In The Heart Of Nashville (closed)

[silvertongue217]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02J61h9eqAM

His fingers drummed the steering wheel, his voice a purr as he sang softly to himself. His truck a beat up old red devil of a machine moved through the streets of nashville. his eyes swept back and forth taking in every inch of the city in his dreams.

"I made it mom" He murmured his hands going to the gold locket he had fixed around his neck "No we made it"

He felt a deep peaceful calm settle over him and he smiled singing the last few bars as he turned another street and the record company came into view. It stretched out in front of him jutting in the sky proudly. Country Rebel studios was one of the top places in Nashville, a place a lot of country singers considered to be the "promised" land.

And he was going to record in it

Had he expected some thing like this? No, dreamed of it sure but the music industry was well known for being a once in a life time chance. Still he worked the circuits singing in every bar and venue that would have him. He even worked up some thing of a following! Not a big one mind you but still impressive enough to draw the eyes of a scout. He played for him and the rest as they said was history.

He pulled into the guest parking spot as he had been instructed and slid out of the car. He slammed the door shut behind him and looked up eyeing the building, he was unable to stop the large grin from crossing his face the sheer happiness of where he was and what he was about to do taking root inside of him.

"Oh boy" He said running a hand through his short black hair "this is it"

Knowing he would spend the entire day if he didnt get a move on. Kenneth Crane turned reaching into the back of his truck and pulling out his moms battered guitar case. He pulled it out easily using one hand his large arms flexing as he used his free hand to slam the door shut. He made his way toward the front entrance taking the time to smile and wave at the people going in all around him.

He caught the odd hesitant looks from every one but didnt let it knock the smile off of his face. He was used to it by now, Kenneth was a large man more bull like then panther, he had broad shoulders and a deep tan that spoke of some hispanic descent. While he was intimidating his face had a youthful look to it and he was almost always smiling. His eyes were bright and clear cool blue pools. His outfit was simple a pair of jeans, brown boots, and a simple black T shirt stretched across his frame.

"Can I help you sir?" A receptionist asked as soon as he came in.

"Uh yeah" He said his southern accent coming out as he wandered over "My name is Kenneth, Kenneth Crane I have an appointment to do a recording uh Mark Thompson sent me"

"I see" The receptionist said eyeing him up and down for a few seconds. She finally reached down pulling out a badge for him and sliding it forward.

"You will be on the 23rd floor" She told him tapping away at her keyboards "Sound Booth three"

"Thank you Ma'am" He said nodding his head and picking up his guitar case. He heard nothing back so he turned moving to the elevators and going on his way. He spent the time in the elevator going over his notes humming to himself. He closed his eyes feeling the music just like his mom taught him to. Music was alive she told him over and over again as he struggled with the guitar, being able to shape it was a great gift one that required respect and heart.

He heard the elevator beep and slide open and stepped out his eyes still closed the music still in his head........

And also no idea where or who he was running into

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

http://youtu.be/RwN8VgFKlpg

Bonnie McAdams was sitting in one of the sound booths on the twenty-third floor of Country Rebel, sipping on a bottle of Fiji water, and praying that the extra-strength Tylenol her assistant had given her as they road over to the label from Bonnie's downtown luxury apartment just a short while ago would hurry up and kick in already. She had the hangover from Hell, and she didn't know how she was going to be able to make it through this meeting today if it didn't.

"I think you're really going to like this one! Real upbeat, and with a good chorus hook. Has a lot of potential to be another pop crossover hit for you!" her manager said in a loud and chipper tone before turning on another track for her to listen to.

Bonnie tried not to glare at her manager as she sank further back against the arched back of the plush leather couch that she sat in with a long suffering sigh. It wouldn't have really mattered anyway though since her long lashed, blue-green eyes were currently covered up completely by large rimmed dark shades that she continued to wear despite the fact that she'd been indoors for quite a while now.

As always her manager Rick was full of energy and enthusiasm. It was something she'd always loved about him in the past, back when she'd first signed and was new to the music biz, but now it just made her head hurt.

