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An English Lesson

By: MoogPlayer



I always thought that I was a fairly smart guy. I made it a point to never speak out of turn; unless I knew with absolute certainty that what I had to say was not only correct, but to the point. That all went to hell one day in a hand basket when...

Chapter One

My name is Harry James and I'm forty-five years old. I've been told by more than a few women in my life that I was handsome in a rugged sort of way. I have shoulder-blade length, dark brown hair and dark brown eyes with a hint of green around the pupils. I stand 6'2" and I weigh 225 pounds. I've been playing piano since I was five years old and keyboards since I was fourteen and over the years; I've been blessed to make a very good and lucrative living at it. Because of the fact that I've poured myself into my music for so many years; I never seemed to make time for a relationship. Don't get me wrong; there have been plenty of different women in my life. However; they either wanted nothing more than a one-night-stand or wanted more than I was willing to give. But, I never could seem to connect with any of them on anything more than a physical level. After so many years of the same thing; I'd resigned myself to the fact that I would spend the rest of my life alone, and I had accepted it.

I'm a professional pianist/keyboardist living in Nashville Tennessee and a little over a year ago; I received a telephone call from my agent, informing me that I was booked to play in London, England. I was supposed to play a three night debut performance with EMI London's newest female recording artist with an additional unspecified rehearsal time before the performance. My flight reservations had already been booked and paid for and my flight was leaving at 6:00am the following morning. So, before going to bed that night, I packed my bags with enough clothes to last at least a week to ten days. My agent had also informed me that all my instruments at the studio had been packed up and would already be loaded aboard the plane once I arrived at the airport.

After a ten hour flight to London's Heathrow Airport, and then having to pass through immigration and customs, I found myself standing in front of the record label's liaison person. He was a man of about fifty, sort of pudgy and slightly balding on the top of his head. He stood about 5'7" or 5'8" and smiled then extended his hand, and with a heavy English accent, said, "Hello Mate and Welcome to England! My name is David Baines and I'll be helping you get ready for the gig. If there's anything you need, just let me know!"

"Thank You, Mr. Baines," I replied. 

He laughed and said, "You can dispense with the title of Mister. We're pretty informal so feel free to call me David, if you please."

I ended up staying near Barbican Centre, which is the only residential portion of downtown London. As our taxi pulled up in front of the flat where I was to reside while I was there, I was pleased that I would be staying there while in London proper. However; I had no time to waste admiring my temporary residence as I had work to do. As soon as my luggage was stowed; I went back down stairs, hailed a taxi, and then headed to the studio to meet the artist I would be working with.

Once we were at the studio, and after I'd been introduced to the producer, Toni Roberts, and her sound engineers, David looked at me and said, "Come on, mate, I'll introduce you to the lady you've come to perform with." I smiled and followed him into the suite to find my gear already set up and, to my surprise, someone sitting behind it playing. As we approached whoever it was, all I could see was their back. This person was evidently female, and had long blonde hair the same length as mine. Who ever it was could play extremely well, but it has always aggravated me when someone that I don't know sits down to play my gear without the consideration of asking first. 

However, I wanted to remain polite so, when I got closer, I gently said, "Uh, excuse me but would you care to tell me just what you think you're doing?" When this person turned around, I was stunned.

She gracefully rose from the stool, and with a thick British accent, dryly said, "My name is Kiera Brighton. Who the hell are you?" 

Before I could respond; David stepped in and replied, "Kiera, this is Harry James and he's going to playing piano/keyboards at your concert a fortnight from now." She looked to be no more than twenty three or twenty four at the very most. 

However, after looking me up and down, she looked at David then back at me and sarcastically replied, "Oh right, you're that American that I've heard so much about. Well, I hope you're as good as they say you are or your ass is out of here," and then she turned on one heel and walked away. 

I looked at David and said, "Just who the hell does she think she is, man?" 

David laughed and replied, "She's the lady you'll be working with for the next two weeks," and then he laughed and added, "Rehearsal starts in a couple of hours so, if you're not too fagged out (tired), and are hungry, there's a restaurant a block down the street."

I felt much better after I'd eaten, and it was nearing time for rehearsal so, I made my way back to the studio. I thought about my initial encounter with Kiera as I walked, and while she was no doubt beautiful, there was something oddly familiar about her. She stood about 5'6" or 5'7", and if I had to guess; I'd say she probably weighed no more than 115 or 120 lbs. Her body measurements were proportionate to her size, and as I stated before, she had blonde hair the same length as mine, yet her eyes were a deep hypnotic shade of blue. Suddenly I was daydreaming about this girl and I silently chastised myself for it. After all, she'd treated me like shit from the moment I first met her. I'd tried to be polite about her playing my instruments, but maybe she misunderstood my meaning. If I was going to be working with this young woman for the next two weeks then I knew that I would definitely have to try and get along with her so; I decided then and there that I would try and talk with her before rehearsals began and offer an apology.

As I walked through the front door and down the hallway of the studio building, I rounded the corner to find Kiera at the water fountain getting a drink. She immediately glanced up, and upon seeing me, gave me a disgusted look. I had to move quickly so; I said, "Um, Kiera can I talk to you for a minute before rehearsals start, please?" 

"It's Ms. Brighton to you, and what could you possibly say that would even remotely be of interest to me?" she asked, with a tone of voice that showed pure contempt. 

It pissed me off immediately, and I defensively replied, "I was going to apologize for sounding harsh when I saw you playing my gear. But from the way your acting, I guess I was well justified," and before she had a chance to say anything further; I added, "It sure would be a shame for the record label to waste their money by bringing me over here." 

"And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" she hatefully asked. 

Instead of answering her question; I looked at my watch and sharply replied, "It's time for rehearsal," and then I turned and walked away. 

Rehearsals went smoothly that morning and although I was only playing with the rest of the band and not Kiera; she was in the control booth listening closely. So I made sure not to miss a single note and came in exactly when and where I was supposed to and stopped exactly when and where I was supposed to stop. Before I realized it; lunch break came and I was informed that I was through for the day. 

On my way out of the studio suite, Kiera's producer, Toni Roberts, stepped out of the control booth and said, "Harry, can I see you for a few moments please?" Toni Roberts was 35 years old and a seasoned professional like me. When she and I had met earlier, I could feel the familiar vibe of my peers back home. As I walked towards her, I knew that I would be able to talk plainly with her and not be reprimanded or treated any way other than professionally. "I understand that Kiera gave you a hard time earlier today!" said Toni. 

I just smiled replied, "It's no big deal, boss. I can handle it."

Toni grinned and said, "Could I persuade you to come into my office for a chat and a cup of tea?" 

"Sure, but only if I can get some coffee instead," I replied with a grin.

"Look Harry, she's young and impetuous and a genuine pain in the ass, but she's got a voice like nothing you've ever heard, not to mention the record label has invested five million pounds in her career," said Toni, as we sat down in her office. 

I nodded and replied, "Well Toni; that's all well and good but I don't understand why she's treating me like I'm pond scum. I haven't done anything to her and she's been nothing but a total bitch to me from the first moment I got here." 

Toni smiled and replied, "Well I know that you haven't done anything to her, but, there's something you need to know!"

"What?" I asked. 

Toni leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath and began "Kiera came from a broken home. Her mother worked two, sometimes three jobs just to make ends meet."

"What does that have to do with me?" I asked. 

Toni smiled and continued "Her parents split up when she was ten. Her father, whom she idolized, left them both and ran off with a younger woman." 

"I still don't understand," I said, now totally confused. 

Toni kept smiling and said "Harry, her father was American, and a musician, just like you!" Suddenly it stuck me, and before I could say anything else; Toni continued and said, "Ever since then; anyone that was American or anyone that even associates themselves with anything American, she despises with a passion so, try to understand that she's jaded when it comes to America or Americans, and especially American musicians." 

"I'm not like that at all and I think it's wrong for her to judge us all because of the actions of one particular prick, who just happened to be American. That's the trouble with the rest of the world. They think we're all a bunch of ass holes!" I said angrily. 

However, Toni reached across the table and patted my hand and said, "It's going to be alright Harry. Give it a chance and I think everything will work out just fine, okay?"

"Well, if you say so," I replied, shaking my head.

That night I lay in my bed sleeping through fitful dreams, and for reasons unknown at the time; I dreamt of Kiera. I saw her running towards me crying with her arms outstretched. However, the faster she ran towards me, the further away she drifted from me. Suddenly I woke with a start and looked over at the clock on my bedside table to find it was only 4:00 am. I got out of bed and walked into the kitchen of my apartment and retrieved a cold soda from the refrigerator, then went out onto the balcony to take in some fresh air. London is similar to New York City in the fact that it's a city which never seems to sleep. My apartment was on the top floor of a thirty-five story building. 

