High Note Read online

  Table of Contents

  HIGH NOTE

  Dedication

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Jen’s Other Books

  High Note

  Jen Luerssen

  High Note

  Copyright © 2018 Jen Luerssen

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 1984914588

  ISBN-13: 978–1984914583

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This book is a piece of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Publisher: LuerssenPerson

  [email protected]

  Cover art and Design by:

  Just Write. Creations

  Interior Design & Formatting by:

  Christine Borgford, Type A Formatting

  Contents

  HIGH NOTE

  Dedication

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Jen’s Other Books

  For Jessica

  CHAPTER ONE

  Used to Like You—Sal

  I like Jack Hansen but he is infuriating. He’s adorable and a pain in the ass, funny yet obnoxious, charming but can be a real dick when he wants to be. Sometimes, he plays the dumb hick even though he went to an Ivy League college. When we were both married, when it was innocent flirting, when we were happy, I liked him and it was innocent.

  I’m not happy. Not since Evan left. Not since he told me he didn’t love me anymore, out of the blue. Evan is currently banging his manager Kate. I used to like her too. Now I pretty much like myself, a few of my friends, and my kids, Molly and Eli, that’s it. Well, maybe Jack is in there somewhere.

  I’m not happy, but I suck it up. For my kids, my family, my friends, my fans and of course I suck it up for High Note. High Note has been a great distraction. I love mentoring young performers and it gives me one more thing to do to distract me from my unhappiness.

  High Note is where I met him. Jack Hansen. Jack is one of country music’s superstars. He’s 35, tall, devilishly handsome and knows it. He even has dimples for Pete’s sake. People adore him and he is untouchable, even when his marriage fell apart, he came out unscathed. He confided in me once that he married another singer to make the label happy and has always regretted it.

  Jack’s wife, Allison, got caught blowing her guitarist in a restaurant bathroom about a month after Evan left me. I got a call from Jack a week later to come back for a new season. He seems to be handling it well if the line of women coming in and out of his trailer is any measure. Rumor is that their marriage was manufactured for marketing. His attitude points to the truth of that, he doesn’t seem broken up about it. The jury is still out on me. My marriage was real, or so I assumed, silly me.

  I liked Jack once, when things were simple, but now he’s standing in my way and it pisses me off. His singer, Grace, is up against my Nicolas. Nic is this amazing 18-year-old kid who sings like an angel but has the self-esteem of a dirty dishrag. Jack takes advantage of this whenever he gets a chance to speak to Nic, whether it’s on TV, on social media, or in the studio. He knows how to get under Nic’s skin. He knows all of his weaknesses and he’s been exploiting them since Nic picked me to be his mentor. He knows I won’t retaliate with Grace because I’m a decent human being.

  Nic is from a small town in Idaho and is one of those adorable kids that has no idea of his effect on others. He’s a corn-fed, tall drink of water and the girls go wild for him. His rabid following he’s picked up is also a tad alarming. The possibility of him getting to Beiber-like levels of screaming fans and possible stalking is real.

  During auditions, Jack was the first to show interest, but Nic hates country music, thank goodness, and went with me after I promised to cater to his edgy-pop interests. Needless to say, Jack has been pissed ever since. He ended up with Grace who is a fantastic singer-songwriter. What pisses Jack off is she’s over 30. He’d never say it in public but he is an ageist asshole when it comes to performers. He gives some lame excuse about longevity, but he’s full of shit. This is the first time I’ve seen him choose someone who was older than 25. Grace is 32 but she looks like she’s 18, so I think that made it easier for him to “settle” for her.

  High Note is unique in that there are ten mentors and we go through auditions and try to get a performer who not only can win the show but who meshes with our style. We see 40 contestants and if someone catches our eye we hit our button and our “magic microphone” lights up. If no one else hits their button, you get your match. This almost never happens. By design, the producers want us to fight over contestants, obviously, so there’s drama. They stack about 15 amazing singers with about 25 mediocre ones, knowing we will all wait for that someone special. We know how to push each other’s buttons and we give good drama, especially Jack and I. Our battle over Nic was epic and since it aired most people believe we are fucking. We’re not. Trust me, there’s been no fucking for me for over a year.

  The mentors are all successful musicians and are well known. Jack is the leader along with Carla Fountain since they helped create the show and are also producers. The rest of us cycle in and out when our schedules allow it. Despite the competition aspect, it’s one of my favorite things I’ve done recently. To be able to mentor new talent gives new life to me and my career, also being with my peers is fun and humbling. Being a popular musician can be isolating at times. You have your people around you and they are all there to cater to your whims. My kids keep me in check most days, but collaborating and spending time with people who are living the same type of life grounds me.