More and more recently she'd been staying out late partying all night with her entourage and then showing up late and hungover the next day to meetings, rehearsals, and recordings; but no one ever said anything to her about it. They didn't dare. She was the number one cash cow at this record label, and no one was going to risk upsetting her by confronting her about it. Besides, as long as she continued to pop out number one hits like she'd been doing since she first signed with the label as a teenager, why would they care? Money was the only thing anyone really cared about in this business, and as long as she kept making it for them they were going to let her do whatever she liked.

"Excuse me Rick, but I need to go powder my nose," Bonnie said, not even waiting for a reply before she got up mid song and headed out the sound room door and down the main hall towards the ladies room, deciding that she needed a break.

She tossed her long waves over her shoulder in a frustrated gesture as she walked. The sound of the heels of her black boots clicking on the floor announced her arrival, and others quickly parted and got out of her way. Everyone knew to steer clear when she was in a mood like today. She could feel their eyes on her though. One of the prices of stardom, you were never going to be able to escape having everyone's eyes on you. Though with her long legs, classic peaches and cream complexion, blonde hair, and lithe figure; which was currently displayed nicely by the black designer skinny jeans and navy fitted satin blouse that she wore tucked in at the waist, no doubt she would have caught people's eye even if she wasn't a star.

Right before passing in front of the elevators she took off her sun glasses for a moment, closing her tired eyes and rubbing at her temple gently as she attempted to releave some of the pressure there. Eyes still closed, she vaguely registered hearing the soft beep indicating that someone was getting off on the floor when... BAM!

She collided full on with the person coming off of the elevator, stumbling against them and spilling the water bottle she'd still been holding. At least she assumed it was a person. It had felt like she was walking into a wall!

"Hey, watch where you're going! Don't you know..."

Her voice trailed off as she opened her eyes and looked up, locking eyes with the "wall". She understood now why it had felt that way. He was incredibly large and broad shouldered, dwarfing her in comparison. His clear blue eyes shined brightly against the contrast of his dark hair and tanned skin on his handsome and boyish face. She'd never seen him before, she was sure of it. She would have remembered eyes like those.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Oh no I am so sorry!" Kenneth said reaching out to catch the woman before she fell "I didnt mean to-"

He stopped his eyes widening as he took her in. Whoever she was she was pretty! Like so pretty he had to remind himself to breath! It wasnt like him to get so side struck either, he was by all accounts a guy who knew he was at least good looking. That combined with being a rugged western singer meant he knew his fair share of woman.

But they all seemed dim in comparison to her.

"I am really sorry Ma'am" He said wincing as he noticed his southern tang working into over time "I was stepping out and didnt see you my name is Kenneth... Kenneth Crane"

He stuck his hand out waiting to see if she would shake it or not. Part of him hoped she did so he could feel her hand in his. Hell a part of him wanted to bow and kiss it!

But before he could do any thing

"Ken there you are!" His manager Ronny Styles called out as he ran over to Kenneth. Kenneth (with some anger) tore his eyes off of the pretty girl to smile at Ronny.

"Hey" He said dropping his hand before she could take it "I was on my way when I ran into this pretty lady" He said nodding at the girl.

"Well tell her to-" Ronny snapped before he saw who she was. The change was so sudden as if some one had literally slapped a new face onto Ronny. He put on his best smile and bowed his head up and down furiously at the girl.

"We are so sorry Ms. Mcadams!" Ronny said to her hurriedly his eyes looking panicked "I am sure my boy here didnt mean to run into you!"

"Uh no" Kenneth said weirded out by Ronny's reaction to the girl. Was she famous or some thing? He didnt listen to a lot of other music besides country but he knew Country Rebel employed singers of all genres. Was she some famous singer?

"It was an accident I promise you" He said smiling at her "Please accept my apologies" He said offering his hand out again.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

“I am really sorry Ma’am. I was stepping out and didn’t see you my name is Kenneth… Kenneth Crane.”

Bonnie quickly straightened herself and took a step back as the guy she’d collided with apologized and introduced himself as Kenneth Crane in a deep Southern drawl. She’d never heard of him.