As I looked out on the skyline of London at night; I could see Big Ben and the house of Parliament keeping watch on the banks of the river Thames. London is a city steeped in history and my thoughts drifted to the macabre tales of yore. Places like Hyde Park and Jack the Ripper came to mind. The British say that rumor has it that upon the death of a certain member of the royal family, presumably Queen Elisabeth, the true identity of Jack the Ripper shall be revealed to the public. It leads everyone here to believe that he was a member of the royal family, as he was never caught. That kind of thing didn't surprise me in the least as I'd seen some pretty wild things up to this point in my life. Due to the jet lag I knew I wasn't going to be going back to sleep. So, as I sipped my cold drink; I began to relax and think of the job I was here to do, but more importantly; my thoughts drifted back to the dream that had awakened me earlier. What was it about this girl that began to haunt me? I was a little uneasy and I knew that it wasn't attraction, because from the moment I met her; she'd acted like a spoiled child. Hell, she was almost a child in comparison to my age anyway. But there was something different, almost special about her, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I dismissed it as more jet lag and put it out of my mind.

~~~~~~

By 9:00 am the next morning; I was back in the studio ready to begin the day. Toni gave me the set list and charts I was going to be working on that day, and in doing so, asked, "So, how are you today, Harry?" 

"I'm doing great," I replied with a smile. 

Then she pointed to a particular song on the set list and said, "This is one that I want you and Kiera to work on first thing this morning. She wrote this and it's one that is going to be performed with just you and her. I think it's a hit." 

"I'll do my very best, Toni," I replied. 

She smiled and patted me on the shoulder and said, "I know you will Harry, that's why I asked the record label to try and get you over here to begin with." 

"Thanks Toni, I really appreciate it. Now if we can convince her majesty (referring to Kiera) to be as appreciative as you..." 

Toni laughed and said "Get to work, ya wanker!"

As I perused the chart of the song that I was to work on first, I decided to look at the lyric sheet that accompanied it. The words took hold of me and wrenched my heart. It was a very sad song about a little girl who'd had her heart ripped out by someone she'd loved very much. I surmised from the lyrics that it was about her father. The more I read, the more I began to understand Kiera, and by the time I finished; I was surprised by the feelings that coursed through me. I sat down and began to play it, and as I progressed further; I could empathize the pain I knew she must have felt that drove her to write this particular piece of music. Once I was done playing, I no longer had the anger that once shrouded me at the thought of having to work with her, nor did I feel pity either. An understanding of her came to me and compelled me to try and help this poor tortured girl find inner peace.

A few moments later; Kiera walked into the studio suite where I sat behind my piano. She looked at me as if I were beneath her, and with a very condescending tone of voice, said, "Toni told me that you were ready to begin rehearsal on the solo piece we're supposed to do. Do you think you can handle it without screwing it up?" 

"Do you?" I asked smiling. 

She glared at me and replied, "I wrote this song and I assure you that if anyone messes up; it won't be me. Do you understand?" 

I nodded, and smiling, replied, "If we're going to do this; I suggest you stop flirting with me and let's get to work." The look of shock mixed with anger on her face was priceless, and I knew right then that to help her; I was going to have to give her the same attitude that she was dishing out to me. But instead of being full of anger and contempt; I was going to do it with gentle compassion and let her know that I understood what she was feeling. Although my father didn't leave us on purpose, none the less; I lost him at a young age when he became one of over 58,000 Americans killed in the Vietnam War so, in a way, I understood her.

I began to play and when she started singing; I realized I was listening to the most beautiful voice I'd ever heard. Not only could I hear, but I felt her pain with every word she sang. And when we were done, the tears were silently pouring down my face like rain. It didn't go unnoticed by Kiera either. She gave me an odd look, but before she could say anything; I excused myself and walked out of the suite and through the back door of the studio to get some fresh air. For the rest of the morning Kiera gave me strange looks, but she remained silent and distant. However, after lunch break was over she returned back to being the same person she'd been upon our first meeting.

Around 2:00 pm that afternoon we all took a tea break. I was sitting alone in the break room having coffee when Kiera walked in. She saw that I was having coffee, and with a sneer, said, "How typically American to have coffee on a tea break." 

Instead of replying with something witty and flippant, I rose from the table and walked to the break room door and slammed it shut, making her almost jump through her skin. I glared at her, and pointing to a nearby chair, said, "Sit down, please." 

She looked at me and replied "I don't take orders from anyone, especially you." 

"SIT DOWN!" I yelled. 

She cowered and took a seat. 

Then I pulled up a chair across the small table from her and, in a gentle voice, said "Listen to me! I know why you hate Americans so badly." 

"You know nothing about me," she replied defiantly. 

"You think you're the only person who's lost their father? Well you're not!" I said, raising my voice slightly, and then before she could reply I added "Let me tell you something, young lady. I'm truly sorry that your father did the things he did, but that doesn't give you the right to take it out on all American men, especially me. I lost my father in the Vietnam War when I was very young so; I understand what it was like growing up without a Dad. However, you will not treat me like shit any longer. I'm trying to be as nice as I can. Most people would've told you to fuck off long before now. But I can tell that's not how you really are, and you know that's not how you really are. You've just forgotten that's all." Then I leaned in closer and said, "You'd better do some serious soul searching and try to find the sweet girl that I know is still inside you somewhere, or your music career will go down the shitter quickly, I assure you!" 

With that I stood up and said "I'm going to my apartment because I can't stand being around your hateful ass any longer today," and then I opened the door and walked out. As I passed Toni in the hallway; I said "I'm going to take the rest of the day off if that's alright with you Toni?" 

She smiled and said "Okay Harry. I'll see you tomorrow. Get some rest and we'll start fresh in the morning." 

"Thanks boss," I replied, and then headed out. 

Before I took two steps, Toni pulled me aside and whispered, "I heard what you told Kiera, and I approve whole heartedly." I just smiled and walked away.

~~~~~~

When I got back to my apartment; it was nearing 3:00 in the afternoon so, I decided to take a nice long, hot shower. The water was therapeutic as well as relaxing, and all the tensions and stress of the day seemed to flow out of my body and wash down the drain. Afterward, I was sitting out on my balcony enjoying a glass of iced tea and deciding on where I was going to have dinner when I heard a knock at my door. Wondering who it was, I got up to answer it. 

When I opened the door, I could've been knocked over with a feather when I saw Kiera standing there. "Well hello. What're you doing here?" I asked. 

She looked like a frightened little girl right then when she replied, "Mr. James can we talk? I promise to be nice." 

I smiled and said, "Mr. James was my father. My name is Harry, and we can talk about anything you want." As I invited her in, I smiled and said, "All I've got to drink is Coke, water or iced tea, but if you'd like, I can make you some hot tea?" 

She smiled meekly and replied, "Coke will be fine, thanks." I could tell she was very nervous so, I invited her to have a seat on the couch. 

As she took her place I went into the kitchen and fixed her something to drink. When I came back into the living room and took a seat next to her; I handed her the cold drink and asked, "To what do I owe this honor of this visit?" 

She looked at me and, before she could reply, began to gently weep. Before long however, she was crying so hard that she began to tremble. I took her drink from her and set it down on the coffee table. I put my arm around her shoulder and said, "Aw sweetie, don't cry." She leaned into me and put her arms around my neck and continued to cry even harder. I just held onto her and let her get it out. Once she slowed down and began to regain her composure, I went into the bathroom and retrieved some tissue so she could dry her eyes.


An English Lesson



As I handed the tissue to her; she looked at me and said, "I'm so very sorry for the dreadful way I've treated you, Harry. You didn't deserve that and I hope you will be able to forgive me." Before I could reply, she began to cry again only this she curled up next to me, almost in my lap, and wept even harder than before. I just sat next to her and held while she cried. 

After a few moments, she calmed back down, and while she wiped her eyes, I said, "There's nothing to forgive, okay? I understand that certain things that happen to us have the tendency to make us hard on, not only other people, but on our selves as well. You're no different than anybody else I know." 

She looked up at me with those beautiful blue eyes and said, "But I've been such a horribly wretched bitch to you for something that wasn't even your fault."

I laughed and said, "Yes, you have," and continued laughing.

At first she looked at me like I was crazy, but my laughter must've been contagious because Kiera began to laugh along with me, and soon we were both roaring. After we'd both regained our composure, I smiled and asked, "So, are we friends now?"

She put her arm around my neck and kissed me lightly on the cheek and replied, "Yes, we're friends now." At the same time my stomach growled loud enough to wake the dead causing her to giggle so, I said, "Well then, how would my new friend like it if I took her out to dinner. Besides; my stomach is telling me that I'm starving." 

She giggled delightfully, and pointing to my stomach, replied, "Yelling is more like it," giving cause to the rise of laughter from both of us again. She excused herself to go to the bathroom and wash her face as well as redo her make-up, and then we were on our way.

We left my apartment building and began to walk down the street. As we walked, Kiera turned and said, "I wanted to tell you that I think you play piano beautifully."

I smiled and said, "And I wanted to tell you that I'm really sorry for the way I scolded you the first day we met." 

She giggled and replied, "You told me that there was nothing to forgive when I tried to apologize to you so, I'm going to tell you the same thing, okay?" 

"Okay," I replied with a grin. We walked for about a block and came to a restaurant called 'The Red Lion' and went in. 

The moment we entered, the maitre'd greeted us warmly and said, "Two for supper, sir?" 

"Yes, please," I replied. 

He recognized Kiera and said, "We're honored to have you here, Miss Brighton. Will you both follow me, please?"

He led us to a secluded table in the back, away from the rest of the restaurant's patrons in order to give us privacy. As soon as we were seated and our drink orders had been taken, the waiter walked away. After waiting until he was out of hearing range, Kiera looked at me and said, "Harry, can I ask you something rather personal?" 

"Sure," I replied. 

She looked at me apprehensively and said, "How old are you?" I laughed and she gave me a bewildered look and said, "What?" 

"I thought you were going to ask me something personal." 

"Well, isn't someone's age something personal enough?" 

I smiled and replied "It is only if you're ashamed of it, or you're trying to hide it, but in answer to your question, I'm forty-five!"

"Really?" she replied, with a look of amusement, "Well, you most certainly don't look it." Then she smiled and said, "I'm going to be thirty two on my next birthday!"

It was my turn to say, "Well you most certainly don't look it either. Hell, I thought you couldn't have been any older than twenty-three or twenty-four at the very most." She beamed at the compliment but I was very serious. 

When our drinks came, Kiera held up her glass and said, "Here's to good music and my very new and hopefully very good friend. Cheers!" 

"Cheers!" I replied while we touched glasses. Kiera watched me intently as she sipped her drink. Then as she set her glass down, I looked at her and said, "By the way, I meant to tell you that I thought you played piano quite nicely as well." 

"Coming from you, that's a very fair compliment, thank you kind sir," she replied. 

I smiled and said, "It's not a compliment, it's the truth!" 

After we'd ordered our food, Kiera looked at me and said, "I wanted to also tell you that I was truly touched by the way my song affected you at rehearsal today. I never thought that my music would have such a profound impact or evoke emotions like that from anyone." 

I smiled, and taking her hand in mine, replied, "Kiera sweetie, you have a very wonderful gift, and the first time I heard you sing I knew that you were going to be a star." 

"Do you really think so?" she asked excitedly. 

"I know so!" I replied.

I didn't realize how hungry I really was until the food arrived at the table. I had steak and Kiera had chicken, but it was still very delicious, and by the time we were finished; we were both very full. Afterwards, while we were enjoying our coffee, Kiera looked at me and smiled then said, "Could I ask a favor of you Harry?" 

