Kassidy's Crescendo Read Online Free PDF

was the New York Giants because he was New York born and bred. She knew his parents still lived in the city. She also knew he liked action and suspense when it came to movies, but held a soft spot for classics like Casablanca and Roman Holiday—once professing Gregory Peck to be the quintessence of cool in that time-honored romance. When it came to books, he liked Grisham but was lukewarm on a few others who inhabited the bestseller lists.
    Beyond that, she didn’t know much, yet still she was pulled toward him—fascinated…
    “Do you have any other brothers or sisters?” Hoping she didn’t seem nosey, Kassidy issued a light laugh. “I’m a lonely only, so I’ve always enjoyed the idea of family bonding and brothers and sisters.”
    Drew didn’t seem to mind. “Joe and I are two years apart in age, and we’re as close as they come, probably because beyond our parents, we’re the only immediate family we’ve got. Growing up we shared everything. Toys, hand-me-downs, bedroom space. We had to make a way together, or beat each other up in the attempt.”
    Kassidy enjoyed the analogy. “A tight-knit unit. I think that’s awesome.”
    She didn’t know what to do with the silence that followed, but Drew picked up the conversational thread. “Are you enjoying your suite at the Luxenfield?”
    Arching a brow, Kassidy let loose a wry chuckle. “The heated floors in the bathroom, the heated towel racks and silk robes—what’s not to love? The king-sized bed and satin down comforters are ultra-glam, but…well…”
    Curiosity scripted its way across Drew’s features, prompting her into an admission. “Of course I love the luxury, but, it seems kind of over the top. It’s not really necessary to be so extravagant.”
    A flicker of surprise crossed the dips and planes of his face—a handsome face, Kassidy thought, with its squared jaw, that tempting brush of stubble and dark-as-night eyes, and the crowning touch of short, dark hair.
    “You amaze me, Kassidy. I’m used to people asking for more. Demanding it even. Yet, here you are, willing to settle for less.”
    “When it comes to some things, yes.” She followed that bit of sass with a challenging grin.
    Drew laughed. “Point taken. Allow me to put your mind at ease. Amenities like the ones you’ve described aren’t about affectation, they’re about seeing to your comfort. The tour is going to be grueling. You’ll perform much better if you’re taken care of properly. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying conveniences and perks when you’re being forced to shuttle from city to city with barely enough time to breathe and rest between stops. Nice hotels, chauffer service”—a brief arm gesture encompassed their ride—”are things you should get used to.”
    “For now, maybe, but still, enough is enough, know what I mean?”
    Drew answered that comment with a mirthless chuckle. “No, not really.”
    Kassidy’s brows pulled as she studied him; her heart twisted slightly in the face of his attitude. Most likely he meant the words as a tease. She looked deeper, though, and wasn’t quite sure what to make of what she found beneath his surface, so she turned her attention to the passing cityscape.
    “I see more to you than drive and ambition, Drew. I think if you look beyond that kind of noise the reward will stun you beyond belief.”
    The limousine slowed to a stop, ending their conversation, but Kassidy took heart in the speculative way he regarded her at the end. Maybe she had given him something to think about.
    Their entourage trooped through the ornate lobby of the Hastings Theater with its gilt columns, soaring ceilings, and detailed relief work along the walls and alcoves. Kassidy entered the theater proper and stumbled to a stop once she saw the fully assembled stage—the stage upon which she would perform in just a few hours.
    She grabbed Aileen’s hand, squeezed tight. “Oh. Oh, my. Oh, my goodness.” Her heart thundered, vibrating