  Last night was the final three show and I’m positive that Nic will make it through to the finals. I had him sing “All My Life” by the Beatles and “Starman” by David Bowie. He blew them out of the water, even though he had never heard of either. One of the things I love about High Note is we can only pick classics to sing. Nothing after 1985. It’s a risky move but there are so many great songs to choose from, so it works. I head to the craft service table to get some lunch while I decide what Nic will sing next.

  I’m piling up my plate when I see Jack heading my way. My mood is weird right now and I’m definitely not interested in dealing with him. He is so fucking hot though. He saunters over in what would be a ridiculous get up on anyone else. He is head to toe country boy, jeans, cowboy boots, flannel shirt rolled up at the sleeves, and that fu
cking cowboy hat. His eyes light up when he gets near and his smile is as bright as the 4th of July sky. He’s a star for a reason. Beyond handsome, charming, and oozing confidence. God, I hate him.

  When he and I met for the first time, I was on a reunion tour with my original band, Superfrogs. We were in Nashville and he came to see us backstage. He was charming and seemed to be really into our stuff. I was married and hopelessly in love at the time so I remember him being cute and nice but that’s it. I do remember Evan later making fun of his songs and singing ability. He also didn’t like the way Jack seemed familiar with me because he hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. Evan was a little possessive, but not enough I guess.

  A few months later Jack called me to ask me to be on High Note. It was perfect timing. My kids were all in school, I was just finishing up my third solo album and the idea really spoke to me. I love sharing my gift and experience with new artists. I was lucky to have had such a great support system with my band and the other bands we would open for. This business is such a crap shoot. If you get anywhere, it’s probably 99% luck or who you know. If I can help a truly talented artist with some luck and connections, then sign me up.

  The first season I was married, and I thought it a was secure and happy marriage so I felt Jack and I’s flirty banter was fun and harmless. Evan didn’t like it but I would reassure him it was good for the show and meant nothing. Little did I know he had already fallen out of love with me and was fooling around with his manager. I am over it now, kind of. I’m mostly just holding on to residual anger and a strong desire to kick my ex in the balls. I wouldn’t go back to him if he begged me. I took my commitment to him seriously and would have tried to work it out if he was willing. He was not. The quickness that he was willing to dissolve our ten-year marriage was jarring. If we didn’t share children, I’d be delighted to never see him again.

  The minute I stepped into the studio for this season, I knew it was different. The chemistry between Jack and I shifted and I can’t decide how I feel about it. Or if I want to do anything about it. The look on Jack’s face as he saunters over makes it clear that he definitely wants to do something about it.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Goals—Jack

  Sal Thompson is going to be mine, both in this competition and in my bed. She thinks she has a chance to fight me fairly in both but I don’t fight fair. Her Nic is toast. That kid is one conveniently placed Instagram comment away from a meltdown. He has some scary fans, like Defcon 1 stalker scenarios. Unfortunately, these ladies are also real easy to turn against him and his fragile ego will be his downfall.

  Now, getting Sal in my bed is a fight I don’t care to lose and from the level of heat between us, it should be happening any minute. I can tell she wants to murder me for toying with Nic but it’s still gonna happen. My life is mine now, and I’m going after what I want.

  I want her. She has this other-worldly beauty. A natural blonde, a real woman’s body and the most gorgeous green eyes I’ve seen. Beyond her looks is her kindness, patience, and incredible talent. She is also my age, far more mature than I am, and is my perfect match.

  My marriage to Allison was pretty much a sham from the beginning, a plot by our record company and managers. Don’t get me wrong, Allison and I had chemistry, but we were never in love. I hadn’t even seen her for six months when she got caught blowing Tucker. That fucker. It all worked out, though, we both got more publicity than our “happy” marriage was getting us and it had really run it’s course anyway. I’m not proud that I married for professional reasons. My parents were in love and happy for over 40 years, until my mother passed a few years ago. My dad preaches true love to whomever he meets. It’s his reason for living. The relationship my parents had is the holy grail that I have been instructed to find and hold onto. He saw my marriage as an affront to that. Love is sacred to him and my fake marriage offended him to his core.

  Last time I was in Tennessee, I promised him that I won’t settle for less than earth-shattering true love next time. In the meantime I’m having fun with women. I have had a few flings here and there over the years but they had to be super discreet and were often not worth the hassle. I’m done with the fun though. I know what I want and it’s Sal. She’s smart, sexy, and has a beautiful heart. I know, you’d think my first compliment would be her fantastic rack. Well, I noticed those things as well but she is beautiful inside and out and is the perfect match for me.