I smiled and replied, "Name it!" 

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and said, "Well...I um....I was wondering if...um..." 

"What is it Kiera?" I asked smiling. 

She grinned and said, "I was wondering if maybe we could go back to your place and talk for a while?" 

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked uneasily.

She smiled a little more confidently and replied, "You'll just have to wait and see, now, won't you?" and then she giggled like a little girl. 

This was a quality that, in the short time that I'd known her, I began to adore so, I said, "Well, alright then, but we've got rehearsal bright and early tomorrow so, we better not stay up too late, alright?" 

"Right then, let's go," she replied. Before we left the restaurant; I went to pay the check but Kiera would not allow me to do any such thing. "What kind of person would I be if I didn't at least buy your dinner after the way I've treated you?" she told me, while batting those big blue eyes of hers at me. Of course my resolve melted on the spot and I relented.

On the way out of the restaurant; Kiera nonchalantly grabbed my arm and snuggled into it as we casually strolled down the sidewalk. She looked up into my eyes and said, "I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to apologize and to you get to know you better as well."

"Don't mention it little lady," I replied in my best John Wayne impersonation. 

She giggled and said, "I've always liked 'The Duke' since I was a little girl. My Mum and I used to watch him on the telly late at night on the weekends when I didn't have to get up for school the next day." 

I didn't want to violate Toni's trust but, at the same time I didn't want to sound condescending either. I simply wanted to convey my feelings of understanding for how hard I knew she must've had it not having a father figure when she was young so I said, "Please don't be angry but I asked Toni about you, and your Mom sounds like a great person to me." 

She simply squeezed my arm, and smiling, replied, "I'm not angry at all, and yes; she's the best. I owe her a lot." 

When we got to my apartment building, I opened the door for her and followed her inside to the elevator or 'lift' as they call it in England. We rode in silence up to my apartment and once the door opened on my floor; I followed her to my front door. After unlocking and opening it; I followed her in. Once we were inside my apartment and the door was closed; Kiera turned to me and said, "Do you mind if I make some tea?"

"Not at all, let me show you where everything is," I replied. 

She smiled and said, "There's no need. I'm female Harry so, what kind of woman would I be if I didn't know my way around a kitchen?"

I had to laugh, and motioning toward the kitchen, replied, "Then by all means, be my guest."

She gave me another one of her beautiful smiles and went straight to the kitchen while I went into the living room and sat down on the couch. As I turned on the lamp on the end table; I heard Kiera say, "You keep your kitchen like I keep mine." 

"How is that?" I asked. 

"You keep everything in the same place that I do," she said. 

I didn't have the heart to tell her that things were that way when I checked into the apartment so; I simply replied, "How cool is that?" She just giggled, and then a few moments later, came in with two cups of freshly brewed tea. 

While we sat together on the couch drinking our tea; I set my cup down and said, "So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?" 

Kiera placed her cup beside mine on the coffee table then looked at me and, with a slight tremor in her voice, said, "I need to ask you something." 

I could tell that she was afraid of something but I wasn't quite sure so, I simply said, "You can ask me anything you want." 

She looked at me, and as she began to speak; her bottom lip and chin began to quiver when she said, "Harry I'm afraid.....and I don't know what to do about it." 

"What are you afraid of?" I asked, concerned. 

Her eyes filled with tears and she replied, "What you said about my career in the break room earlier today really got my attention. I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of all those people and I'm absolutely terrified that I will." She wasn't openly crying but none the less; tears were now steadily falling down her pretty cheeks. 

I reached over and wiped the tears from her face and said, "Aw Kiera, Sweetie, it's going to be just fine, I assure you. Like I already said, you have a very special gift. And I think that once you share it with the world, they're going to absolutely adore you."

Then she seemed to suddenly shake off the fear, and sitting up straight, she looked at me and said, "Toni said that you are the best, and one of the most experienced in your field, which compels me respect your opinion. If you say that everything will be alright then, I believe you..." 

I sensed some hesitation in what she was saying so I replied "You don't sound too convinced, Kiera." 

She laughed and replied, "Is it that obvious?" 

I just smiled and said, "You have to believe in yourself to make it work, ya know?" Kiera grinned, and gathering her tea cup, took it to the kitchen. 

Then she returned to the living room, and looking at her watch, said, "It's getting late and we've got rehearsals tomorrow. I want to thank you for putting up with me this evening, Harry." 

I stood up and said "It was no trouble at all. I enjoyed the time we spent together. You're going to be just fine, I assure you sweetie!" She gave me another one of her earth shattering smiles, then stood on her tip toes and lightly kissed me on the cheek and said, "Thank you for everything Harry. I'll see you tomorrow then," and then she turned and walked out the door, closing it behind her, but not before she turned to wink at me before she left.

~~~~~~

The next morning; I woke feeling more refreshed than I'd felt in many years. I took a shower and prepared myself for the day. When I got to the studio and into the rehearsal suite, everyone was sitting around looking at me with knowing smiles on their faces. I looked around the room and said, "What?" 

Toni walked up to me and nudged me on the shoulder and said, "We were just wondering what you did to put Kiera in such a good mood today."

"All I did was to encourage her to do her very best and not be afraid," I replied.

Just then, Kiera walked in and looked at me and said, "Good Morning Harry. How are you this morning?" 

I smiled and said, "I'm doing great thank you. How are you?" 

She took a deep breath, and then exhaling slowly, said, "I'm doing wonderful thank you." Snickers emanated throughout the room. Kiera frowned then looked around the room and said, "What are you all laughing at, you wankers?" 

Toni looked at her sheepishly smiling and said, "Oh nothing dear, we were just happy to see that you're doing so well today, that's all." 

Kiera smiled and replied, "Well, in that case; we've got a lot of work to do this morning so, I think we should get to it." Then turning to look at me, she said "What do you think Harry?" Of course this made everyone laugh out loud, but to her credit, Kiera remained steadfast, and smiling, said "Oh shut up, you tossers!" 

Rehearsal went extremely well and Kiera sang her heart out. I knew right then that I was witnessing greatness in the making. I couldn't help but give myself a silent pat on the back for having helped her conquer whatever it was that had been holding her back. Toni even noticed a difference as well, and as soon as it was time to take a morning break; she pulled me aside and said, "Can I see you in my office for a moment please?"

"Please tell me you didn't have sex with her, Harry," said Toni, as we sat in her office talking. Before I could answer; I laughed and Toni looked at me sternly and said, "I'm not kidding nor am I trying to be funny!"

"No, I didn't have sex with her Toni," I answered. 

"Then why is she acting like a girl who just got shagged seven ways from Sunday?" asked Toni accusingly. 

Because of the tone of voice that she was using, I took the defensive and said, "Look! I don't know who the hell you think you are to ask me something like this to start with, but let me tell you right now, she came over to my apartment last night in tears to tell me that she felt bad about how she'd treated me before. Then we went to dinner and talked. Do you understand? We just talked! If that's what it takes to put her in a good mood, then I'm all for it and, as her producer, so should you be as well."  

Toni rose from behind her desk glaring at me and angrily said, "Don't you dare use that tone of voice with me. Don't forget that I'm the one who's in charge here. Do you understand me?" She was leaning very near my face and I was almost knocked unconscious by the smell of alcohol on her breath as she added, "I'll have you drummed out of England and you will never work here again. Do you understand me you arrogant bastard?" 

With that I stood up and said, "Oh yeah? Well, fuck you! I don't need this shit!" Then I turned and walked out of Toni's office, slamming the door behind me. I was fuming mad and I decided that I was through with all of it. When I got back to the studio suite I looked at the engineers and said, "I'll be back this evening to get my gear. Tell Toni that she can shove this gig up her presumptuous and pompous ass," then I turned and stormed out of the studio and headed to the apartment. 

The moment I got back to the apartment I began to pack my clothes and make ready to head back to the United States. At least there I knew what to expect from everyone. Besides, I'd already made enough money to retire and live very comfortably for the rest of my life. I sure as hell wasn't going to put up with some mother hen who out right accused me of basically stealing the virtue of one of her little chicks. I called the airlines only to find out that I couldn't get a flight back to the U.S. for at least another forty-eight hours. So I decided that I would go back to the studio after everyone had left to collect my gear and get it ready to travel back home with me. After all, I sure as hell wasn't going to remain in England any longer than necessary. I'd already resigned myself to that fact the minute I walked out of Toni's office.

Later that evening when I went back to the studio to sort out my gear, I was heading toward the suite where my equipment was when I heard two voices yelling at one another. Judging by the sound, as well as the volume at which they spoke, the voices were ostensibly female. As I neared the doors to the suite where my gear was, they came flying open followed by a very angry Toni with Kiera right on her heels. I was about to turn around when Toni said, "Wait one minute Harry!" 

I immediately took a defensive posture and said, "What do you want?" 

"I want to talk to you, dammit," replied Toni angrily.

"Haven't you already said and done enough?" I inquired sternly. 

Before Toni could say anything further, Kiera stepped in and said, "Harry's right, Toni; you've already said and done more than enough. Besides, I've already spoken to the record label about this, and like I just told you; you're fired!" I stood there like a deer caught in the headlights of an on coming car and didn't say a word. Toni was about to say something else to me when Kiera stepped in between the two of us and added, "Do I need to call the police to come and escort you from the building or do I let Harry do what I'm sure he'd be more than happy to do, which would probably be to throw you out on your arse?" 

Kiera looked at me for support so, I leaned down and got face to face with Toni, and with the most menacing face I could muster, said, "I believe you heard what the lady said so, I suggest you leave, now!" 

Toni stepped back and around me then, before she left the building, turned to face both Kiera and I and said, "I have a contract with you, and believe me; this isn't over yet!" 

"It is when you're in violation of said contract. Now, get out!" snapped Kiera. The rage in Toni's face was evident when she whipped back around and stormed off.

After Toni was out of the building and out of sight; I turned to Kiera and asked, "What was that all about?" 

She looked at me then took my hand and said, "Would you come with me please?" She led me back through the studio doors and sat me down in one of two chairs that were facing one another and said, "Harry, I'm really sorry for what Toni said to you. As you can see, I've taken care of that situation."

"You didn't have to, ya know," I replied.

She put her palm to my cheek and said, "Yes, I did!" 

"Why?" I asked. 

With her palm still on my face, she smiled brightly and said, "Because I'm not about to lose the best pianist/keyboardist or the best person I've ever known because of the ramblings of some lunatic wannabe producer." Before I had a chance to respond, Kiera laughed and added, "Besides; she was on probation with the record label because of, not only her drinking habits, but her past behavior, and in all honesty, I really didn't like her to begin with." 

"So, what are you going to do for a producer now?" I asked.

Kiera smiled devilishly, and removing her hands from my face, quickly hopped into my lap, and with eyes sparkling like diamonds, said "Well, I was thinking, Harry, that with your experience and your ear for perfection, maybe you could produce me." 

I rose from my chair, making Kiera stand up also, and said, "Whoa! Wait a minute! Kiera, honey, you can't be serious." 

She giggled and said, "I talked to your agent right after you left today, and he said that you've got plenty of experience at this sort of thing. So, I talked to the people at the record label here in London, and they said that if you agreed then it was alright with them." And once again, before I could respond, Kiera threw her arms around my neck, and holding on to me tightly, said, "Please Harry, I really need your help." 

Just then, a little voice deep within me made it very plain to me that I really had no choice. Besides, I knew that I could easily pull this off but it was going to take a lot of very hard work on the parts of everyone involved. So, I pulled her away from me and held her at arms length and said, "Alright I'll do it, but we need to clear up a few things first, okay?" 

"Anything!" she replied happily. 

I sat her back down in her chair and said, "If you want me to do this, it's going to cost you more than I'm being paid now." She immediately frowned making me ask, "What?"

Her frown melted into a smile and she replied, "I didn't expect for you to do it for nothing, you silly man." 

I grinned and said, "Now that we've cleared that up, there are some other things you need to know if you want me to be your producer." 




An English Lesson



"All you need to do is name it Harry, dear," Kiera said smiling. 

I laughed and replied, "You might not think I'm such a dear once you find out what it is." 

"I highly doubt that," Kiera laughed, "But if it makes you feel better, then tell me."

I leaned back and said, "Alright then, here it is. Number one, if you want me to make you into the very best performer you can possibly be then you have to do everything I ask of you with no arguments or any questions, whatsoever. Can you handle that?" 

Still smiling; Kiera put her hand on my knee and replied, "If you say it will make me the best I can be then I'll do whatever you say Harry." 

I took a deep breath and said, "Number two, from this moment forward, I want you in bed and asleep by no later than 9:00 pm. Do you under stand that?"

She looked at her watch and said, "But it's already quarter past eight and my mates and I were supposed to go....." 

"Ah Ah Ah, you promised not to argue with me and you're already doing it," I said, interrupting her and shaking my finger at her. 

She smiled then stood up and gave me a mock military salute and said, "Yes, Sir, Captain Harry!" 

I picked up a stack of papers and swatted her on the hip and said, "Now, go home and get some rest because I want you here at 7:00 tomorrow morning, alright?" She was about to say something else before I raised my finger and said, "Remember, I say, you do, okay?" She grinned then, right before she left, kissed me lightly on the cheek and took off out the control room doors, then disappeared down the hall and out of the building.

