Chapter 69

“Will you—” She broke off. God, she was pushing her luck. From his explanation, she sensed he didn’t share this part of himself with many people.

It didn’t line up with the image of ruthless business tycoon. But in this moment, she wanted to see his clever, talented fingers fly over those strings. To witness him coax beautiful music from that instrument. To watch him lower that damnable shield and let her in. “Will you play for me?”

He stared at her, and her heart thudded against her rib cage. Finally, finally, he dipped his chin and reached for the acoustic guitar on the far end. He almost reverently lifted it off the stand and carried it to the loe seat. She trailed behind him, not saying anything. Afraid if she uttered a word, he might change his mind. Once he perched on one end of the small love seat, she sank to the other.

Propping the instrument on his thighs, he plucked a few strings, turned the knobs at the top. Once he seemed satisfied, he cupped the neck,