the stuff on the charts lately. That golden voice of yours would be a welcome improvement.”

Jackson pasted a smile on his face. “No, that’s just a rumor.”

Ridley looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. “You sing, too? I didn’t know that.”

“Oh, yeah he sings. Has the kind of voice that makes me see dollar signs. I was two shakes away from signing him to a deal a few years back.”

Ridley raised her eyebrows. “A few years back?”

Jackson coughed. “Well, it was great seeing you, Bill. Tell your wife I said hi.”

Bill sobered slightly. “Of course. Take care of those adorable boys of yours. And I meant what I said. I know your label is under Shadowlight, and I don’t want to step on any toes, but Interlace Entertainment would ink a deal for you in a heartbeat if you ever decide to give a solo career another shot. That offer is always on the table.”

Jackson tugged on Ridley’s hand and steered them around the other couples on the floor. He was happy when the song changed to an upbeat number and more people crowded on to the dance floor.

Ridley put a soft hand on his cheek and he looked at her, startled. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re an artist, too?”

After a moment, he looked away. He’d never been shy. As the youngest of four brothers, he’d quickly learned how to command the attention of a room. He’d had to if he wanted any attention at all. But when Ridley looked at him, he felt like she could see everything, even the things he didn’t want her to see.