~~~~~~

The next morning; I woke up at 5:00 am. After my shower; I went into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee from the coffee pot that I'd started before hand. As I enjoyed my morning cup of java, I began to think about the day ahead of me. If the truth were known; I was looking very forward to working with Kiera. The energy of her youth somehow seemed to be rubbing off on me and I hadn't felt this alive in a very long time. But due to the fact that her debut concert was right around the corner, there was still a lot of work to do with not a lot of time left to do it. But I somehow knew that Kiera would be able to pull it off without a hitch. The sparkle in her eyes was the same one that I used to have in mine a long time ago and it was very refreshing to be around her. As I looked at my watch and saw that it was getting late, I finished my coffee and got ready to head on to the studio and get everything ready for Kiera. The fact that the studio was within a few blocks of my apartment made it easy for me to get there with no hassles and I was able to walk the distance in hardly any time at all.

When I arrived at the studio building, it was only 6:30 am and still dark outside. However, the lights inside the building were burning brightly and I could see movement through the glass doors. I knocked on the glass, and within a few seconds; Tom Wickham, one of the top sound engineers in England, answered the door with a smile on his face. "Hey Harry, how are you this morning, mate?" said Tom, as he opened the door to let me in. 

"I'm doing great Tom, how are you?" I asked, as I walked through the door. 

Tom laughed and patted me on the shoulder then replied, "We're all very glad to hear that you're going to be producing Kiera's show. Besides, I heard that you're one of the best there is at what you do." 

"Well I don't know about that," I replied smiling. 

As we walked down the hall into the now familiar rehearsal suite, Tom took me into the engineering booth and said, "Would you like to hear what we've got on Kiera thus far?"

"I'd love to," I replied. We sat down at the mixing console and Tom turned on the tape machine, and the sound of Kiera's voice began to fill the room. As I listened, I heard the sweet pureness of her voice fill, not only my ears, but my soul as well.

Kiera's debut performance was going to need enough music to fill a time space of two hours, but from what Tom told me; we only had enough for about forty five minutes. Once the tape was finished playing, I looked at Tom and said, "Is this all you've got on Kiera?" 

"Yeah mate, that's it," laughed Tom, "Toni said that this would be more than enough to fill the space needed to make a good show." 

I just shook my head and replied, "It's no wonder she was on probation, pulling shit like this. I can see right now that we're gonna need more material for Kiera, or this show is going to be a flop." 

"What are we going to do mate?" asked Tom. 

I smiled, and as I was picking up the telephone receiver, said, "Just leave everything to

me." 

~~~~~~ 

At 7:00 am sharp I saw Kiera walk through the door looking just as beautiful as the first day I ever laid eyes on her. She walked into the engineer's booth and sat down next to me at the control console and chirped, "Good morning, Harry. Did you sleep well?" 

"I sure did, how about you?" I replied. 

She smiled and said, "I slept wonderfully." I found out later that, when it comes to me, she has a sort of sixth sense. Because after we exchanged greetings, she looked at me and said, "What's wrong Harry?" I apprised her of the situation, but told her not to worry because I had everything under control. With tears beginning to form in her eyes, she said "What are we going to do for material Harry? There isn't enough time to write enough songs to cover that big of a time slot." 

I smiled and asked, "Do you trust me?" 

"Implicitly," she replied. 

"Can you learn twelve songs in the next ten days?" I asked her. 

"I can learn anything you put in front of me," she said, bravely and with confidence. 

I grinned and replied, "Then I've got everything covered, alright?" 

She looked bewildered and started to ask me, "But what......" 

"You're going to have to trust me," I said, interrupting her. 

I saw the look of fear come across her face, but just as quickly; it disappeared and then she smiled and said, "I know that you'll take care of it, won't you Harry?" 

I just nodded and said, "Yep!"

She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek and replied, "Alright then, I trust you." 

I looked at her and said, "In the mean time, I want you to sit down at the piano and practice going over your scales vocally, starting in the key of 'C'. Go up one complete octave then come back down. Do that for the next two hours and then take a break, alright?" 

She nodded, and then smiling, said, "You've got it, boss." 

Right before she left the engineer's booth, I stopped her and said, "Just because I won't be in there with you doesn't mean that I won't be listening ya know." She grinned and shook her head as she left to get to the job at hand.

Around noon we all took a lunch break, and Kiera and I walked down to The Red Lion to get something to eat. As we headed down the street, Kiera once again took my arm and snuggled into it as we walked. "Where are you getting the material for me to learn Harry?" she asked. I just laughed and shook my head. She looked up at me and said "What's so funny?" 

I smiled and replied, "I thought you said you trusted me?" 

"I do, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to know where it's coming from," she replied, half smiling, half frowning.

I leaned down close enough to be heard only by her and whispered "It's a secret!"

When we arrived at The Red Lion; the same maitre'd as before was there to greet us and said, "Miss Brighton, it's so good to see you again!" 

Kiera smiled and sweetly asked, "What is your name, sir?" 

"My name is Robert, Miss Brighton," he replied. 

Kiera smiled, and motioning towards me, said, "Robert, this is Mr. Harry James and he's my very best friend." 

Robert smiled and said, "Mr. James, Miss Brighton, will you both please follow me to our best table?" 

"Thanks Robert!" I said. 

At the sound of my accent, Robert smiled and replied, "We're always glad to have our American neighbors here as well, sir. Right this way please!" Kiera and I followed him to a table that, again, was in the very back away from the other patrons.

"I'll never get used to being treated like I'm someone special," said Kiera, once we were seated and our drink order was taken. I smiled just and shook my head, making her ask "What?" 

I looked her in the eyes and said, "You are someone special, and the sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be." 

"Do you really think so?" she said. 

I smiled at her reassuringly and replied, "I thought you were the first time I laid eyes on you." 

"Even though I was horrible to you?" she asked, grinning. 

I took her hand and replied, "My thoughts were reaffirmed the first time I heard you sing." She said nothing but simply stared at me warmly with a look that I later learned was something more than what it appeared to be at the time. After we'd eaten our lunch, we made our way back to the studio. It had now become a ritual or habit that, whenever we walked anywhere together, Kiera took my arm and snuggled closely to me. I didn't complain because after all; I'd come to absolutely adore her more than I cared to admit at the time.

The rest of the day was spent working with the other musicians and Kiera. Things were beginning to shape up very nicely, and Kiera's confidence was building and I could see the beginnings of, as I said earlier, greatness in the making.

That afternoon, I told Kiera that I was staying a little later than usual because I had some work to do. She looked at me and replied, "All work and no play make Harry a dull boy you know." 

"What're you talking about?" I asked. 

She took my hand and said, "Come with me for two hours." 

"Shaking my head, I replied, "But Kiera I....." 

"Ah ah ah," she interrupted, "Relax Harry. You need this, trust me." 

I gave an exasperating sigh and said, "Alright, but more than two hours."

Kiera took me to Hyde Park and we walked around bare-footed in the grass enjoying the afternoon not saying a whole lot of anything other than the occasional (I told you so) glance from Kiera. I told her later that it was just the thing I needed to relieve the stress that, until then, I didn't realize, had begun to build up.

Upon our arrival back to the studio, Tom was in the control booth unpacking a box that was addressed to me, in care of the studio there in London. "What's this?" asked Kiera. 

"It's the surprise I was telling you about," I replied smiling. Taking the two, twenty- four track tapes out of the box, I put one on the tape machine spindles, threaded it through the tracking magnets and into the feed reel and then pushed the play button. In a few seconds, music began to fill the room. Kiera listened intently and, by the end of the first song, was crying openly. 

"Oh my God," wept Kiera. 

"Do you like it?" I asked, stopping the tape machine. 

She wiped the tears from her eyes and said "It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Who wrote it?" 

"I did!" I replied. 

Kiera gave me the same warm look that I seen earlier in the restaurant during lunch and said, "I didn't know that you wrote music as beautifully as you played it." 

I smiled and said "Thank you sweetie, but I think you have a far greater gift for singing it than I ever had for writing it." She just smiled warmly at me again only this time it was accompanied by a soft and gentle kiss on my cheek very near my lips.

We listened to my music for the rest of the evening and Kiera had a hard time deciding on which song she liked the most. When I got back to my apartment that night, and after a nice quiet dinner, I was all set to get a good night's sleep. At about 10:00 pm I decided to go ahead and turn in because it had been a long day and I was very tired. The minute I laid my head down; I was fast asleep and for the first time since I arrived in London, I was beginning to rest extremely well. 

However, Kiera haunted my dreams again that night. I dreamt that I was walking along the banks of a river and out of nowhere she appeared to me. She was dressed in a long sleeveless flowing white nightgown. Her blues eyes were sparkling and her hair was shining and I felt at peace by just looking at her. In my dream I took her hand and sat her down next to me. Suddenly she leaned over and kissed me passionately, wrapping her arms around me at the same time. I was encompassed by a serene warmth and I remember that I felt safer than I'd ever felt before in my life. I heard her say "I love you Harry, and I promise that I always will because I know you'll never leave me. I Love you......." Suddenly I awoke to the sound of the alarm clock going off, and I looked over at my nightstand to discover that it was 5:00 am. 

Once my eyes were open and I was totally awake, my heart felt empty and alone, and for reasons that I didn't yet want to admit; I couldn't wait to see her again. I went into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. The minute I looked into my own eyes I knew that, regardless of how confused I was; it was possible that I was beginning to fall for Kiera and I wasn't particularly thrilled with the idea either. The thing about it was, is that I could never let her know. She was way too young for me and I wasn't about to set myself up to get hurt. I'd seen it happen to one of my good friends back home. He fell for a younger woman and she ended up ripping his heart out by the roots. Had it not been for me and a couple of his, and my, close friends, he would've destroyed himself completely, and I was not about to let that happen to me. I was just going to have to hide my feelings for her. That's all there was to it. But I wondered how I would do that without hurting her. After all, I'd managed to gain her trust even after all the things she'd been through in her life, and I wasn't going to violate that for any reason. It was going to be a tricky situation, most definitely, but I was sure I could handle it. Besides, there were only ten days left until her concert dates and then when that was over; I could go back home and forget all about this whole situation. Little did I know, Kiera already felt the same way about me that I was only beginning to feel about her?