He extended his hand to her, but she didn’t notice it right at first. She was still a little taken aback by the situation, but the main reason was that she hadn’t yet been able to pry her gaze away from Kenneth’s bright blue eyes staring down at her. He looked at her as if he liked what he saw, which honestly was nothing new for her; but also as if he had no idea who she was, which certainly WAS new.

Before she could respond Kenneth’s manager joined them, snapping her back into her senses, and she quickly adverted her gaze.

Her eyebrow arched in surprise when Kenneth referred to her as “this pretty lady”.

Yeah, he definitely didn’t know who she was. Had he been living under a rock? She honestly couldn’t remember the last time that had happened to her. She wasn’t sure if she should be amused or offended.

Amusement won out however when she saw the sudden change in Ronny’s expression when he realized who it was his client had ran into, and then Kenneth’s confused response as he apologized and extended his hand to her again.

Maybe her Tylenol was finally kicking in, or maybe it was the bright smile he gave her that seemed to warm her all the way down to her toes, but she actually found herself taking it.

“Apology accepted,” she said, placing her hand in his as a slight smirk tugged at the corner of her full, bow shaped lips.

“I’m Bonnie McAdams… You must be new here.”

 

[silvertongue217]

Bonnie Mcadams?

Why did that name sound familiar?

Kenneth tossed and turned it in his head for a second once again drawing his eyes up and down her body. He ignored her bueaty (Or at least did not allow himself to get side tracked by it and instead focused on her features. Even though he wasnt a huge lover of other forms of music she had to have been famous enough for him to....

Then it hit him

"Oh shit" He said causing Ronny to wince "I know who you are now! Its a pleasure to meet you Mcadams" He said pumping her hand up and down as Ronny sighed in relief.

"My client meant no disrespect" Ronny said to her his voice rushed "He simply-"

"Had no idea who you were" Kenneth said rolling his eyes at his managers behavior "I very much doubt even the pop princess needs to be hand held" He told Ronny who went beat red.

"In any case my little sister would love an autograph" Kenneth said once again ignoring Ronnys protest "Do you mind?" He asked her his blue eyes appraising her.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Man this guy was green. Still all bright eyed and bushy tailed, not jaded at all. Reminded her of when she'd been new to the business. Had she really been like that too once? It seemed like forever ago now.

She had almost been disappointed when she saw the recognition flash in Kenneth's eyes and he finally realized who exactly she was. It had been a long time since a guy had flirted with her without her having to wonder if he was just interested because she was a celebrity. It had been kind of nice...

Oh well, back to the usual routine.

"It's ok Ronny," she said, slipping into the same sweet and somewhat overly cheery tone that she used when at public events and when meeting fans backstage after one of her concerts, "It was an honest mistake." She turned to Kenneth and flashed him that "pop princess" megawatt smile she was famous for.

"I'd love to sign an autograph for your sister, anything for a fan! I don't have anything to sign with on me right now, but my assistant always keeps some headshots around for things like that. I could sign one for her and get it to you later. Where are you headed to?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"Would you?" Ken said his eyes widening "That would be awesome! I wish I had known I think she has a giant poster of you some where....."

He trailed off her eyes moving up and down her form once more before settling on her eyes. He shifted slightly his biceps flexing as he shifted the guitar case from one hand to the other.

"I am headed to sound booth three" Ken said clearing his throat "I'm supposed to be recording for the first time today" He said rubbing the back of his neck.

"And we need to be going" Ronny said butting in and grabbing Kenneths shoulder "Come on son"

"I guess duty calls" Kenneth said his lips twisting into a sexy smirk "Come on in if you get a chance.... I would love to get some tips and to hang out" He said his voice earnest as he let his manager lead him away.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie definitely hadn't missed the way Ken's eyes had looked her up and down , and now as he walked away with Ronny she couldn't help but give him an appreciative glance over herself, noting the way his muscles flexed as he moved.

Mercy. She hadn't asked him where he was from, but wherever it was they sure new how to grow them. Normally she would have just signed the photo and had her assistant drop it off for her, but maybe she could spare just a little time...

"Sure," she said with a nod, "I need to finish up a meeting first, but I'll come over when it's done."

