Hey all,
It seems as if it has been forever since I last updated my blog! I have been so busy working on my books that I just haven't had any free time what so ever.
I am not going to ramble on instead I will just get to the point!
Please find the first non-edited chapter, the cover and the official synopsis of Wilde Velvet.
Please bare in mind that i'm still in the editing process and somethings may be subject to change.
Feel free to tell me your thoughts I can't wait to share this story with you guys!
love Deila xx
“One girl, one guy, eight dramatic weeks and two very different views on love,”
When Ashley Scott Harper moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of music, she never imagined that her past would have such an effect on her life today and when the smoldering Jonathon Wilde enters the picture, Ashley has to fight with her inner self to stay away from him. He’s tall, dark and handsome with an acid tongue and eyes that Ashley could easily fall into. Jonathon is everything that Ashley is trying to avoid, but is it fate that brings them together when they are forced to spend eight weeks together or is it simply a recipe for disaster?
“I’m far from perfect, but I’m perfect for you!” Jonathon Wilde
Wilde Velvet coming soon on amazon
One
The crowd is busy –crap my heart is about burst. I
peek through the black curtains and I see the faces of the impatient club-goers.
They don’t look impressed as they wait for me to grace the stage. I never get
nervous, but tonight my anxiety levels are through the roof. I moved to Los
Angeles about a year ago. So that I could pursue music and my time here in
tinsel town, has been far from glamorous. I live in a run-down apartment
building on the west side of town. I share my tired, two bedroom apartment with
my best friend, Sydney. I love music and
I have been singing and writing songs for as long as I can remember. Music
completes me. I love the feeling I get when I hear a new song for the first
time. It’s like no other feeling that I have experienced. I adore music. It’s
my passion. My world and its everything that I live for. So when I was twenty one, I decided that I
needed to branch out and try to fulfill my dreams.
I am originally from Dallas. I was raised by mom. I
have never met my dad. My mom said that he was just a sailor on leave and she
hooked up with him, and I am the result. I guess it’s been kind of tough
growing up without a dad. But I don’t feel as if I have missed out on anything.
My mom and I were inseparable. We always did everything together and I know
that it wasn't always easy for her to raise a kid on her own. But she did the
best that she could. We never had much money. My mom would work two jobs so
that we could make rent. Our car was always in the shop. I didn't have
expensive clothes like all the other girls in school. But that didn't bother
me. My mom taught me to look on the brighter side of life. We could have had it
much worse, and my mom always taught me to be thankful for the things that we
did have.
When I left Dallas my mom took it really badly. She
was used to me always being there. We did everything together and when I left,
a little part of her died. It still pains me when I call her. I miss her so
much, but I needed to get away. My life in Dallas was … complicated and I couldn't stay in that city for a moment longer. So I packed up my entire life
and I moved to California. I was lucky that I managed to find an apartment and
a job. I work during the day as a waitress in a small, but elegant restaurant.
My nights are consumed by going out and playing small gigs. I spend most of my
free time at the beach. I love the ocean and I have to admit that since I moved
here, I love this city.
“Ashley!” My
best friend Sydney shouts as she rushes towards me. Her long black hair is
flowing as she marches in my direction. Her dark eyes are narrowed, and her
lips part as she grows closer to me.
“You ready?” She exclaims when she finally
reaches me. I smile at her as I try to hide my anxiety. My heart is in my mouth
as I gaze out at the sea of dark suits. Oh crap they look so business like and
I am terrified to sing in front of them. I try to compose myself. Calm down Ashley.
I pull the curtains closed and Sydney and I walk
over to the back of the waiting area. I scan the faces of all the other
musicians who are also waiting to play. A few of them stick out from the crowd.
A tall skinny guy with jet black hair is strumming on his guitar. Over at the
other side there is a boy band. I smile at them. They look as if they have
raided Vanilla Ice’s closet. There is a long table that’s filled with bottles
of water. My throat feels a little dry. So I reach out and lift a bottle of
Evian from the surface. I pour the water down my throat, and then I focus my
eyes on Sydney. She looks very excited, nervous and worried all at the same
time. She is dressed in her typical ‘EMO’ clothing, which consists of a black
t-shirt and dark skinny jeans with a studded belt. She has on her favorite shoes, her black and white Chuck Taylors. Her long black hair is poker straight
and her eyes are thick with eye liner. She is very curvaceous and I keep on
telling her how amazing she would look in a nice dress. But dresses and
feminine things aren't really her scene. I am not exactly sure how we are best
friends. We have nothing in common. We don’t like the same music. We don’t have
the same interests. I like to hang out at the beach and go swimming. Sydney
likes to stay indoors. She hates the sun and I worship it. Sydney loves to draw
and I can’t stand it. We are so different, but somehow we are best friends.
