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“I have a meet and greet and then I’m free.” I smiled. I could feel the anger rising off of Jake’s neck behind me. “You sticking around that long?” I asked .
“I think I could manage.” Good Lord his smile was having a sinful effect on me .
“Not tonight, you’re not,” Jake butted in. “You’re booked, Lex. Sorry, Mr. Canton. We can certainly put a fan pack in the mail for you. Would you say you’re a size XL ?”
I spun around to face my dick of a manager. Jake had sized up the media fallout of this situation in half a second. He didn’t want me spotted with Austin’s most infamous playboy. He didn’t want me speaking to him, have a picture taken with him, and he especially did not want me spending any one-on-one time with him. Three years with Jake had taught me how to predict the way his manipulative mind worked. The panic was written in his eyes. The cameras were around the corner, and if I stepped into view with Luke things could turn into a publicity nightmare for Jake .
I suddenly realized the possibilities Luke Canton presented. I held my tongue, and instead of lashing out at Jake I turned my smile to the tall quarterback. I could have a little fun, and prove a point .
“Sorry my manager is a little rude.” I eyed Jake to put him in his place. “Like I said, I’m free after the meet and greet .”
“Great, I’ll see you then.” His eyes lit with promise and I couldn’t help the slight flutter it created .
I brushed past him with Jake’s ire on my neck, but I didn’t care .
As soon as we were out of Luke’s earshot, Jake hissed, “What in the hell are you thinking? You can’t be seen with him. Not even here .”
“Since when do you decide who my fans are? I thought any press was good press ?”
“Babe, we both know there is such a thing as bad press and Luke Canton is the definition of it. He’s the equivalent of a morally deprived man whore. I don’t want you within a five-mile radius of him. Understand ?”
I smirked. “Guess that’s going to be pretty hard since we’re under the same roof at the same charity event.” I smiled sweetly. “For the children .”
“I didn’t know he was going to be here, or I would have prepared for the optics. Must have been a last minute addition to the guest list.” He stopped long enough to suck in a breath. “He’s off limits, Lex. Off limits .”
Before he could berate me any further, I stepped quickly into the room where the fans were waiting for autographs. For this event, there was a charitable contribution expected, except from the children. I’d never accept a penny from them. They were the reason I was here. One hundred percent of the proceeds from tonight’s concert and all of my merchandise would be donated to the new wing of the hospital .
This hospital was going to become the gold standard for what children’s medical care should look like. There were aquariums in the lobbies. Rooms full of toys. There was an art studio and even a music lounge for kids to kick back in gaming chairs and listen to music .
No one wanted to bring their child here, but if they did, they knew they were getting the best care in the best environment .
I took my place behind the long table and took a sip of water. There were a dozen different colored markers scattered and a pile of pictures from the cover of my latest album. I was lying in a field of wildflowers. The sun illuminated the blond streaks in my hair, and my guitar was in the grass next to me. I snickered every time I had to sign that picture. It was the day I had a full-blown allergy attack and Helena had to redo my makeup at least ten times. All of it was smoke and mirrors. My entire career was like that cover .
Jake left me to greet the fans. “We’ll talk about this on the ride back to the hotel. Stay away from him .”
“Yes, Dad, and did you want to give me a curfew too?” I grinned sweetly .
I reached for the first picture. “Hi.” I smiled at the woman in front of me, dressed in a silver glittery gown. She looked like she could be one of the hospital’s big donors. I wanted to be extra sweet in case it added to her generosity tonight .
“Who should I make it out to ?”
“Betty, please .”
“All right, Betty.” I scribbled my usual wishes for love and music and signed my name .
“It was a beautiful concert,” she gushed. “Just beautiful .”
“Thank you. I’m glad you could be here for the event.” I handed her the glossy photo before the next fan moved forward in line .
I don’t know how many people passed through. I didn’t keep count of the tuxedos or cocktail dresses snaking through the line. I reminded myself I was raising thousands of dollars. My wrist was starting to ache. I had barely glanced up when I heard a deep voice. A solid, strong hand slid my album cover in front of me .
“You can write it out to Luke .”
I cleared my throat. “Anything else?” I wanted to sound casual and normal, but there was something about Luke Canton that stirred something in my stomach .
I had only spent a combined total of two minutes in the man’s company, but I felt nervous and giddy. It wasn’t something I had felt in awhile. I was almost afraid to look up—afraid he would see what he was doing to me .
He leaned toward me. “Depends on how much you can put on one of these pictures .”
