Chase's POV

Kevin's expression was grim, and he shook his head several times as I explained my plan for Ryan and Madison. I needed Kevin on board for this. Word was that Madison didn't do anything without his approval. He was very protective of her, more of a father figure and it was understandable because from what little I knew of her, Madison was young and a bit naive. I had to convince him.

"This would be a huge help to Ryan. He really needs her on this." I said, hoping to play into Kevin's fondness for Ryan.

Kevin frowned. "I don't like this Chase. Not at all. You don't know Madi. She's not like these other girls. She has such a sweetness and an innocence about her that she's managed to keep intact, despite being in this cutthroat business. That's so rare. You don't see that anymore and I don't like the idea of pimping her out."

"You're not pimping her out. All she has to do is finish recording a song with Ryan, pretend to date him for a little while and help me keep him away from the booze. She gets a major tour with the hottest act in country music and a hefty paycheck. Sounds like a win win to me."

"Still sounds like I'm pimping her out to me." Kevin frowned again. "I'm worried Madi is going to get hurt. You know I think of Ryan like a son, but even you have to admit he's turned into a first class asshole."

I did have to agree with Kevin on that point. Ryan was an asshole, but he was also my best friend, and as the label put it, my responsibility. "What if I told you rehab changed him? That he wants to be better." I said bluffing.

"Did it really? You know that for sure?" Leave it to Kevin to call my bluff.

"No. I don't know for sure, but I have hope. You didn't see how scared he was when he got arrested. The fear he felt over possibly losing everything he's worked for. You know if Dave were still around, Ryan wouldn't be in this state. You wanted to help Ryan, but if you won't do it for Ryan, do it for Dave. He was your best friend Kevin."

I know that was a low blow bringing Dave into the mix, and I couldn't miss the flash of guilt that passed through Kevin's green eyes. Kevin might not have been able to save Dave, but he sure as hell could help to save his son.

Kevin looked tormented, but he finally nodded and gave a weary sigh. I knew at that moment I had him.

"We need to get Madi in here and go over everything with her. Be warned though, if Madi has any reservations about any of this, you let this go. I can't and I won't make her do anything she doesn't want to do. It's up to you to convince her, because I still don't like this. I'm just agreeing for Ryan and for Dave. You have to promise me that she won't get hurt in any of this."

"C'mon Kevin. You know Ryan isn't a violent person. He would never hurt her." I scoffed.

"I mean emotionally. Madi is vulnerable. She feels things deeply and wants to do the right thing. She's had a rough childhood. Alcoholic father, abandoned by her mother. I'm just worried all of this is going to come back and traumatize her."

"I'm making some huge changes for this tour Kevin. I'm going to be there too, but I can't watch Ryan 24/7. That's why I need help. If Ryan is going to do this tour, he's going to have to abide by some rules. He will have a curfew. There will be no alcohol allowed on the bus. I've increased security so that he is only allowed to go back and forth with me. No one from the outside will be allowed access to him, so no meet and greets or VIP packages will be available. He is also restricted with the media. I'm not putting any of that responsibility on Madison because you and I both know how charming and convincing Ryan can be. He needs a serious image overhaul and that's why I need Madison."

"Well son, sounds like you have it all figured out. What does Ryan think about all of this?"

It was then that I froze. Kevin could tell by my hesitation that I had gone about this all on my own. I had the label's blessing, but that was only because they had put everything in me. It was my responsibility.

"Ryan doesn't know about any of this does he?" Kevin asked, although he damn well knew the answer to that question.

"Only because he's not allowed visitors or phone calls. Otherwise, I would have laid everything out for him."

"And what if he doesn't agree to any of this?" Kevin argued.

"He doesn't have a choice. Jimmie and Denny put me in charge of Ryan and made it clear that if he doesn't abide, he's out. No ifs, ands or buts about it. They will terminate his contract and make sure no other label wants him." I explained, hoping my desperation was clear. This was a tricky plan that involved multiple parties. Ryan agreeing was the least of my concerns because as I explained to Kevin, Ryan had no choice. I seemingly had Kevin on board and the final piece of the puzzle was Madison. I had a feeling she was going to be the hardest to convince. I was prepared to offer her a big fat incentive. One she couldn't refuse. Think of how many homeless pets she could save now.