We met about a month after I moved here. Sydney’s a
waitress at a coffee shop on Sunset called ‘Flavour’. I was exploring the city
and I came across the sweet coffee shop. Sydney served me. We got to talking
and she told me that she had a spare room. I was staying in a motel at this
point and I was desperate to find a place. I was a little worried at first.
Sydney’s appearance was a little intimidating and I had never really met anyone
like her before. But she was so friendly and welcoming. I have a hard time
warming up to new people. But I somehow instantly clicked with Sydney. I moved
in the next day, and we have been friends ever since.
“You look nervous.”
Sydney says as she pushes her hair away from her face. I glug down my
water in a violent manner, God I wish this was stronger.
“How can you tell?” I say sarcastically. Sydney
chuckles and then she tries to reassure me that everything will be okay.
“You’re gonna be awesome. You have an amazing voice.
Now go on and kick some butt!” I laugh at her joke and then I nervously tie my
caramel coloured hair into a loose pony tail. I can hear the crowd starting to
cheer and my heart level increases. A guy with earphones around his neck and a
clipboard is heading my direction. He marches over to me and he locks his eyes
on mine.
“You’re on first. Come this way.” He says as he
abruptly pulls me by the arm. I rip my arm away from him and I follow him.
Stomping my feet as I try to keep up with his pace. He leads me to the side of
the stage and he begins to write something on his pad as he explains what he
expects me to do. “Now, you only get one song so make it a good one. You’re on
in three minutes, so get ready. I’ll introduce you. What’s your name again?” He
says as he pulls his eyes away from his writing.
“My name’s Ashley Scott Harper,” I say as I
nervously bite my lower lip. The guy smiles at me and then he rushes past me
onto the stage. The crowd roars at his appearance and he taps the microphone
before he speaks. My heart is racing. Focus
Ashley. This is your dream come true.
Once a month, ‘Club Vixen’ hosts a special night for
up and coming new talent. It’s a very tough to get on the line up, but my
friend Zane knows Paul, the guy who owns the bar. Zane’s mom is married to
Paul’s dad. So he was able to pull a few strings to get me a spot on tonight’s
line up. Paul is very well respected in the music world. He knows everyone, and
all of his friends are either music producers or musicians. I have only ever
met him once. He is charming, kinda cute and he did ask me out. But, I politely
refused. I was worried that I might have offended him by turning him down. But
I was glad when he declared ‘NO HARD FEELINGS’.
“Please
welcome to the stage, Miss Ashley Scott Harper!”
The guy shouts through the microphone. The crowd roars and that’s my cue. The
black curtains drop and I am standing looking out at the crowd. My mind begins
to rush, and I see the black suits of the music moguls sitting at a large round
table. I nervously bite my lower lip, and I can feel my hands starting to
shake. But I remember how bad I want this, so I compose myself and I glide onto
the stage. A spot light is shining on me, and there is a standing microphone
and a stool. I smile at the crowd and I laugh when I hear a few whistles and
cheers from the guys in the front row.
“Nice
Legs,” one of them shouts. I smile and glance down at my
legs. I was at the beach today so I’m really tanned. My little white shorts
look sheer against my skin and my bright yellow crop top shows off my slim
waist. I sit down onto the stool and I pull the microphone towards me. I love
the feeling of being on stage. It’s amazing, I live for music. I do open mic
nights almost every night. I adore being on stage and sharing my music with
people. It makes me feel, special and needed. A song can help you through so
much. You just have to believe in it. Music has gotten me through so much pain.
If I could just help one other person through a tough time, then that’s what
makes everything worthwhile.
I look at the music executives and then I close my
eyes. The guy from earlier runs onto the stage and he hands me my guitar. I
sling the strap over my shoulder and then I begin to play. The crowd quietens as
the sound of my guitar strums through the entire club. I close my eyes as my
lips part to let out my sound.
