Rhythm of Heartbreak (COMPLETED)

Chapter 14

Rick smiled. "Well, I just thought that it would be nice to go to the welcome party together. You don't mind, do you?" he asked as he made a plea gesture.

Is he trying to be cute now? Oh wow, all along she thought that Rick Reed was a synonym for cold and calculated. She thought. She suddenly realizes she likes this version of him too.

Liking him? That escalated quickly. Chill out, Jess. She calms her nerves.

"Sure, as my mentor it is just right that you take responsibility for your junior artist." She responded emphasizing the nature of their relationship.

"As you say so..." he replied.

Rick's eyes went solemn, he then steadied his pace and gently assisted her, slightly touching her elbow as they headed to the elevator.

They were silent.

Did she ruin the mood? Jess thought. What did I do?

When they reach the ground floor, she finds herself being pulled towards the event hall. They were ushered outside, and Jess was captivated by the final setup, the tent was beaming with lights, and the stage was filled with decor, adding many instruments on display. She heard familiar music resounding in the background. Her eyes widened.

"It's your song!" Jess exclaimed as her eyes went around to look at Rick.

Rick nodded and smiled at her. "As my junior artist, I am glad you listen to my songs" he whispered using her own words against her.

And there you go again; she felt her heart skip.

She moved an inch away from Rick and feasted her eyes around, the other artists were already there, and everyone went in there very much committed to the theme, she giggled.

Rick was looking at her intently and was astonished by how much she was enjoying herself.

"As my junior artist, you look lovely, did I mention that already?" He whispered the same words again as his hot breath contacted her skin.

The sneaky closeness sent another shiver to her senses and this time she blurted.

"Rick, don't do that!" She exclaimed.

"Don't do what?" he innocently asked.

"Have I not warned you about this already? That! You, whispering and this surprise closeness. Don't do that to me." She stated.

"And stop mocking my words, you've been saying as your junior artist two times in a row now" she clarified.

Rick didn't mind her outburst, instead he smiled. "Why Jess Lynn? Are you affected by my presence?" he initially asked.

Jess gulped. 

"Besides you were the one who redefined this relationship, I am just stating it, so we won't forget." He added quite plainly.

Jess was shocked by his initial question, you are Rick Reed, after all, everything you do has an impact on any woman or man. You should know that by now. She thought.

Instead of saying those words, she decided not to bloat his ego. "If you are used to playing this game with other people, please spare me from it, and by the way, the only effect you have every time you pull this stunt is personal trauma. Do you know how much fear you have inflicted on me these past few hours?" She stated.

Rick suddenly laughed loudly, and it caught other people's attention in the process, whispers were heard, and giggles erupted nearby. They might have recognized Rick Reed.

Of course, they do! He stands out no matter what.

She then directed her eyes towards Rick, was her comment funny? Jess thought.