She gave him a slight smile and a parting wave before turning and heading the opposite direction back to her own sound booth.

After her meeting with her manager was done, she got one of her headshots from her assistant and signed the way she usually did by writing the message, "follow your heart", out and then signing her name beneath and dotting the "i" in her first name with a little heart. She thought it was pretty cheesy, but the fans seemed to like it.

Signed photo in hand, she made her way to sound booth three.

 

[silvertongue217]

When she got there the recording light was already on. She was led into the sound booth where Ronny and two technicians were discussing music and how they wanted to approach Kenneths first recording. The man himself was sitting in the recording booth strumming on a beat up old guitar and humming to himself.

"Miss Mcadams!" Ronny said jumping up and moving to give her his seat "Please sit"

"Hey there Bonnie" One of the Technicians said a friendly older guy named Mike "You come to watch the new guy run through the paces?"

"Hey Bonnie" Kenneth called from the recording booth "Guys can we start? I am feeling anxious"

"If you say so kid" Mike said waving off Bonnies words and gesturing for her to sit and take a pair of headphones. He slid his own on at the same time he began fiddling with the equipment.

"Ready when you are kid"

Kenneth drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. He exhaled slowly at the same time filling his mind with memories and feelings. He usually drew on his mom for inspiration but today his mind seemed to flash between her and one pop singer in the next room.

So he began to play letting his heart guide his fingers. A slow sexy love song began to form and he went and ran with it as he kept playing. His eyes remained closed as he imagined the song as he let the story between two lovers play out in his mind and come out of lips.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie smiled slightly at Kenneth's comment about being anxious to start as she took the seat offered to her and slipped the pair of headphones over her head. It had been a long time since she had sat in on a recording session with someone this new, and she couldn't help but find his nervous excitement endearing.

She watched closely as he drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes, an expression she couldn't quite name passing over his face as he exhaled slowly, and then suddenly he was playing. She listened to the chords, liking the melody even if the guitar he played had seen better days. She turned and was about to make a comment to Ronny about it when Kenneth began to sing, stopping her dead in her tracks.

She turned, her eyes glued back on Kenneth as she slowly sank into the back of her chair, all thoughts of Ronny or anyone else in the room completely forgotten. He sang with such raw talent and emotion that she was instantly transfixed.

Her breath caught in her throat and she felt her stomach tighten in desire as the song about the two lovers progressed. She felt his voice and the lyrics of the song flow and seep into her, warming her insides like a glass of good bourbon. She shifted slightly in her seat, the intimate feeling making her uncomfortable.

 

[silvertongue217]

And just like that the spell was over

He drew the song to a close ending it on a crescendo that was almost orgasmic in its nature. He played a few more notes and then finally stopped opening his eyes at the same time he did.

"How was that?" He asked raising an eyebrow seemingly oblivious to just how good he was.

"Excellent kid excellent" Ronny said his voice shaking with excitement "I'm telling you your going to be a star!"

"I dont know about that" Kenneth said sliding out of his chair and setting the guitar down "But it does mean a lot to me" He told his manager smiling softly.

"We can take five" Mike said his voice dripping with the excitement of getting to dive in and mess with the music "Let me play with it and see what I get"

"Okay" Kenneth said turning to Bonnie as he went to get a drink of water from the stand he brought in "what did you think?"

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie sat and blinked as the spell that Kenneth had cast with his voice faded, absolutely dumbfounded. She'd been unable to suppress the small shiver than ran down her spine during his ending crescendo, and her skin still felt flushed even now after the song was over. She hoped to God she wasn't blushing.

What did she think?! She felt like she needed to go home and take a cold shower! She couldn't remember the last time a song had effected her in such a way, pouring straight into her soul it seemed. It was blissful, but also a little scary if she was honest. She wasn't quite sure how to respond, but she did know one thing for sure...

"Ronny was right Kenneth," she told him with a nod, "That was excellent."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Really?" Kenneth said blushing and shaking his head "I mean coming from you that means every thing!"

He meant it to! His voice was honest and earnest as he left the recording booth and seconds later joined them. He smiled at her one powerful arm swinging as he closed to door shut behind him and went over to sit at the couch.