“Da
Da Da Da
The
smell of your skin lingers on me, now
You're
probably on your flight back to your hometown
I
need some shelter of my own protection baby
Be
with myself in centre, clarity, peace, serenity.
I
hope you know, I hope you know
That
this has nothing to do with you
It's
personal, myself and I
We
got some straightening out to do
And
I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But
I've gotta get a move on with my life
It's
time to be a big girl now
And
big girls don't cry
Don't
cry, Don't cry, Don't cry”
I finish the song to a roaring applause. My heart is
pounding in my chest, but in a good way. I stand up and take a bow, and then I
reluctantly pull myself off the stage. I run backstage, and everyone is
clapping as I walk past them. I smile as I rush into the bar. I’m searching for
Sydney and I see that she is already at the bar. I run over to her, and she
wraps her arms around my neck when I reach her.
“You were awesome. That song was chilling. You
rock!” I laugh at her. Thank God it went good.
My head is spinning and everyone around me is applauding and telling me
how good I was. I am so flattered and excited. But I am nervous as I see a
chubby African American guy walking towards me. He is a music mogul. I can tell
because he was one of the dark suit wearing guys at the table. I can hardly see
straight as I watch him walk over to me. He reaches me and he immediately holds
out his hand for me to shake it. I firmly shake the guys hand and then he
begins to talk.
“I’m Don Phillips. I’m the CEO of BeatBox records. I
just wanna tell you that your performance really impressed me.” Is this for
real? I shake myself. Stay calm Ashley.
“Thanks, I’m Ashley it’s nice to meet you.” I say in
my most professional voice. I want to scream. The CEO of BeatBox records was
impressed by my performance. This isn't real. I must be dreaming.
“I would love to hear you play again. Would mind
dropping by the studio tomorrow?” I can’t hold back my smile.
“Sure, I would love to.” I gush. The guy laughs and
then he focuses on his vibrating Blackberry.
“Okay, be there at eight. I gotta run.” He answers
his phone as he walks away from me. I collapse on the nearest bar stool. Sydney
flops down next to me. We are both speechless. I can’t believe that this has
happened to me. This could be the break that I have been waiting for. I am so
excited, anxious and nervous. I need my meeting with him tomorrow to go well.
Music is my world. I have dreamt about this so many times. I have wanted this
for so long. Music means everything to me and I have to make this work.
Tomorrow could be the start of my dreams. I need to pull off the performance of
my life.
Sydney orders us a couple of beers and then she
turns to face me. Her eyes are big and glossy. She is smiling from ear to ear,
beaming as Mr Phillips’s words rings in our ears. The barmaid slides two
bottles of Corona along the wooden surface of the bar. Sydney and I both grab
our drinks and down them in an instant. My mind is rushing. I can’t believe
that I have a meeting tomorrow at BeatBox records.
“Can you believe what just happened?” I say as I
place the bottle down onto the surface of the bar. Sydney narrows her eyes at
me.
“Of course I can believe it. You have the most
chilling voice. You’re amazing.” I slightly blush at her words. Sydney has
always been supportive of me. She really is my best friend. I was lost until I
met her. I didn't know anything about this oversized city. Everyone thinks that
Los Angeles is all about ‘Hollywood, but that’s not true. There is so much more
to LA than just the movies. There are so many different cultures with all sorts
of different people. I was amazed when I first moved here and if I am honest I
still am. I was so lucky that I met Sydney. She gave me somewhere to stay and
she welcomed me as her friend. She showed me the city and she introduced me to
so many interesting people, like Zane. He is amazing, really kind and very
sweet. He and I get on great and I have enjoyed getting to know him. My life is
so much better since I moved here. Don’t get me wrong, I really miss my mom.
But things in my life were complicated and I never allow myself to think back.
I have endured so much pain in the past that I am washed out. I gave up a
stressful, heart-breaking life, so that I could live drama free and pursue my
music. I don’t regret moving here. It was the best decision that I have ever
made.
“Thanks, but I’m nervous. What if I blow it?” I rest
my heavy head against the surface of the bar and I let out a deep exhale. I
feel Sydney’s hand against my shoulder and I look up to meet her stare.
“If you sing like you did tonight, then you will
blow them away.” She’s right. I need to stay positive. Mr Phillips wouldn't have
come up to me if he didn't think that I was talented. He must be interested in
me and he did say that I impressed him. I laugh and Sydney chuckles with me.
