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That’s frightening, but also exciting. Because here I am, freshly fucked by one of the biggest agents in country music. The problem is…that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If I decided to pursue music seriously, I’d want it to be on my own merits, not because I’m sleeping with him.
As if he can read my mind, he says, “I don’t sign anyone unless I think they could go to the top on talent only.”
“It’s still shady,” I say finally.
He frowns, cocking his head. “Do you think people get deals by wandering in the street, hoping some agent meets them? No, people get where they need to go because they know the right people. Or they make themselves impossible for the right people to ignore.”
I’m quiet.
“Entertainment is a curated business,” he says finally. “That being said…I won’t sign you because it is shady.”
My jaw drops. What is the point of this conversation? For him to say I could make it and then snatch it away? He turns and heads into the kitchen. I go after him, arms crossed tight. He’s making another cup of coffee, like he didn’t just morph into a giant dick.
“What’s your problem?” I ask.
His hands go still. When he lifts his eyes, they’re guarded.
“Being in entertainment seems fun, but behind the scenes it’s bullshit,” he muses. “I have to fly out to Texas because I have a client, an eighteen-year-old girl, whose father is working her so hard she can’t fulfill a basic contract. I can step in, but someday she’s gonna have to deal with the fact her dad picked money over her. These people are vultures, Serena. You don’t want this for your future.”
I don’t move. Inside, I went from offended to…flattered. Is Jamie Iron…protecting me? There’s a long moment. Not breaking eye contact, he hits the coffee machine button, and it starts chugging. I swipe back my hair and lift my chin.
“It’s not like you’ve even really heard me sing, anyway,” I say finally. “This is all…whatever.”
“Yeah. It’s all…whatever.”
The coffee is done. He has a sip. It’s kind of gross that he drinks it all bitter, no sugar or creamer, but it suits his overall bitter personality. As soon as I think that, my brain backtracks to last night and this morning. He’s very gentle in bed. Rough in the right places, but it’s clear he cares that I’m having a good time, too. He’s guarded and rude and a little mean, but there is something gentle in him, and it’s terribly attractive. It’s not all bitterness.
“I guess I should pack my shit,” I say. “When does my plane leave?”
He shrugs.
“It doesn’t.”
“Beg pardon?”
“I had my personal assistant cancel the flight. When I’m ready for you to go home, you can pick out a new flight.”
My jaw hangs slack. He’s not sorry, not a little bit. He’s just staring at me like cancelling my flight without asking is completely normal. Anger flares, and I come closer, head tilting back because he’s very tall.
“I am not one of your women,” I hiss.
“My…what?”
“I’m not someone you can fly out and fuck until you get bored. I agreed to a short, overnight trip with you to resolve…whatever this is, but that’s it. If you don’t book a flight, I will call a car to take me and book it myself.”
As if the universe is solidly on his side, as the words leave my mouth, an enormous thunderclap splits over the cliffs. I jump, inhaling. He glances through the window, and I follow his gaze to where a sheet of rain races over the ocean. It hits the window so hard I worry the glass will shatter.
“Okay, sweetheart, you book a car,” he says.
He skirts around me and goes to sink down on the couch, facing the storm. I consider fighting him. Then, I consider fucking him. Which one sounds better if I set aside my pride and be honest with myself? Because I would love to spend another few days with him, I just didn’t like that he made that choice. Except…do I like it? It’s nice to be around an assertive man who knows what he wants. It’s just annoying because I hate being told what to do by anyone.
“You’re an asshole,” I say finally.
He empties his coffee, clearing his throat. “Yep, we already figured that one out. Come here, sit on my lap.”
Goddamn it.
“Fine,” I whisper. “I’ll stay for another day.”