  When I first met her, I felt a connection. I covered my attraction with my normal heavy flirting, knowing she was unavailable. We both were, but I’d have divorced Allison in a heartbeat if there was a chance to be with Sal. Since her idiot husband fucked it all up I have my chance. I’ve been waiting, letting her heal and figure out what her life looks like after her divorce. Her marriage was real. I see the pain in her eyes still. I’m confident I’m the man to wipe that pain away and put a happy, satisfied smile on her face. I just need to win this competition, get all the glory and then collect my prize and my woman.

  My gal Grace is just the person to take it to the end. She’s confident, gorgeous and talented. Her renditions of “I Put a Spell on You” and “Barracuda” surely secured her a spot in the finale. I know the other producers like the sexy love/hate banter that Sal and I excel at so they’ll probably put us together no matter how the people vote. People like us together and think we’re fucking already. This makes it easier for me to convince her to be with me. The gossip is already out there, why not go for it?

  I see her now. She’s standing at the craft services table gathering her lunch. She is having pulled pork sliders and I think I love her just for eating like a normal human. Los Angeles is the land of the carb free, micro, macro, paleo, whatever diet that is the most popular. Sal works hard and is disciplined in her workout regimen. The choreography in her live shows is complicated and rigorous. She doesn’t need, nor care to watch what she eats. Her body is womanly, athletic, and sexy.

  “Hey Sally, want company for lunch?” I ask her, knowing she’ll say no.

  “Hey, Jack, I’m good, going to work on song choices for Nic so no thanks.” She puts a pile of onion rings on her plate, turning me on even more, and walks away.

  I take my time and put my own plate together, definitely not taking that no for an answer. Yeah, I’m a dick but that’s part of the reason she likes me and how I got this far in life. After I pile up with sliders and fruit (I can’t dance so I need to watch my food more than Sal), I head over to where she is sitting at a small bistro table alone.

  “I said I was not interested in company, Jack,” she says, not looking up from a sheaf of papers she’s studying. “It wasn’t some secret code for you to join me anyway.”

  “Aw, Sal, what about me? Maybe I need your company, divorce is a lonely place.” Her head pops up with a hurt look on her face. My sincere smile reassures her I’m not messing with her and her face softens a bit.

  “It is, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through it too,” she says and then looks doubtful. “Seems like the bevy of women in and out of your trailer has made you less lonely?”

  “Oh, darlin’ I’m not all about the physical, I need someone to talk to as well. True that my bed has been warm, but my mind and heart are cold and barren wastelands.” I know, I’m laying it on a bit thick but she likes it despite the eye roll she’s giving me right now.

  She pops an onion ring in her mouth and chews. I love to observe her, she’s fascinating in all she does. Whether she is expertly shaping a young artist into a star, or just eating, fascinating.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Forced Affection—Sal

  He is maddening, has zero boundaries, and is completely 100% up his own ass. “Darlin’,” I mock. “I thought for sure you had no heart, and what else do you ever talk about besides yourself?’

  “Ouch,” he says, looking far from hurt, instead amused. “I know you think so little of me, but I do like stimulating conversations along with my orgasms.”

  �
��Like I said, it’s all about you, maybe try to listen or ask questions about the person you’re fucking and maybe the conversations would go somewhere.” I purposefully turn from him and study my song list.

  His warm breath drifts across the back of my neck and I feel the goosebumps rise. Dammit, if he knows my body reacts to his I’m in trouble. Shit, let’s face it, I am in so much trouble with Jack. It feels like a matter of time before I’m riding him in my trailer.

  “Interesting list, you have a knack for choosing the perfect songs,” he says and his mouth is so close to my ear he inadvertently (or not) blows in my ear. I shudder and turn to him, trying to force him to back up. He doesn’t, instead, he leans in further.

  “Jack, back off a little,” I huff out breathlessly.

  He is so close his nose bumps mine. Our eyes meet and his smile goes wide and I’m in so much trouble. I tilt my head to the side and he takes that as an invitation and his lips meet mine lightly. Chills rip through my body and then I’m the one who moves in. His tongue breaches my mouth and then we both lose it. His hand goes behind my head pulling me in farther while I grip his shirt trying to climb inside him. The whole kiss probably lasts ten seconds but it feels like a lifetime, a sweet lifetime of mischief, joy, and hot fucking.

  As we pull back, there is wonder in both of our eyes. He ruins it of course. “Darlin’, I ain’t backin’ off now.” His accent gets thicker when he’s being super playful. It only makes him more infuriatingly hot. He picks up both of our plates and throws them in a nearby trash, turns, and grabs my hand in one smooth move. “Come with me.”

  I follow until we are out of the main room and then pull my hand out of his. “What the fuck was that?”

  He smirks. “A beginning.”

  I shake my head, finding him ridiculous as usual. “Beginning you say? What are we starting here Jack? I’m not really interested in anything you have to offer,” I lie.