Page 2 of Fire

Manic to Midnight, one of the biggest bands on the planet, needed a lead guitarist to fill in for their tour after a major scandal forced them to kick one of their original bandmates tothe curb. Suddenly, he goes from a hired gun to a full-fledged member in a matter of months. Now, his name and face are plastered fucking everywhere.

That was two years ago, and since then, he’s traveled the globe, performed in front of millions, and oh, married the love of his life and had a beautiful baby girl. I’m fucking ecstatic for the guy, but in that same span of time, all I’ve accomplished is some mediocre session work in the studio. Oh, and my all-important job as my father’s assistant. Can’t forget that.

To say I’m a little jealous is an understatement.

I’m dying to get my chance in the spotlight, but I’m stubborn. I’ve refused to let my dad sign me as a client, which is stupid for many reasons. The biggest one is that he’s a fucking legend in the music world, and being on his roster could do insane things for my career. Instead, I’ve stubbornly turned down his help and advice, and instead, I work for him, helping other musicians make it big.

Doesn’t make sense to me either.

“Right, well…” He leans back in his chair, looking more tired than usual. Dark circles frame his eyes. The man owns three businesses, is a devoted husband, and has raised fivemostlysuccessful adults. If this is getting to him, I know it has to be significant. “After Zander joined, they seemed solid.”

Yeah, until recently.

“But then the pressure got to Evans, and after they finished recording the new album, he abruptly asked for some time off.” I let out a frustrated breath and try not to sound annoyed, but the guy is stalling. “Dad, I know all this. That’s why I’m in your office, begging for his damn job.”

“It’s not that simple.” His gaze meets mine.

I blow out a breath, ready to argue or plead. Either option works for me, as long as I leave here with his word that he’ll try to get me this gig. He’s got a direct line to the band’s agentand manager. He can make it happen. “Itisthat simple. I’m a bass guitarist,” I remind him before amending my answer. “I’m a damn good bass player.”

“You are, and I know you’re more than qualified for the job.”

“So what’s the problem? And don’t feed me the whole nepotism bullshit, because we all know if you vouched for me, the band wouldn’t think twice.”

I have four siblings, and almost all of us work for him in some capacity, from my oldest brother, who practically runs things around here, to my sister, who pours drinks at the bar. My dad has never given a shit about what people think regarding his kids.

“That’s because I’m not an idiot. Only a fool would brag about their kid, only to get them placed in a job they’re not qualified for. The five of you may have the benefit of certain privileges others may not, but it doesn’t mean I’m not gonna let you shake through life because of it. That shit just looks bad. But regardless, it’s not me who has the final say.”

“Who is it then?”And why am I wasting time here?

“Asher.”

I grin. Asher Knight is the lead singer of Manic to Midnight. He’s Scottish, single, and has been named the sexiest man alive more times than I can count.

“Asher loves me,” I inform my dream-crushing father. “Ever since I showed up to one of Zander’s concerts wearing an official Knight Rider shirt and asked him to sign my chest.”

He rolls his eyes.

“What?” I scoff as light streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him, making the silver in his hair stand out even more. “He was more than happy to sign it, and it made a great gift for Mercury. She tried not to, but she squealed like a little girl when I gave it to her.”

“That’s because sheisa little girl.”

I shake my head at that, enjoying my father’s agitation just a bit too much. “She might be the baby of the family, but she’s far from little anymore.”

My dad grumbles and mutters under his breath as he fiddles with a pen on his desk. Mercury, the youngest of the Creed kids, just graduated from college and moved into her first apartment right after she started working at the family-owned recording studio. Dad is not handling the change well.

My mom refers to it as empty nest syndrome and has encouraged all of us to distract him with an engagement or even another grandchild.

Ithinkshe was joking, but I can’t be sure.

At any rate, she already has one grandkid from my oldest brother, Cash. No marriage or engagements as he is a single father. He shares custody with Taylor’s mom, but that woman hasn’t been welcome in our house for years.

“So basically, what you’re saying is…” I lean back in the old leather chair, feeling a glimmer of hope. “All I have to do is talk to Asher, and I’ve got the job?”

He chuckles. “Your confidence is astounding.”

“Learned from the best,” I say smugly, though his hesitation is making it waver.

“Unfortunately, there is someone else you also need to convince. And he’s going to make you work for it.”