"Alright. Let me get Madi in here. Just remember what I said. If she refuses, you let it go and find someone else. I won't try and influence her decision because I'm still skeptical about this whole thing." Kevin warned.

While Kevin made the phone call, I sat back and took a few cleansing breaths, ready to make my sales pitch to Madison. The worst she could do is say no right? No. I had to convince her. I was running out of time. Not just any girl would do. It had to be Madison.

🎶🎶🎶🎶

Madison's POV

I burst into Kevin's office excitedly. When he called me and said he had some news and a proposition to run by me, I had practically raced to his office.

"Hey Kev, what's up? What's the big news?" I asked, practically breathless from excitement.

"Hi Madi. Glad you could make it. I'm going to let Chase here fill you in." It was only then that I noticed the attractive, dark haired gentleman sitting in the corner of Kevin's massive office. He looked familiar, but I couldn't place him. "Madi, I think you know Chase Elliott right?"

Oh. Then it hit me and my smile dropped. Ryan Blaney's manager. There could only be one reason he was was here to see me. The label must have wanted us to get back to work on finishing the duet. Well, they had better talk to Ryan about that. He was the problem not me. He was the one who showed up late...drunk the first time and hungover the second. He was the one who walked out of the recording session not even a quarter of the way through after fumbling the words over and over.

"Is this...is this about the duet?" I asked, hating that I was stuttering my words. I couldn't help it that this guy was intimidating to me and I hated it. He was entirely too good looking. He oozed confidence and had an air of authority around him.

"That's part of the reason I wanted to talk to you, but there's more. Why don't you have a seat darlin' and we can talk about the proposition I have for you."

His voice was like warm butter. Smooth with a bit of a southern accent. That and the fact that he called me darlin' made me blush just a little. I looked over at Kevin to help calm my nerves. Kevin gave me a warm, reassuring smile, but was content to let Chase keep talking.

I patiently waited for Chase to get to this so called proposition, but he seemed to be in no big rush and that further annoyed me.

"As you are aware Madison, I represent Ryan Blaney. Ryan is resuming the final leg of his tour in a couple of weeks and I am here to talk to you about being his opening act." Chase said with a confident smile.

Well that was unexpected. I was torn. Opening up for Ryan Blaney would be huge for my career. I was still a newcomer to Nashville, although my stock was rising. This opportunity would have it soaring. On the other hand, the guy was a first class jerk and I wasn't sure how I felt about being on the road with him. I also got the sense that Chase Elliott was not being entirely upfront with me.

"That sounds like quite an opportunity, but I have a hunch that there is more going on, so please be straight with me. Why me?"

He smiled even wider, showing his perfect white teeth. "You are very observant Madison, and obviously a straight shooter. I'll get right to the point. Ryan has had some uh...shall we say troubles recently. Can I trust you to keep what is said in this room today in this room?"

I looked at Kevin, who nodded. "Of course. Kevin will vouch for me that I am very trustworthy and I always keep my word."

Kevin nodded to Chase to continue. "Ryan has had some issues with drinking, as I'm sure you are aware of. Ryan voluntarily entered a privately rehab facility after being arrested for drunk driving. We would like this to be kept private as all of us feel that making this public would be detrimental to his recovery..."

"What does this have to do with me?" I asked, interrupting him impatiently. Ugh just get to the point.

"We would like you and Ryan to convince everyone that you are an item."

I literally snorted. "You're kidding right? You want me to fake date your client? For what reason?"

"Ryan needs a complete overhaul to his image. His reputation has put his career in jeopardy, and he's working hard to show that he's changed. A steady girlfriend, especially one with with a respectable reputation would go a long way in changing the public's perspective." Chase explained.

This guy was a smooth talker alright, but I wasn't buying whatever bull crap he was trying to sell me. "I'm flattered that you think so highly of me Mr. Elliott, but I think the only thing that would change your client's image would be a lobotomy."

I could hear Kevin snicker, and that actually surprised me a bit. I got the suspicion that he and Chase Elliott were close.

"First of all, it's Chase. Mr. Elliott was my grandfather. Second, I like you. You're funny. I think you will find it worthwhile Madison. We are prepared to offer you a generous compensation for your time and efforts."

Oh. No. He. Didn't. If he thought I could be bought, he was sadly mistaken. "I'm insulted that you think you can pay me to date him. Hire a prostitute. I'm sure they all know him quite well." I snapped.

