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He held out his hand, impatient to revisit the feel of her. From the first Mia had appealed to him. She was as natural and competent as Ivy was artificial and flighty. But it was that electric charge that sizzled through him when they touched that he craved.
Her eyes were solemn and earnest as she placed her palm against his. “Promise.”
* * *
Mia hoped Nate wouldn’t notice the way her fingers trembled as they shook hands. In those delightful seconds, Ivy Bliss faded from Mia’s mind. There was only this tall, charismatic man with eyes the color of storm clouds.
For as far back as she could remember, Mia had been invisible. Why would anyone pay attention to the ordinary-looking child standing beside and a little behind the beautiful, charismatic, talented Ivy? And the difference between the twins had only intensified when Ivy had gotten a role in a television series and gone on to Broadway and a pop music career. Mia had become the quiet shadow at her elbow.
And then she’d met Nate. Never in a million years could Mia have believed that someone as talented and charismatic as the lead singer of Free Fall would notice she existed, much less be attracted to her. He’d seen her as a distinct individual with interests and goals. That was pretty heady stuff. No wonder she’d tumbled head over heels for him. What woman with a pulse wouldn’t have?
Then the tour ended and the real world overcame the fantasy one she’d dwelled in for two months. She’d had no choice but to turn down his offer to go with him to Las Vegas. Nate had been so angry with her that last morning in Sydney. He’d accused her of leading him on. It struck her as impossible that a nobody like her could be anything more than a momentary distraction to someone as incredible as Nate Tucker.
Given all that he’d accomplished in the music industry, it amazed Mia that he was only thirty-one. An accomplished singer/songwriter and producer, he’d had six Grammy nominations for producing and won two. His band had been nominated for twenty-nine assorted awards and won eight, including several Grammys and an AMA award for favorite pop/rock band/duo/group.
“Are you okay?” he asked, peering at her.
They were still holding hands. Mia’s cheeks heated as she released her grip. “Sorry.” She took an awkward step back and bumped into one of the chairs surrounding the large oval conference table. “I was just thinking how lucky Ivy was for getting to work with you.”
The dimple flashing in Nate’s scruffy cheek vanished. “Mia, about what happened in Sydney—”
“You don’t need to go there,” Mia said, forcing lightness into her voice. “It was a crazy tour. So much fun. I won’t ever forget it.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“Please, Nate.” She longed to surrender to the intense glow in his eyes and fall into his arms. “You need to focus on Ivy. And so do I. She’s really freaked out about this new direction in her career. I told her you were the best producer in the business and that together you would make platinum.”
“I couldn’t care less about her or her album. I’m only doing this so I can spend more time with you.”
His words sent a spear of yearning through her, but Mia shook her head. “Don’t say that. Ivy needs this album to be great.” Maybe if she had a hit Ivy’s insecurity would stop consuming her, and Mia could begin to live her life far from her demanding twin.
“How long are you planning to keep on being her lackey? Don’t you want to be free to explore what makes you happy?”
“Of course.” And she would have that life if Ivy’s new project catapulted her into the big time. “And someday I’ll have that chance.”
“For your sake I hope someday is soon.” The intensity in Nate’s gaze made her shiver.
“I have to get going,” Mia said, although now that she’d seen Nate again, the last thing she wanted to do was leave. “You’ll text me the details about dinner tonight?”
“Yes.”
As Nate escorted Mia to the lobby, she noticed he didn’t touch her again.
“It was good seeing you,” she murmured awkwardly. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and declare how much she’d missed him. But that would only make the problems between them worse.
Mia maintained a firm grip on her impulses. The connection they’d share on tour had been packed up and put away with the instruments, lights and sound equipment. Sneaking around behind Ivy’s back had been necessary and exciting, but it wasn’t something Mia intended to do any longer.
While on tour Ivy had been distracted by the traveling, flirting with Free Fall’s single band members and blowing up social media for her fans. In Las Vegas, she would be completely focused on her music and on Nate. Mia wouldn’t have any opportunities for time alone with him.
Ever since Ivy learned that she was going to work with Nate, she’d been more agitated and deman
ding than Mia ever remembered her being. Mia wasn’t a fool. She understood why Ivy was so reluctant to give her space. Heaven forbid Mia would get a life and walk away.
After leaving Nate, Mia was halfway through the errands she was running for Ivy when her phone began to play Ivy’s latest hit, her special ring tone. Mia held off answering for several seconds. But she’d already ignored a bunch of Ivy’s texts, and her sister would have a fit if she didn’t pick up now.
“OMG. Where have you been? I’ve texted you, like, a dozen times.” Ivy’s voice poured from Mia’s smartphone, scattering her thoughts to the wind. Behind closed doors the sweetheart pop star became a demanding diva. “I’ve been dying to hear all about how excited Nate is that we’re working together.”
“Sorry I didn’t respond.” In fact, she’d been lost in thought and hadn’t heard the alerts. “Traffic was crazy and there was an accident...”
