Page 59 of Off Limits Mogul

“No. I want to answer your question.”

“Okay.”

I hate bringing up bad memories, but I’m dying to know.

“Building a successful business felt like climbing Mount Everestbackwards. That first year was brutal. It was extraordinarily stressful and overwhelming. Because I was clean, I was aware enough to understand it wasn’t only about me anymore. It was about making my mom proud, keeping my word to the business partner who believed in me, and not letting all the staff we employed down. I couldn’t get away from the day-to-day pressures or challenges by snorting cocaine, popping ecstasy, or uppers and downers to escape. When shit got tooheavy, I’d hop on my Harley in the middle of the day and ride up the coast to breathe and clear my head. This rest stop is one of my favorites… the view and all.”

“Oh, wow.”

“After Dana, I promised myself I’d never let a woman make me feel like shit ever again. The circumstances in my life made it easy to avoid relationships.”

“Just because she didn’t stand by you when you most needed it doesn’t mean all women are flighty.”

“True, but Dana is one of many. Over the years, I’ve been used by a number of women who wanted to further their careers. They’d get close, then they’re practicing their vocal cords in the shower, slipping a USB stick in the pockets of my jeans or pants, emailing and texting demos, or bombarding me with links to their videos. In their mind, one night is sufficient to shoot their fame, fortune, and social status through the stratosphere. With SCORE, we’re still on the fringes of the music industry, so there’s no escaping the type.”

“I’d like to say I’m surprised, but I’m not. I know the type. Those overnight-stardom-seekers pollute industry events. A guy who looks like you, with your reputation and your colossal success, would attract them like bees to a honeypot.”

“Exactly. It gets old really fast. Thanks to Beckett, I’ve found ways to keep thingsuncomplicated.”

I arch an eyebrow.Well, that couldn’t be more convoluted.“Care to elaborate?”

“It’s not the kind of thing I can talk to you about.”

“Why not?”

“Because.”

“You can talk to me about anything.”

“Not this.”

I’m itching to push him to confess, but last night’s blowupis still fresh in my mind. We’re in a good place again, I don’t want to open my big mouth and screw things up.

“Okay,” I say.

A few tense seconds tick by.

“I’ve never invited any other woman into my sanctuary. You’re the first.”

“I’m honored.”And flattered. And giddy.

I guess that gives me a leg up over whomever he partakes inuncomplicatedwith.

Take that, bitches.

“You should be.” He play-punches my arm.

We laugh.

For a few long minutes, we enjoy our ice cream.

I lift my eyes to the sky.

“It’s still gray. It doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better today.”

“No, it doesn’t. If it starts raining, we’ll head back.”

I nod.