Of course Ste could see right through Jasper''s little games.


    But honestly, Jasper''s attempts to show off didn''t mean much to her at all.


    She''d agreed toe tonight for a different reason entirely-she wanted to see what Mr. Walden''s concerts were like. Even if he wasn''t performing himself, a concert organized by him was still well worth studying.


    Jasper thought he''d invited her just to make her ufortable, maybe even jealous.


    Little did he know, she wasn''t even remotely upset. In fact, she almost wanted to thank him.


    After all, with her current credentials, she''d have no right to attend such an exclusive event otherwise.


    Ste''s gaze lingered on Jasper, studying him with a fresh sense of amusement.


    He''d stumbled into doing her a huge favor, entirely by ident.


    Jasper caught the strange look on her face-not a hint of anger or resentment, just something he couldn''t quite name. The realization unsettled him.


    "What are you staring at, Ste?" he snapped.


    She smiled. "Just looking at you, of course."


    Jasper''s skin prickled with unease. "What''s there to look at?"


    This woman was trouble, no doubt about it. She was thest person he''d ever trust to behave herself.


    He shot her a wary re.


    Ste''s lips curved up in a faint, knowing smile. "Nothing, really. Weren''t you going to take me to see Rachel? If we wait any longer, her performance will be over."


    Jasper nced at his watch and saw the concert was about to begin.


    He dropped the banter and led Ste toward the auditorium.


    By now, the hall was packed.


    Even the lights had dimmed, signaling the show was about to start.


    Jasper pointed her to a lone empty seat near the very back. "Wait here until Rachel''s finished. Afterward, I''ll bring you to her."


    Ste nodded. "Alright."


    Her easy agreement only made Jasper more suspicious.


    He shot her a warning look. "If you wander off or cause any trouble, you''re on your own."


    To be honest, he was half-hoping she''d stir up some drama and embarrass herself.


    With that in mind, he didn''t bother staying with her. Instead, he slipped back to his original seat in the front row.


    "Where have you been? You''rete," Haynes murmured, frowning as Jasper slid in beside him.


    Jasper''s eyes darted away. "It''s nothing. I just took a phone call."


    Thankfully, the auditorium was now dark, hiding how uneasy he felt.


    The music began, and Haynes finally turned his attention to the stage.


    Jasper let out a silent sigh of relief.


    Suddenly, the stage lights zed to life, and Rachel''s slender figure appeared at


    center stage.


    Ste arched an eyebrow.


    Mr. Walden clearly had high hopes


    for Rachel Not only had he chose et


    her


    was


    open the concert, but she w performing a solo.


    No wonder Jasper had been so eager to brag.


    It seemed Rachel''s ying had improved quite a bittely-perhaps thanks to Mr. Walden''s guidance.


    Ste might dislike Rachel, but even she had to admit: if Rachel had caught Mr. Walden''s eye, she must have real talent.


    Now, as one of Mr. Walden''s


    students, Rachel would receive the


    kind of teaching most musicians


    could only dream of, and have the


    chance to learn from peers who


    were already stars in their own right.


    If Rachel put in even a bit of effort, there was no doubt her future would be bright.


    The elegant strains of the piano filled the concert hall.


    Rachel had always been


    stunning easily a nine out of ten in


    looks. No wonder Haynes still


    couldn''t get her out of his mind after ears.


    all


    Bathed in the spotlight, Rachel''s carefully made-up face was almost heartbreakingly beautiful.


    Her solo ended to a thunderous round of apuse.


    All around Ste, the audience was singing Rachel''s praises.