Then she jumps off the bar stool and says. “I gotta pee.” I nod and I watch as
she rushes in the direction of the bathroom. I sit up straight in the stool and
I begin to scan the faces of the club-goers. Everyone is having such a good
time, and the guy that’s playing is really good. He is singing ‘I will wait by
Mumford and Sons’ he sounds awesome. I
focus on his face as I begin to mouth the words. He has a really powerful voice
and I could listen to him sing all night long. I begin to sway in my seat, and
my body temperature rises. It’s so hot in here, I need another drink. I spin back around to face the bar, and I’m
startled when I see a guy standing really close to me. He is massively tall
with dark greased hair and big brown eyes. His skin is golden and his fashion
choices are out of this world. He is wearing dark slim fit jeans, which are
tucked into brown Gucci high-top sneakers. His dark blue t-shirt is visible
under his dark brown leather jacket and his outfit is tied together with a
matching Gucci belt. He has a very beautiful face. Nice full lips and a perfect
nose. His skin is luscious and his hair is immaculate. He smells incredible and
he looks very … European. He is staring at me, and I realise that I am staring
back. I quickly drag my eyes away from him, but my subconscious is angry with
me. I’m forced to look at him again. He lightly licks his lips as he reaches
out his hand. His dark eyes meet mine, and as his lips part, I make a wager
with myself. I bet he’s Spanish or Italian.
“Hello, may I buy you a drink?” I am shocked; he has
a fluid American accent. My eyes focus on his and I smile at him. His hand is
still extended towards mine, and I feel stupid that I haven’t shaken his hand.
I reach out and I place my hand into his. I jump. His touch his electrifying. I
quickly pull my hand away from him, and I readjust myself in the stool. Mr
handsome is still staring at me. He is very intimidating and very smug. His
full lips part again. I am getting the feeling that he is a little impatient. I
feel my cheeks firing up as I catch him staring at my legs. I feel really
uncomfortable around him. I can’t accept his offer to buy to me a drink. I
slowly climb off the bar stool and when I stand fully in front of him, I really
appreciate how tall he is. I am five-six and I have three inch heels on and I
still feel dwarfed by him. I try to maintain my composure as I politely refuse
his offer.
“Thanks but I’m good.” I say in a firm voice. I
flash him an awkward smile and I turn to walk away from him. I’m surprised and
a little concerned when he strides towards me and pulls me back around to face
him. My heart starts to pound as he begins to talk.
“Why won’t you let me buy you a drink? Have I done
something to upset you?” His voice is smooth and all-American. I shake my head;
he should have a foreign accent to match his looks. I pull my hand out of his
and I look up into those eyes. He smiles at me, and he looks really young and
playful. I can’t deny that he is a stunning guy, but I am just not interested
in getting to know him. My main rule for my new life in LA is that it has to be
a guy-free zone. I am not looking for love or that one prefect guy. I came here
for one reason –music. I am not going to get distracted by some gorgeous guy. I
have come so far. I can’t go back to my old ways, not now. Things in my life
are starting to turn around and who knows; maybe tomorrow my life will change
forever.
“How could you upset me, I don’t even know you? Now
if you’ll excuse me.” I spin around, but he pulls me back again. My heart is
racing, this guy is so annoying.
“Get to know me. My name is … Jonathan. But my
friends just call me John.” I roll my eyes at him. He is so annoying, why won’t
he let me leave? I am used to guys hitting on me, but this guy is taking it to
a whole other level. I need to get away from him. He could very easily be the
distraction that I am desperately trying to avoid.
“Look it’s not personal. I just gotta go, but it was
nice to meet you … John.” He bites his lower lip and he runs his fingers along
his jawline. I am little mesmerized by him, but I’m forcing myself to act cool.
“Okay then leave!” He says in a bitter tone. I am a
little startled by his firmness and I don’t feel comfortable around him.
“Better yet I’ll leave!” He says through a set of pearly white teeth. I watch
him, stunned as he pushes his way through the busy crowd. I flop back down onto
the bar stool, and my hands clasp together. What was that? Who was that guy? I
try to compose myself as Sydney sits down next to me.
“What did Mr Gucci want?” She says referring to
Jonathan or John as he prefers to be called. I laugh at her nickname. Mr Gucci.
It’s very fitting to him and it has a nice to
ring to it. Mr Gucci you’re
everything that I am trying to avoid.
