"Hey," I say in a meek voice, breaking the silence because it's making me uncomfortable.

"Hey."

Silence again. His eyes are on me, like he's trying to read me just as I'm trying to read him.

Say something.

"So, I hope it's not going to be a problem that I'm here with you," I say nervously, "I mean, working with you. I hope it's not going to be awkward or anything."

Steele's lips curl up on one side like he's trying to suppress a smile.

"Why would it be awkward for me?" he asks, taking a small step toward me.

I fumble backwards slightly, but the desk prevents me from moving any further.

"You know, just..." I can't form a full sentence. I don't remember ever losing my composure like this, "the way we left off. How everything ended."

"Annika," he says.

The sound of my name rolling off his tongue makes me flinch. It's like no time has passed since the last time we saw each other. I try not to let on to how he's affecting me, but I don't know how good of a job I'm doing hiding it.

"'Ended' is such a final word. Things just changed - for both of us."

Steele takes one more step forward. I clutch the desk behind me. I'm cornered and I can't decide if I want to run away or leap into his arms.

Steele raises a hand to my face. I look down, uncertain of what exactly he's going to do or how I'm going to react.

He brushes some loose tendrils of hair back from my face. My eyes are fixed on the floor. I know what's going to happen if I look up. Steele takes my cheek in his hand. It's firm and warm and I can't help but press my face back into it.

"Annika," he says my name again, his voice just above a whisper. He gently tilts my face up giving me no choice but to look up at him.

Our eyes meet. My heart is beating so fast, I'm afraid he can hear it. The way he's looking at me now, reveals everything I want to know.

Steele leans in, softly pressing his lips against mine, as if to get my approval. I don't move. I want to tell him no, but those lips, those eyes...how I've missed them.

Before I have a chance to come to my senses, Steele parts my lips with his tongue. He's not soft or gentle this time. He's hungry. He's needy. He's sexy as hell. And his tongue feels like heaven in my mouth.

My fingers curl around the edge of the desk in an effort to support myself. Our tongues move together like they've been meant to do this forever. His mouth covers mine, his lips so soft and comfortable on mine. Steele's kiss is deep and hard.

I reach my hand up and place it on his chest. I feel his heart beating beneath my fingers and suddenly everything becomes real again. I pull away.

"We can't," I whisper, breathlessly.

"We can," he replies seductively, his breath in my ear.

"Steele," I say with more force, "we can't."

He backs away a little, bewildered. We've had almost this exact conversation before.

"I'm here as a consultant. I can lose my job," I explain, but that's the least of my concerns.

"Technically, I'm paying your salary, and I'm very okay with it - with this."

"It's not just that, Steele," I answer, frustrated. I sigh, "fuck."

"We can do that too, you know," he says with a smirk.

A short laugh escapes me. It's like nothing has changed - but everything has.

"Annika, is the day ever going to come when you stop acting like there's nothing between us?"

"Come on, Steele, we haven't seen each other in years. So many things have changed. I mean - look at you."

I eye him up and down quickly. Physically, the only thing that's changed, is that he's gotten even more muscular and handsome - but I'm referring to who he is now and how far he's come.

"So what. When I see you, it's instant fire. I know you feel it too."

I have to look down. It really is like nothing has changed. "You know how I feel. That hasn't changed."

"Why can't you just go with it and see what happens? Maybe it will be amazing. Maybe it won't be the disaster you're expecting."

I sigh.

"I can't force you to see what you're trying to hide, and I'm not going to beg for it either."

"I don't expect you to."

We hear the sound of voices getting louder. Steele squeezes my hand and takes another step back.

"Just think about it. That's all I'm asking."

I give him a weak smile and he turns to leave the room. Steve walks in at the same time as Steele starts to walk out.

"Perfect timing," Steve comments.

"Yup. Perfect," Steele replies, "I'm going to run through some songs for the show tonight. I'll see you later."

He glares at me once more before leaving. His look speaks volumes. I hold his gaze like I'm trying to prove something, but all I feel is regret.

Maybe Steele is right. Maybe I should give in. Maybe I should forget all of my preconceived ideas of what life with him would be like. Maybe I don't have to give up anything. Maybe we can just have one night together - again. God knows it was incredible the first time. At least I could allow just one night of pleasure. Why should I deny myself?

Because it will be so much more than that.

I know it would be. I couldn't have a fling with Steele and forget about it. Even after all the women he's been with, I don't believe he could either - and that is the problem.

I'm sure many women would love to be with him - to have that chance - but I grew up a part of this life. I know that it's nothing like what a 'normal' relationship is like. The life of a rock star is like unlike anything anyone on the outside can understand. It tears people apart, it breaks them down. Very few relationships are able to survive it.

But is that what he's asking for? A relationship? We haven't seen each other in years. It's possible that Steele just wants to have sex and move on - it's basically what he's known for. Him and every other rock star for that matter. Shit. One day and he's already consuming my thoughts. How am I going to do this?