~~~~~~

Later that morning, I walked into the studio to find Kiera already waiting there to greet me with a cup of coffee in hand and a smile on her face. As I approached her, she giggled and said, "Good Morning, Harry dear." 

"Hi, how are you?" I asked. 

"I'm fine now that you're here," she replied blatantly. For the first time in a long time I was at a total loss for words. However; she handed me the cup of coffee and added, "I got here a little early because I've got a surprise for you." 

"Oh yeah, and what might that be?" I asked, a little unsure. 

"Listen to this" she replied, as she sat down to the piano. She proceeded to flawlessly play and sing the first one of my songs she'd heard the day before. And when she was done, I could do nothing more than wipe the tears from my eyes that had begun to flow halfway through her performance. 

Kiera smiled at me sweetly and said, "How was that, Harry darling?" I was too moved to speak. Never before had I thought that anything I'd written could ever sound, or be performed as beautifully as I'd just witnessed. 

I looked at her and replied, "Kiera my dear; that was perfection in its purest form!" Because it was still early in the morning, and because she and I were the only ones there at the studio, Kiera rose from behind the piano and slowly walked over to me. Placing her arms around my neck; she pressed her body gently but firmly to mine and tenderly kissed me on the lips. I had no choice but to return the kiss and I did so with a vengeance. 

When it ended, and we were both breathing heavily; Kiera looked into my eyes and softly said, "I've wanted to do that for days now. I thought you might be angry with me for it, but judging from the way you just kissed me back; I think not," and then she broke into a fit of giggles. 

Like I've already said, I adored this side of her so; I simply smiled and replied, "No, I don't think so either. However my dear, we still have a great deal of work to do so let's try to keep it professional, okay?" She immediately got a look on her face as if what I'd said had hurt her deeply, but as she tried to angrily pull away from me; I held her tightly against me and added, "At least while we're here anyway." 

Her frown immediately softened back into the beautiful smile she'd had on her face just moments before and she sweetly said, "I can handle that, but after we get done, can we take up where we left off?" 

After quickly kissing her lips, I grinned and replied, "I sure hope so," and then I let go of her. For the rest of the morning we went through the songs that we'd listened to the previous day, and I was surprised at how quickly she picked them up. All that was lacking were lyric sheets, which I quickly produced, and by lunch time; Kiera had learned, by heart, over half the number of songs that I'd played for her to begin with.

We took our lunch break there in the studio. I managed to get us some Chinese food delivered and we sat around eating and talking until the rest of the band showed up for an afternoon of rehearsals. I decided to extend rehearsals late into the evening so the band would have the new material learned fairly well. I was very proud of everyone concerned. Kiera inspired us all to not only work harder, but to do the very best we possibly could. By the end of the evening, it was nearing 10:00 pm so; I decided to call it a night. After everyone had gone, the only people left in the studio were Kiera and I. 

I was preparing to go home when she looked at me smiling and said, "Harry, may I ask you something?" 

"You sure can," I replied. 

She took my hand and said "Please don't think badly of me, but I was wondering if I might come with you back to your apartment to spend the night?"

When we arrived at my apartment, Kiera waited until the door was closed and then she jumped into my arms, almost knocking me down and proceed to kiss me on the lips. As I began returning the kiss, she became extremely passionate and her lips very hungrily devouring mine as if she'd been starved her whole life. After the kiss was finished; we were both breathing quite heavily when Kiera looked at me dreamily and said, "Wow! I've never been kissed like that before." 

"Me either," I replied, smiling. Then I gently pushed her away from me and held her at arms length and said "Kiera sweetie, would it be alright with you if I said that we need to sit down and have a talk before this goes any further?" 

She looked alarmed, but as she sat down on the couch; she asked "Is there something wrong Harry?" 

I chuckled as I sat down next to her and took her hand then replied, "No, there's nothing wrong, but I think you should know something about me, alright?" 

She nodded and suspiciously said, "Uh...Okay!"

I took a deep breath and began, "Kiera, you are, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful women that I've ever seen. I find you alluring yet, at the same time, somewhat innocent. That's why I want to take this slow." 

She gave me a sexy smile and said, "I'm not as innocent as one might think ya know."

"That's all the more reason I want to take this slow," I replied, laughing. 

Once again, she got the same hurt look on her face as she'd done earlier in the studio, but this time, she stood up taking a defensive posture. Then, with a hint of sarcasm mixed with anger in her voice, she put her hands on her hips and replied, "I thought you were an experienced man. What's the matter? Are you afraid of me?"

I rose from the couch and gently took her hand. Then raising it to my lips, I kissed it and said, "No! I'm not afraid of you. I just respect you apparently more than any man you've ever known. Now, if you truly want to be with me, then, in return; you will respect me as well as my wishes. Okay Sweetie?" 




An English Lesson



Her frown immediately softened into a smile, and putting her palm against my cheek; she stood on her toes, softly kissed me on the lips and replied, "Please forgive me Harry. I've never known a man like you before!" 

I giggled and said, "What do you mean by 'A man like me'?" She put her arms round my neck and said, "You're a very noble gentleman in every sense of the word. Your soul is pure and sincere and I'm just not used to it, that's all." 

I kissed her on the cheek near her mouth, and not believing what came out of my mouth, replied, "Don't get me wrong. I want you more than I've ever wanted any woman in my life, but for reasons unknown to me at this point; I want to be with you for more than just while I am here in London!" 

With tears glistening in her eyes, Kiera looked at me, and hugging me tightly to her, cried, "Oh Harry! You're the one! You're the one," and then she broke down and cried uncontrollably.

Not having the slightest idea what she was talking about, I held her closely and let her cry until she calmed down. Then after sitting her back down on the couch, I went to the bathroom and retrieved some tissue for her to wipe her eyes. When I returned, I handed her the tissue and asked, "Are you alright sweetie?" She nodded, and while she wiped her eyes; I looked at her and asked, "What did you mean when you said that I was the one, my love?" 

She sniffed, and smiling, said, "Ten years ago, I met someone whom I thought was the man that I was gong to marry. I loved him very deeply to the point that, I went against my own decision to save myself for marriage and gave him my virginity. To make a miserably long story short, I found out that he already had a wife and child living in Barcelona, Spain. I thought my life was over, but my mother told me then that she'd had a dream." 

"About what?" I asked. 

Kiera smiled and put her palm back against my cheek and replied, "You!" 

"I don't think I understand what you mean," I said, confused. 

Taking her palm from my face, she took my hand, and while tenderly kissing it, replied, "My mother told me that she'd dreamed about a man who would come into my life one day and totally change me. She said that he would be the kind of man that wanted to get into my heart long before he tried to get into my knickers. That man is you Harry." 

"How can you be so sure it's me?" I asked, stunned. 