"This must be every day for you huh?" Ken asked smiling "A big star like you! I bet you make music in that booth" He said nodding "Real Music even"

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie shrugged and lowered her gaze in embarrassment at Kenneth's compliment.

Real music? Had he heard any of her music lately? She wasn't going to say it was bad, but it didn't nearly have any of the heart and soul of the song that he'd just sung. That song had been a part of him, his own creation. Her music wasn't like that. Maybe at one time it had been, but not anymore. She used to write her own songs all the time, but now she mainly "collaborated" with other writers for her albums. The words just didn't flow from her like they used to. Her heart just wasn't in it anymore she guessed. Maybe she just didn't have any more songs left in her.

"No, not everyday...," she said shaking her head slightly before raising her gaze back up to meet his, "That was pretty special what you did in there Ken."

 

[silvertongue217]

"It wasnt nothing"" Kenneth said in an awe shucks tone. He waves his large hand blushing a bit as he did.

"My ma was the one who could truly sing... Back when she was alive some people said she could sing gold into existence" Kenneth remarked smiling at the memory "she taught me every thing there was to know about music"

"Hey I have an idea!" Kenneth said smiling at her and leaning in "How'd you like to do a duet? I mean pops a little different from country but get in there with me and see what type of music we could make together!" he told her leaning over to gently touch her hand.

"Uh im not sure thats a good idea" Ronny said coming over "I am sure Ms. McAdams contract-"

"Oh what a load of shit" Kenneth said stopping him with a shake of his head "Music is music spur of the moment just two people seeing what works and doesnt work together I am sure its not a problem" He said glancing at Bonnie curiously.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie opened her mouth, about to tell Kenneth no. Ronny was right, that's not the way things were done here. It wouldn't be a breach of her contract per say, they were signed to the same label after all, but managers were usually the ones who made arrangements for artists to collaborate together on a song. As a famous pop star who had already made it big, she doubted her manager would see any benefit to her collaborating with a brand new artist, especially a county one... but then he glanced over at her, their eyes meeting again.

She felt something deep inside of her that had long lane dormant begin to spark and sizzle, like a tiny flame igniting and beginning to thaw away the cold.

Screw the way things were usually done. She wanted to sing with this boy, and she wasn't going to take no for an answer.

She shot Kenneth a little mischievous smile before turning her attention over to Ronny.

"So you mean you don't want your new client to sing a duet with this label's top selling artist...an artist that took home six Billboard Music Awards this year alone?" she asked, arching her eyebrow at him.

 

[silvertongue217]

"I dont think I could have said it better my self" Kenneth said a pleased smirk crossing his face as he rose up out of the seat "Mike man can you get us ready?"

"Sure" Mike said clearly happy about the whole thing.

"Come on" Kenneth said grabbing her hand and gently pulling her up "We can go in together"

He led her in before she could say any thing else quickly as if he was worried he would change her mind. Soon enough they were both seated in the recording booth kitted up and ready to go.

"I guess we will free style it..." Ken said adjusting his guitar "Just go with it... Tell me what your feeling with your voice"

He started to close his eyes as he began to play a series of strings to work into a song. However at the last minute he stopped and instead starred at her deep into her eyes. He didnt break that even as the song began to morph and take form.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie's heart pounded in her chest as Kenneth began to play, wondering what on earth she had gotten herself into.

She thought about his words, Just go with it... Tell me what you're feeling with your voice" How on earth was she supposed to do that?!

He'd had his eyes closed at first like when he'd played by himself before, but then suddenly they were open again and he was looking at her, his eyes staring deeply into her own. She found herself getting lost in them, unable to break away. She felt the small flame that he'd ignited in her earlier being to grow... and absentmindedly she began to hum. She found herself getting swept up into the melody of the song that he had begun to form with his guitar when suddenly...a song began to rise up in answer from within her, flowing into her mind and then out of her lips.

It started out with a girl, sleep walking through life. Asleep so long she'd grown cold and numb... but then she meets someone new and they're like a bright light waking her up! Only she'd been asleep for so long, she didn't know if she wanted to leave the dream...