"Annika, are you okay?" Steve asks.

I was so lost in thought, I forgot he was here.

"Yes," I reply, taking a breath, "sorry, I'm just a little shot. Must be the time change."

"No problem. I know what that's like," he assures me with a smile, "would you still like to go over everything with me or do you need a break?"

"Thanks, I'm fine. No break needed." I open my computer and spread the papers out in front of us on the desk.

I put Steele out of my mind and Steve and I get down to business. We spend the next hour or so going over the numbers I put together and lists I made. I take detailed notes about each person and item we review. We wrap up the last of the particulars that I wanted to discuss with him and both begin to put our things away.

"I really have to get back to work, Annika."

"Sure, no problem. We're pretty much done for now anyway."

"I can set you up with some interviews tomorrow if you like."

"That sounds great."

He instructs me where I can find craft service and have something to eat. He has to get back to prep for the show tonight. We go our separate ways, and agree to meet back stage for the show.

Chapter 5.

Despite the size of the arena, I easily find my way to where the buffet is set up. There are some people milling about, talking and eating. I recognize some of the faces from my quick introduction to the crew this morning. I smile at a couple of people who are looking at me, but only one actually smiles back at me. I hate being the enemy. Hopefully I won't be for long.

I make a plate and sit down at one of the large tables by myself. I try to look occupied by checking emails while I push food around my plate.

"Hey," a sultry voice greets me, taking a seat across the table.

"Hi," I reply. Her face is familiar. I saw her today, but I know her from somewhere else.

"Annika, right?"

"Yes, and you are?" "Jasmine."

She smiles at me, but I sense there is something hidden behind her smile that's anything but friendly. I just grin back at her. Most of the crew are on the defense so I can't take it personal.

"I've heard about you. I mean, before you came here. You have a reputation."

Undecided about what she means by that, I answer casually, "all good, I'm sure."

She laughs, "I guess. As long as my job is safe, we're good."

Jasmine takes a bite of her food. I sense she dislikes me for more than just my reputation.

"I'm not here to upset the apple cart, as they say."

"Well, I'm not too worried. I know what I mean to Steele Rush, and I'm confident I'm not going anywhere."

I catch some serious undertones in what she said. I can't decipher if she means Steele Rush as the musical talent, or as the person himself. It shouldn't bother me regardless, but it does.

"Good. I'm sure if you feel that way, you're right," I reply.

She finishes off the last of the small amount of food on her plate and stands back up, "nice meeting you, Annika."

"You too, Jasmine."

Jasmine leaves, slithering off to wherever she needs to be. She left a bad taste in my mouth, but I have no intention of letting it get to me. It comes with the territory.

I hear the announcement that doors open in five minutes. This is one part of the business I absolutely love. The rush of excitement right before the show. When everyone is bustling about making sure everything is set in place and the sound is perfect. The moments before the audience filters in are always most intense.

I head over to the stage area, trying to stay out of the way. I pass 'Final Revolution', the band that's opening for Steele and smile. They're in a sort of huddle, getting themselves ready for the final show in Atlanta. I've heard them on the radio. They're up and coming and really good. It won't be long before they get their chance as the headliners.

The music starts playing as the throngs of people file into their seats. The energy is palpable and I'm excited to see the show. I haven't seen Steele perform live since my time at The Reading Room.

Final Revolution is announced and they run onto the stage. From where I'm standing back stage, I have a great view. I see a group of Steele's roadies gathered to listen while they can. I keep an eye out for Steele, but I don't see him anywhere. I'm sure he staying out of sight until he has to come out and perform.

The band begins to play. They have a classic rock kind of feel with a modern rock edge. I wish I had some company, but I rock and sway to the music by myself anyway. I'm sure Steve will be along to keep me company at some point.

By the time they start their last song, I've become entranced by the music. As much as I always hated the lifestyle of rockers, I've always had a deep love for music. I love the way the tune and the lyrics can capture a feeling or emotion. My attention is focussed on the stage, intently listening to their hit song. I recognize it from the radio.

"They're pretty good, aren't they?"

It's loud and I was so fixated on the band, I didn't notice Steele standing next to me until he spoke into my ear.

He wasn't whispering, but he had to get close enough to my ear that I would be able to hear him. Even after he spoke, the feel of his warm breath on my cheek lingered.

"Yes. They're great," I shout back. My face is flushed. I'm hoping he thinks it's because I'm hot and not because of how close we just were.

"I'm kind of excited that you're here to watch me."

"I'm here because it's my job to be here."

The look on his face tells me I might have hurt him with that comment. "I'm looking forward to seeing you on stage. It's been a while," I add to save myself from sounding so harsh.

"It sure has. It's been too long."

The smirk on his face says he's no longer bothered by what I said. He's enjoying the fact that I'm uncomfortable.

The crowd erupts in cheers as Final Revolution finishes their last song. They run off the stage right passed where we are. One of them stops to exchange a few words and a manly kind of handshake with Steele.