She smiled, and placing my hand on her chest above her bra line, replied, "Because my heart tells me, and because now I know, and besides; didn't you say that you wanted to take things slow between us?" For the first time in a very long time, I sat silent and dumb founded, and before I could respond; Kiera sniffed, then laughed and replied, "Your silence tells me everything I need to know." Then she stood, and pulling me by the hand, said, "Come on, let's get some sleep. We've got a lot of work to do tomorrow!" And before I knew it; we were headed down the hall of my apartment to my bedroom. I was going to object, but somehow I knew that it would be a lesson in futility so, I remained silent. That night, Kiera simply slept next to me with my arms curled around her and hers around me. I can't remember ever sleeping more soundly in my life.

Chapter Two

The next morning; I was awakened by an aroma emanating from the kitchen I recognized as bacon and eggs. Sitting up in the bed, I looked at the clock and saw that it been turned off and it was nearing 10:00 am, making me immediately realize that we were very late for rehearsals. I jumped up, threw on my pants and then ran down the hall into the kitchen. I was about to admonish Kiera for turning off the alarm clock when I was stopped dead in my tracks by the sight before me. She was standing at stove wearing one of my tee shirts. The fact that she was wearing my shirt was not the problem. What caused me to come to a sudden halt was the fact that the only other item of clothing she had on was her panties. She had her hair up in a pony tail, and when she turned and said, "Good Morning, My Love" my heart almost dropped out of my chest. She was absolutely radiant. Her eyes were dancing like the sun as it reflected its light from water, and it was then I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I was hopelessly, as well as head over heels in love with her.

Before I had the chance to say anything, she walked over to me and placed her arms around my neck. I could feel the softness of her body as she pressed tightly against me and said, "Don't be mad at me Harry, but I called the studio and gave everyone the day off today. I hope that's alright with you," Then she kissed me softly on the lips then asked, "It is alright, isn't it?" 

By this time; I was putty in her hands and she knew it. So I simply shrugged and tried my best to put up a stiff front and replied, "You know you should've asked me first, don't you?" 

However, she saw right through me, and with a subtle smirk, released me from the hug and said, "Yes, but you looked so peaceful sleeping and I knew you needed to rest."

"What? Am I so old now that you think I need to sleep instead of work?" I said, teasing her. 

She grinned and playfully slapped my bottom then said, "No, but when we do decide to give ourselves to one another, you're going to need all the strength you can summon, I assure you!" 

Then she took my hand and sat me down at the nearby table and said, "I've fixed you something to eat my love."

I kissed her hand right before she released mine and said, "Am I, your love I mean?" 

She leaned down, and breathing softly into my ear, replied, "Yes, you are, and if I have my way of it; you shall always be!" Then she kissed me and went into the kitchen to return with two cups, one coffee and one tea in one hand, and a plate full of food in the other. She sat across from me as she put the plate in front of me on the table. When I looked at the plate and saw the bacon I'd smelled earlier, I asked, "Where did you find the bacon?" 

Sipping her tea, she grinned and replied, "You're not the only one that has 'connections' as you call them. Besides, I have a friend whose husband is one of the royal chefs at Buckingham palace and he got it for me." Then she paused and added, "Actually, he nicked it from the royal kitchen," and then she broke into the fit of girlish giggles that I'd come to adore so much. 

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" I asked her. 

"Oh no love, I don't ever eat breakfast!" she replied. 

"It's the most important meal of the day," I said, and then as an after thought; I decided to tease her and added, "You might have been in a better mood had you eaten some breakfast the morning of out first meeting ya know." Then I reached around the table and gently poked her in the ribs. 

I thought she was going to jump thirty feet, straight into the air and in doing so; she looked at me and shrieked "Oh, you wanker!" 

I laughed as Kiera landed in my lap and placed her arms around my neck. I kissed her on the underside of her throat and said, "Now that you've wrangled a day off, what would you like to do?" 

Recovering from the rush of chills elicited by the kiss I'd given her, she smiled and replied. "If you don't stop that, you'll force me to make you go against your wishes of going slow with this relationship." 

I filed that bit of information away in my mind for a later date and said, "Alright then, but you still haven't answered my question." 

Kiera smiled and replied, "I thought that perhaps you and I could go out into London. I know that you haven't been here since you played with Hall and Oates in the eighties."

"And just how did you know that?" I asked, totally amazed. 

She raised her left eyebrow and replied, "Don't think I didn't have you researched before I agreed to let the record label hire you."

I laughed and said, "Agreed to let the record label hire me?" 

She grinned then shuffled her feet on the floor, and while looking down, replied, "Well, sort of, I suppose!" 

I put my arms around her, and hugging her close to me, said, "How about we go on a picnic?" 

"What's that?" she asked. 

I smiled and said, "You've never been on a picnic?" She shook her head, and in my best southern accent, I replied, "Well hang on to your hat, Darlin, cause you're in for the time of your life." This made her giggle, and me go weak at the knees. 

When noon came, the day found us sitting on the Kensington side of Hyde Park upon a blanket that had been thrown onto the grass. After an earlier explanation to Kiera what a picnic was, she became totally thrilled and insisted that I let her pack the basket. As we were enjoying the delicious lunch she'd packed, Kiera reached over and gently touched the side of my face while smiling sweetly at me. "What was that for?" I asked. 

She took my hand and kissed it then replied, "Harry, you are definitely the most intriguing man I've eve met in my life." 

I laughed and said, "Intriguing? I'm sure some of my friends back home would tell you otherwise." 

"And just why would they say that?" she asked smiling. 

I sat up and replied, "Well, I like to treat people the way that I like to be treated." 

"So what on earth could possibly be wrong with that?" Kiera asked. A look came over my face that alerted Kiera and made her say, "Harry what's wrong love?" 

I smiled again, reassuringly and replied, "Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed at. It's just that when people don't act right, like some people have a tendency to do; I can be the most insufferable of all bastards any where." Suddenly Kiera began to laugh to the point that she was lying on her back trying to catch her breath. "What on God's green earth is so funny about that?" I asked, slightly perturbed. 

Sitting back up, she put her arms around me and replied, "My darling Harry, don't you think I already know how insufferable your wrath can be?" 

"Huh?" I said, blankly. 

Then she giggled and replied, "Think back a few days ago in the studio, when you first arrived. Don't you remember setting me straight because I'd treated you so awfully?" 

I smiled and replied, "That was nothing!" 

"Oh?" she quipped. 

Then I put on a mock angry face and said, "That was only one tiny drop of water into an immense ocean in comparison to what my wrath is like when totally unleashed." 

"Well, I'll be quite sure to stay on your good side from here on then," she said, with a smirk on her face. I slowly leaned in closer as if I were going to kiss her. 

Then suddenly, and before she could react, I began to tickle her making her shriek with laughter and replied, "I think you better do just that Missy!" 

As I stopped tickling her, and her breathing went back to normal, she kissed me, then stood up and asked, "Do you want to know what I think Harry?" 

"I always want to know what you think sweetie, you know that," I replied. 

While she was still standing; Kiera bent down and picked up her cold drink, and after taking a sip, said, "I think your bark is far worse than your bite," and then she thumped my right ear like my mother did when she scolded me as a child. I reached out to grab her, but she moved out of my reach, giggling like a school girl. At that moment, there existed no further doubt in my heart, or my mind, that I loved her more than life itself. As I rose from the blanket to stand, Kiera squealed and ran. I gave chase and within three or four strides, I caught her and then scooped her up off the ground and into my arms. She began to scream and wiggle making me lose my balance, and as my legs gave way; I made sure that my body was between her and the ground in order to break her fall. As we hit the ground; I felt the breath being pushed from my lungs and I momentarily went out.

When I opened my eyes again; my head was in Kiera's lap and she was looking down at me with fear in her eyes and she said, "Are you alright my darling?" 

I smiled, and sitting back up; I leaned over and gently kissed her lips and said, "It's going to take more than that to get rid of me, my love." 

I saw her literally breathe a sigh of relief, and as she threw her arms around me; she kissed me and replied, "I never want rid of you. Do you understand? Never!" and then she just stayed there for a few moments while we held one another in silence.

Around 1:30pm; we packed up our picnic then took a taxi back to my apartment. As I opened the door of my apartment for her, Kiera walked through it then turned around and put her arms around me as soon as it was closed behind us. She gave me a toe curling kiss and said, "Thank you for the wonderful time today." Then releasing me from the hug; she took the picnic basket and set it on the table.

Before she got completely turned back around, I swept her off her feet and back into my arms and replied, "By no means is the day over yet, my darling," and then returned the same toe-curling kiss that I'd been given earlier. 

Once we were finished kissing and Kiera was in the kitchen cleaning out the picnic basket, I had an idea so, I excused myself and went into the bedroom and used the phone so as to be out her range of hearing. Once I was finished, I led her out of the apartment then back downstairs and onto the street, and as we were getting into the taxi that was awaiting us; she looked at me puzzled and said, "Now where are we going?" 

"It's a surprise," I replied with a wink.

Twenty minutes later we were getting out of the taxi in front of Harrods when Kiera looked at me and asked, "What on earth are we doing here?" 

I simply smiled as we walked in and asked, "Do you trust me?" 

"You know I do," she replied. Then I took her hand and led her to the nearest elevator. As we got in, I pushed the number "1" and up we went. 

When the doors opened, a pretty young lady was waiting for us. She looked at us and said, "Mr. James, Miss Brighton, Welcome to Harrods." 

Kiera looked at me and asked, "Harry, what is going on here?" 

Before I could answer, the young lady took Kiera's hand and said, "My name is Penelope, or Penny to my friends. If you'll come with me, Miss Brighton, we'll get you all sorted out." Then she looked at me and said, "Mr. James, per your request, we'll take good care of her. Would you please remain here and someone will arrive momentarily to escort you to our VIP lounge while you wait." 

Kiera looked at me and said, "Harry James, what in the hell have you done now?" 

I just smiled and replied, "I'll see you in a little while, sweetie. Just go with Penny here. You're going to love it, trust me!" 

Right before leaving, Kiera leaned up and kissed me on the cheek and said, "You're out of your mind you know." I nodded and smiled excitedly as the two women disappeared from sight. 

I waited for only a brief moment before another young woman walked up to me and said, "Mr. James, will you follow me please?" 

I sat at the bar in a small, but very plush room that overlooked the ground floor and drank bourbon while I spoke with the young woman who'd taken me there. She was there to attend to me personally while I waited on Kiera. Her name was Charlotte and she was a very nice person as well as being just as attractive as Penelope. As I sat there sipping my bourbon; we had been talking about different things when she looked at me and said, "May I ask you a question Mr. James?" 