Chase looked stunned by my response, yet the moment passed and his cool composure was back. "I apologize if I have offended you Madison. That was not my intention at all. Yes, we could hire a paid escort, but that wouldn't do anything to help Ryan's public image. We need someone with not just a clean reputation, but someone who is in the public eye. It's not like you have to have sex with him, unless you want to. Just pretend to be his girlfriend. That's all. Name your price."

I was seething over the fact that this guy thought I could be bought. "I'm afraid you are wasting your time Mr. Elliott. There is no amount of money that you could pay me that would make me even consider taking this deal. You claim that you are not treating me like a prostitute, yet that's exactly what I feel like. I don't need your damn money." I spat out.

Chase seemed unfazed by my outburst. "If not money, what would it take Madison? I would be more than happy to make a generous donation to the animal shelter of your choice. I'm sure the homeless dogs and cats could benefit from this arrangement."

"Are you mocking me Mr. Elliott? Are you just using my passion to entice me? That's pretty damn low, but I'm not surprised considering who you represent."

"Madi..." Kevin spoke for the first time since he gave the floor to Chase.

I glared at Chase. "Would you please excuse us. I would like to speak to my manager. Alone."

"No problem. I could use some air." Chase replied, getting up and walking to the door. He practically glided across the room. Shoulders back, head held high with that air of confidence. I didn't like him at all.

As soon as Chase was out of the room, I turned to Kevin. "How could you do this to me? You knew what was going on. Why didn't you give me a heads up? Why didn't you say anything when this guy was trying to buy me like a high priced hooker?" Tears sprung to my eyes. I felt like I had just been thrown to the wolves by the one person that I thought had my back. It stung.

"I'm so sorry for that Madi. Chase just came to me with this not long before I called you. I had no idea he would make you feel that way. I told Chase that I wasn't crazy about this plan of his, but I agreed to let him pitch it to you and to keep my opinion neutral and let you decide for yourself."

"If you aren't crazy about the idea then why did you let him go on with it?" I asked.

"Because I wanted you to make the decision for yourself Madi. And although I'm not crazy about the idea, I'm torn because I have a personal reason for wanting to help Ryan."

"So you were just using me? I don't know what to say Kevin. I feel so betrayed. How could you do this to me?" I choked back a sob.

"No Madi. I would never use you. I probably should have told Chase to forget it as soon as he ran his plan by me. I warned him that I didn't want you to get hurt, and I failed you. I'm so sorry honey. That was never my intention. I just wanted to help Ryan." Kevin said sincerely, sounding just like the caring father figure he had always been to me.

"Why is helping Ryan so important to you?" I asked.

"Maybe I should start from the beginning. You're familiar with Awesome Bill and Buckeye Bullet right?" Kevin asked me.

"Of course. Bullet And Bill. They were probably the most famous duo in country music history." I replied, confused over what this had to do with anything.

"Bullet and Bill were my first clients. They made me who I am today. In case you didn't know, Bill is Chase's father. Bullet, or Dave as I know him, was Ryan's father. Those boys are like family to me." Kevin explained, and it was starting to make sense to me now. I could now understand why Kevin had seemed so fond of Chase.

"I had no idea. Bullet...Ryan's father passed away didn't he?" I asked, feeling sympathy for the man despite my dislike of him.

Kevin nodded. "A couple of years ago. It hit Ryan really hard. That's when he began his spiral." Kevin sounded so sad when he spoke.

"You want me to do this don't you? I asked. I couldn't believe I was even considering this.

"I want this to be your decision Madi. I would never ask this of you because I do have some reservations, but Chase has assured me he has everything covered. I honestly don't know Madi. I do want to help Ryan, but never at your expense."

"Chase said to name my price. I know what I want, and it's not money."

"What do you want Madi?" Kevin asked.

"I want to sing my own music. I've been writing and no one would even take a look at it. That's my price."

"Madi, you know that's not in your contract." Kevin said.

"Then renegotiate my contract. You are the closer Kevin. You should be able to make this happen. If not you, then I'm sure Mr. Smooth Chase Elliott can make me a deal. Ryan Blaney isn't the only one looking to change his image. Maybe I don't want to be the latest, newest version of pop country princess. I want to be more me. I want more emotion. More depth. That's my offer."