 

[silvertongue217]

Kenneth heard the girls plea in the song. The plea to wake up hidden behind the nervousness and fear of what awaited her when she did. While Kenneth didnt know that sort of fear he knew compassion and he knew heart.

And so he sang with her their voices joining in perfect harmony as he drove the girl on. Every thing else fell away every thing blotting out and losing focus until their was only her eyes and the song. It began to morph going from a hesitant mournful type song to a deep sexually tinted one. The boy in the song was drawing her out tempting her with forbidden fruit and a sinfully delicious promise of what was to come.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Bonnie's heart swelled, the flame inside it blazing brighter in response as Kenneth's voice joined her own and the song progressed. Everything and everyone else in the room seemed dim in comparison to its light, completely forgotten as she lost herself in the song and in his eyes staring deeply into hers. Into her very soul it seemed.

She felt warm heat flood through her, her voice rising up and becoming less hesitant as the girl in the song responded to the temptation, giving in to the boy and taking the fruit that the he offered her.

 

[silvertongue217]

Kenneth grinned and with a few more strings brought the song to a close. The melodies played out and then finally with a last chord the song was done.

Ken didnt move his eyes from hers... at least not at first. The passion and feelings in the song were still inside of him causing him to have a heightened awareness of her. A deep want filled him a throbbing desire to close the distance and kiss her making it self known.

"That was fucking great" Mike said chiming in and causing him to jump "Seriously guys you were perfect together"

"Uh yeah" Ken said blushing and rubbing the back of his neck "perfect" He repeated biting his lips as his eyes flashed with lust and he looked her up and down.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

As the last chord of the song faded, Bonnie too still found herself caught up in the passionate feelings of the song. The fire that had been lit within her while singing with Kenneth seemed to be coursing through her veins now, causing her skin to feel flushed and hot. The air between them crackled with electricity.

"That was fucking great"

Bonnie also jumped a little bit, suddenly becoming aware of the other people in the room again. She felt her cheeks flush a bit at the thought of others having witnessed what had felt like such an intimate moment between herself and Kenneth and she lowered her gaze from Ken's.

"Seriously guys you were perfect together"

"Thanks Mike" she said, giving the man a small, shy smile before turning her eyes back on Kenneth.

She noticed that he was blushing as well and her eyes moved to his lips when he bit them, unknowingly wetting her own lips as she watched him do it. Looking back up to his eyes there was no hiding the flash of lust she saw there as he looked her over, or the way her own pupils dilated with desire in response.

 

[silvertongue217]

""uh yeah" Ken said gulping hard as he caught the look of lust mirrored in her eyes. Did she really? The flash was there and judging by the way she wetted her lips she was feeling the physical reaction to their song as well.

He coughed and rose feeling a farmilair tightening in his crotch. He looked down and his eyes widened noticing his cock was half hard and creating a VERY sizable bugle in his blue jeans. He caught her eye and he blushed rubbing the back of his neck as he reached out with his hand to help her up.

"That was" Ken began to say before realizing his voice was hoarse with desire and nervously clearing it "That was sure some thing" He said helping her up.

 

[BlondeAmbition4RP]

Seeing Ken's eyes widening, Bonnie had looked down and noticed the bulge in his jeans before quickly adverting her eyes back up and doing her best to pretend that she hadn't noticed. There was no denying it, he had definitely been just as effected by the song and their chemistry singing together as she had.

She extended her hand to him and let him help her up, feeling her heartbeat pick up in response to the hoarseness she'd heard in his voice and the feel of his hand touching hers.

"Definitely," she replied with a small smile, her own voice sounding more velvety than before to her ears. It was then that she noticed the time on a clock hanging on the wall in the sound booth, "I better get going though. I've got a couple new songs that my manager and I decided on earlier, and he'd like for me to get started on recording them right away."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Uh yeah sure" Ken said noting the time as well and clearing his throat "I am sure we have a lot to go over as well" Ken said glancing over at his manager who was tapping at his watch behind Bonnies back.

"Let me help you" He said going over to the door and opening it for her "I guess I will be seeing you then?" He asked their eyes once again locking as he leaned against the door.