"Why sure," I replied. 

She spoke up and asked, "You're evidently American so, I was wondering, what brings you to London?" I proceeded to tell her about why I was here and the reasons for it when, at the mention of Kiera's name, her eyes went wide and she said, "You mean Kiera Brighton is in Harrods right now?"

"Yes, she is," I replied. 

Charlotte smiled real wide and said, "Gosh! I absolutely love her music." 

This piqued my interest, because up to now; Kiera had only been heard on the radio and singing only one song so, I asked, "Really? Tell me what you love the most about it." 

Charlotte grinned and said, "She's like...a real person and her music is so very honest. It's like she truly understands how it feels to be a woman in today's world, and that's not easy to do, what with this being a predominately male driven society," then blushing; she added, "I do hope I didn't offend you with my last remark, Mr. James." 

I grinned and said, "Charlotte, first of all, my name is Harry. And secondly, it takes more than a remark like that to offend me, especially when what you said is so very true." 

She smiled and said, "Are you married or have a girlfriend or anything like that?" 

I chuckled and replied, "If you're wondering if I'm taken; the answer is yes," and so as not to hurt her feelings I added, "But I'm flattered that a woman as beautiful as yourself would ask." 

Still smiling, she asked, "Well then, in that case, are there anymore like you back home in America?" 

I smiled and replied, "Hmmm....maybe a few," 

"I may have to go to America then," she teased, "Well, whoever the woman in your life is; I think she's a very lucky lady. What's her name, if I may ask?" 

I smiled and said, "Do you really want to know?" 

"Yes please," she eagerly and delightfully replied. 

I grinned and said, "Her name is Kiera, Kiera Brighton." 

I thought the poor girl's jaw was going to drop right off, but still, she remained her jovial self and said, "I'm so glad that she has a man like you. I'll bet now, that her music is going to be even better than it already is, what with you in her life."  

"Why thank you Miss Charlotte. That was a very nice thing to say," I graciously replied.

"Do you mind if I ask you another question then?" she said.

"Feel free to ask me anything you want," I told her, and for the next hour or so, she asked me about the recording industry and about music and such.

~~~~~~

"Hello Harry, Darling!" rang out from behind me, and when I turned around; I saw Kiera standing before me in three inch black heels, a black leather mini skirt with a white silk camisole and a matching leather jacket. I looked her up and down, and before I could speak; she lifted her head up, gently kissed me on the lips and then giggling, said, "I take it you approve of the way I look then?" She put her palm on the side of my face and added, "Thank you, my love." 

"I think you look even more beautiful than you did the first day I laid eyes on you." I breathlessly replied. 

"That's because you love me," said Kiera, smiling. 

I put my arms around her waist, and pulling her closely to me, said, "Yes, and I always will." 

She was momentarily silent then, as a single tear fell down her left cheek; she smiled and replied, "I certainly hope so, because I shall forever love you, my darling," and then she kissed me again.

All at once we heard the applause of two people standing behind us, and as I turned around; there stood both Charlotte and Penelope with tears raining down their cheeks and bright smiles upon their faces. 

Kiera steeped from my arms, and with a teasing tone of voice, told them, "You'll have to forgive him. He's American and you know how they are." 

Penelope sniffled and replied, "Well perhaps maybe I should go there and see if there are any more like him," which elicited laughter from everyone. 

~~~~~~

On the taxi ride back to my apartment; Kiera sat so close to me I thought that she was going to end up in my lap. But all she did was lay her head on my shoulder and smile contentedly.

Once we were back inside my apartment, I closed the door and turned around to find Kiera standing there with her hands on her hips, smiling at me. She looked so beautiful at that moment that, for reasons unknown to me, tears began to spill down my face. With an alarmed look; Kiera came to me and asked, "Harry, Darling, what's the matter? Are you alright?" 

"I'm just adjusting to something new, that's all," I replied wiping my face. 




An English Lesson



"What? What is it?" Kiera asked. 

I put my arms around her waist and tenderly kissed her, then half spoke, half whispered, "I'm just adjusting to the feeling of how very much I'm beginning to fall for you is all." We held one another in silence and tears, kissing passionately and holding each other together as tightly as humanly possibly.

~~~~~~

The next day at the studio; Kiera sang all the songs she was to perform in succession. While she sang, I timed her with a stopwatch and when she was finished; her show would run roughly an hour and twenty five minutes. This allowed roughly thirty five minutes for all the necessary wardrobe changes, talking to the audience, etc. When we broke for lunch; I gave everyone the rest of the day off with the provision that the rest of the week would be spent getting Kiera's show ready. Right before lunch Kiera looked at me and said "Harry? Would you do something for me without asking what it is first?" 

As she was asking me this, her beautiful blue eyes were flashing, making my resolve completely disappear so, I replied "Of course I will......"

Chapter Three

That afternoon, Kiera and I were sitting down for a late lunch at my apartment when I heard a knock at the door. Before I had a chance to respond, Kiera jumped up and said, "I'll get it love, keep your seat." And with that she went to answer the door. I heard another female voice at the door, and by her accent she too was British as well. (Duh! I was in England after all). Before I could make out anything more, Kiera came into the dining room arm in arm with another, visibly older, but none the less as equally stunning, woman and both were smiling from ear to ear.

As I rose from my seat, Kiera looked at me and said, "Harry darling, I'd like you to meet my mother, Ms. Haley Brighton. Mummy, I'd like to meet the love of my life, Mr. Harry James," 

I turned, and offering my hand, said, "It's very nice to meet you Ms. Brighton. I've heard wonderful things about you." 

"And I've heard many wonderful things about you my dear and you can call me Haley. Ms. Brighton makes me sound older than the Queen Mother even though she is dead," she said. 

"Mother!" gasped Kiera, giggling. 

I laughed and said, "Haley, from what I can tell, you look more like Kiera's sister than you do her mother." 

Haley put her arm round her daughter's waist and said, "You were right, poppet. He really is charming....and quite handsome as well." 

By this time my face had turned a deep crimson, and in my defense, Kiera put her arms around my neck smiling, and said, "Mother stop. You're making him blush." 

"I know. Isn't it adorable?" replied Haley, making both women giggle hysterically.

I invited Haley to join us for lunch, and as Kiera went to get another place setting from the kitchen, Haley turned to me and gently put her hand on my arm and said, "I want to thank you Harry, for helping my Kiera see the light." 

"See the light?" I asked, quizzically. 

Haley smiled and patted me softly on the cheek and replied, "You dear, dear man. I've not seen her smile like this since she was a small child, and you're responsible for it." 

"Oh, I wouldn't go that far." I said. 

"Oh yes! You can and you should. It's because of, not only the way you've conducted yourself around my daughter, but the way you've treated her that's made her believe in men again. You see, I've been so worried about her ever since she was old enough to understand the way her father left. Ever since then she has despised all men and especially American men." 

"Wow, I didn't realize it was that bad for her." I replied, stunned.

About that time, Kiera came back from the kitchen with a full place setting and before long; we finished lunch and were sitting out on the balcony. I was having a brandy, and Kiera and Haley were having Jack Daniels on the rocks. Looking at Kiera, I smiled and said, "I'm not trying to control your actions my love, but you should keep in mind that whiskey isn't good for your voice ya know." 

Kiera smiled and poured the remainder of her drink into her mother's glass and said, "You're the boss, Darling; and I trust you completely," and then she came and sat in my lap while at the same time kissing me on the cheek.

"My daughter tells me that you're best keyboardist she's ever heard. She thinks you sound a little like Rick Wakeman." Haley said with a grin. 

At the mention of Rick Wakeman's name I told her, "While I thank you for the compliment, I only wish I was that good." 

Haley smiled and replied, "I agree with you, he's the best, but while you're most certainly humble, I've heard the demo tapes that Kiera has been working on at home and I think that you are certainly very good yourself. You're definitely one of the finest players that I've ever heard." 

"I appreciate it, Ma'am" I replied, thankful that my beautiful Kiera was blessed with having this gentle soul as a mother.

"Ma'am? Do I look that old to you?" asked Haley smiling.

My face must've turned ten shades of red because Kiera giggled and said "Look Mother, he's blushing again," which was followed by a cacophony of female laughter. 

After we had finished eating, Kiera looked at me and said, "Would it be alright if we took Mum to the studio and let her hear the new material that we've been working on?"

Before I could reply, Haley looked at Kiera surprised and said, "New Material? Have you written something I've not heard yet, poppet?" 

Kiera smiled, and, looking at me while she answered, said, "It's a secret mother. Isn't that right Harry?" I just smiled and winked at Haley.

~~~~~~

As soon as we were in the studio suite, Kiera had me sit at the piano and play one the songs I had written. The moment Kiera's voice touched the air; I could feel something that I thought was once long dormant within my heart, rise and take flight. As her melodic voice flowed along with the music, I began to realize that Kiera had become the imaginary lover that I'd written all those songs to so many years ago.

The stronger Kiera sang, the more passionately I played. I happened to glance over at Haley only to find tears in her eyes, telegraphing the love and pride she had to be feeling at that moment. When the end of the song came and Kiera was done, I almost felt emotionally exhausted. "Oh my darling, darling girl," cried Haley, as she leapt from her seat and rushed to her daughter, throwing her arms tightly round her. 

Kiera smiled and said, "Thanks Mum, but its Harry's music. I only sang it." 

"That makes it our music then," I replied, smiling at her.

Haley leaned down to me and with a tear on her cheek, kissed my forehead and said, "Thank you, Harry. You've brought happiness into my little girl's life again, and for that, I'm eternally grateful."

~~~~~~

Back at my apartment that evening, Haley had taken a taxi from the studio home, and Kiera and I were lying together on the couch listening to some of the CD's I'd brought from home. "I would think that, with your being from Nashville, Tennessee, that we would be listening to country music in stead of rock and roll. Don't get me wrong. I like what I'm hearing, but after all, isn't Nashville called Music City U.S.A.?" Kiera asked, lying against my chest.

"Yes it is, but country music can more depressing than anything else," I laughed, "Or at least I think so.

Gently slapping my arm that was wrapped around her, Kiera giggled and said, "That's an awful thing to say, Harry, especially since I know for a fact that you've played with more than just a few country artists."

"Hey, a man has to make a living, doesn't he?" I laughed.

~~~~~~

The next morning in the studio, everyone arrived on time, refreshed after a day off and ready to get to work. Kiera, as well as the rest of us, all work our asses off, and in hardly any time; it was like we had all been playing together for a long time. After spending the latter part of the morning on the phone with the record label, I was made aware of something that I knew Kiera was going to absolutely love. Hell, I sure did. They told me that the following morning, the radio stations were going to begin announcing her up and coming performance, which instead of at the outdoor venue that had been originally planned, was going to be held at Royal Albert Hall.

We all decided to work through lunch and finish early, and for the rest of the day; every time she opened her mouth to sing, Kiera would either let loose with a powerful voice, strong enough to shake the masses or she would coo tenderly, soothing even the most savage of beasts. To the surprise of no one, she revealed to us all that day, exactly what she had been born to be, and I knew that when it was time for her debut appearance in less than week, she would take the world, as well as the industry by storm.

~~~~~~

After that day, and from then on, I no longer saw Kiera as a girl. She was a beautiful woman with a sweet pure spirit, but a gentle yet strong force to be reckoned with by those in the industry who would oppose her. Now that we had all the music down pat, it was time for stage rehearsals, timing for her costume changes, make-up adjustments, etc, but with this group, they were so good that I knew it would only take a few days before everyone had it all down.

That evening back at my apartment, Kiera made me a feast fit for a king. There was roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes with gravy made from the roast. And to top it all off, she even made me a chocolate cake. Damn, what a woman. We ate until we were both stuffed, and it was while we were doing the dishes that I decided to tell Kiera about the radio announcement as well as change in venues. 

Kiera insisted that she wash while I dried, and as she was handing me a plate to dry, I smiled impishly and said, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you what the record label said to me today."

"And what was that, my darling?" she asked, leaning over to kiss my cheek.

"They wanted me to let you know that they changed venues. We're not going to play the outdoor arena in Wimbledon," I teased, baiting her.

She suddenly slammed her hands down into the dish water and angrily replied, "Bastards! They're probably cutting me back to some bloody fucking pub somewhere." I began to laugh, knowing it would piss her off and I was right. She glared at me for a moment, and then putting her hands on her hips, indignantly spat, "I don't see what you could possibly find funny about this."

I smiled and replied, "I do, because you're going to be playing at Royal Albert Hall, my beautiful Kiera so, what do you think of that?"

The look on her face that evening is one that I shall forever remember, because the moment she heard what I had said, she stood dead still, looking aghast. Then her eyes went wide and she began to squeal at the top of her lungs, jumping around like a lunatic until I got her calmed back down. "Oh Harry, darling, it's going to be so wonderful," she said, kissing me repeatedly about the face.

Then realizing that I had been baiting her, Kiera smiled at me devilishly, and swiftly jumping up and locking her arms and legs around me, blew a raspberry on the underside of my throat, below my jaw, and then squealed, "Oh you wanker!" After that it was on. We began a tickling match that lasted for about twenty or so minutes until we both collapsed into the floor, worn out and gasping for air, yet still laughing childishly. 

Once again, Kiera slept beside me that night, this time me wearing my boxers and her in only her panties and one of my tee shirts. While having her nearly naked body pressed against me all night was exciting and erotic, more was the comfort in the fact that nothing needed to be rushed, for all in good time would come that which was meant to be. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I loved her now, and nothing was ever going to change that. The only thing I worried about now was whether I was going to live here in England or take Kiera back to the states to live with me. I really didn't care either way as long as I was with her.

Chapter Four

We awoke next morning looking into one another's eyes, and I was treated to a view of my beautiful Kiera first thing in the morning. It was a dream fulfilled being able to see the first hint of day as it slowly rose with her. She snuggled into me closely and began kissing me along the base of my throat, while slowly and sensually grinding her crotch against my hip. I gently pulled her face away from my throat, and looking into those beautiful blue eyes of hers, said, "Kiera, baby, you're about to start something that, once it gets going, I'm not sure I'll be able to be able to stop."

She pulled away from me for a second; and then wiggling under the covers, removed her panties. After pulling them up for me to see, she dropped them onto the floor. Then she lifted the sheets, knelt beside me on the bed, and after swiftly removing her tee shirt and showing me her beautiful naked body, said, "Maybe I don't want to stop, my darling Harry." 

Her breasts were beautiful with light pink nipples twisted into tight knots on top of perfectly sculpted globes. The rest of her body was more perfect than anything I had ever seen in my life. "Oh my God, Kiera, you're so beautiful," I breathed, and before I could say, or do anything; she had my boxers off and my cock in her mouth. My cock is slightly less than eight inches long, but its four and a half, almost five inches in girth. Needless to say, I was amazed when I looked down to see her slowly, but steadily engulfing me until her nose reached my pubic hair. 

She repeated this same process twice until she looked up at me smiling, and with her eyes watering, she said, "I've been practicing that at home with a cucumber," causing us both to laugh heartily.

I pulled her up to me, and while holding her body as close to mine as was humanly possible, I looked into those strikingly beautiful blue eyes and said, "I love you, Kiera, and I always will." She climbed on top of me, and placing the tip of my cock to the entrance of her pussy that was slightly tufted with silky beautifully blonde hair, she slowly lowered her body down my rigid shaft until our pubic bones met.

Kiera leaned forward, and slowly beginning to raise and lower herself on my cock, said, "I've loved you for a while now, Harry. And now that we're part of one another, I don't plan on ever letting you go." Then she wrapped her arms around me and quickly rolled us over in the bed until I was on top of her. With a wanton look on her face, as well as having my cock buried in her pussy to the hilt, she looked at me, and with a husky tone of voice, said, "Now I want you to fuck me, Harry, and make me your woman," and then I proceeded to do that very thing. I slowly withdrew my cock, and then gently but firmly pushed it all the way in, burying it until my balls were touching her ass.

"Oh my God," I said, as I bottomed out in her tight velvet sheath.

"Come on, Harry. I want to you to fuck me like an animal, you beautiful bastard," she shouted, making me pick up speed. It a matter of seconds, we were slamming and then grinding our pubic bones together as we fucked. It wasn't long before I began to feel the beginnings of an orgasm that was going to be the end-all of orgasms. 

Much to her delight, I began to fuck Kiera with everything I had, and in a matter of a few short seconds, she shouted, "That's it! Yes! Yes! Oh, fuck my cunt, Harry. God, oh, oh, I'm coming!" That was all it took to make me empty the entire contents of my balls into her tight little pussy, her legs wrapped tightly around me, both of us coming together. Kiera held onto me until, with long and deep groan, her body flexed one last time, and then she went limp beneath me, gasping for breath.

Afterward as we lay together, Kiera snuggled next to me, she leaned up, and after tenderly kissing my lips, softly said, "I love you, my darling Harry, and we belong to one another now.

"Forever, my love," I gently replied, both of us drifting back to sleep in one another's arms.

~~~~~~

After a shower that morning, which of course we both shared, Kiera and I prepared for the day. We had to go back to work, and on the way, she turned to me, and in a serious tone of voice, said, "Harry, darling, I love you, but its time to work and I don't like to mix business with pleasure. I do hope that you understand, my love."

Wrapping my arm around her and holding her tightly against me, I smiled and said, "You can rest assured that of all people, I understand, and I love you, too." We held hands for the rest of way to the studio.

For the rest of the week, we rehearsed Kiera's show until everyone had every single note committed to memory, almost as if it were second nature. Each afternoon, she rehearsed with a choreographer and every night; we made love, gently at first, then hungrily, as if neither had ever tasted the other.

~~~~~~

It was the night before Kiera's concert and I'd given the whole band the day off that morning to ensure that everyone would be rested by show time the next afternoon. As we sat cuddled on the couch in my apartment, enjoying the quiet moments of simply just being together, Kiera smiled at me and said, "Harry darling, I wanted to thank you, for all the hard work you've done. I also wanted to tell you how very much I love you."

"I love you, too," I replied, kissing her soft lips.

Suddenly, Kiera looked at me and asked the question that had been haunting me from the moment my relationship with her had changed from professional to personal. "So, what is going to happen with us after the show is over tomorrow night, Harry?"

Mustering up all the courage I possessed, I leaned away from her to look into her eyes, and said, "After tomorrow, my job as your producer is over. But that doesn't mean we can't still be together, that is if you want to."

"What do you mean by, your job as my producer is over? You're not going anywhere, Harry James, and that is final," she triumphantly announced.

"You said so yourself, that you don't mix business with pleasure," I replied, "You mean more to me than that so, if we are going to be together, then you need to find a producer.

"But I want you to produce me, Harry darling," she replied, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"Look, Sweetie," I replied, pulling her back into my arms, "Its better this way. Besides, I know a guy in Nashville that....." 

"No," she angrily interrupted, pushing away from me and standing up and gathering her belongings, "You said that you loved me, but you're just like the rest of the fucking wankers around here. All you wanted was to use me, and then throw me away."

"Kiera," I said, "You've got it all wrong, sweetie."

"Leave me alone, you bastard," she cried, "I never want to see you again, and if you show your face at my performance tomorrow, I'll have you arrested." Then she turned and abruptly left my apartment, slamming the door on her way out.

I tried to call her, but to no avail. I even called her mother and talked to her, but her mother told me that, while it was a crying shame; she knew that once her daughter had made her mind up, nothing was going to change her. So, I said my goodbyes, and while I was trying my best not to, I cried and told her that I would never have hurt Kiera in any way. 

"I know Harry," she replied, "Maybe you should just go back to America, and forget Kiera. She's my daughter, and while I love her dearly, she can be a bull-headed bitch who thoroughly pisses me off."

"Can't you talk some sense to her Haley, please?" I asked.

"Oh Harry, you darling man," Haley openly cried, "I'll do what I can, I promise, but don't expect any miracles, okay?"

"Thank you, Haley," I said, as I hung up the phone. Then I went downstairs and hopped into a taxi and told him to simply drive around London for a while.