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“He’s very well known in the music industry.”
“I’ve never heard of an Alex Heater. Does he have a stage name? With a name like that, I’m surprised no one has suggested one. You might want to.”
“I’ll have to mention that to him. I’ve got to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Grabbing my bag and coat, I rushed out of the pub and back to my apartment.
I couldn’t find fault in the contract, and the pay was unbelievable. Did people really get salaries that high? It didn’t stop me from having a restless night, though. Could I work for Alex Harbour? I’d been lusting after that man since I wastwelve. He was arrogant, selfish, opinionated, and clearly damaged by fame, but there was still an aura about him that fascinated me. That was what I was afraid of though. I was running to LA to get away from my feelings for David, but Alex might be the worst kind of distraction. I had no idea what to do.
Then I remembered the three month trial he was giving me. If anything got to be too much or I hated working for him, I could leave. What was the harm in trying the job out for three months?
This wasAlex Harbour,after all. I was getting a chance to be inside his world. To live with him in his famous LA hilltop mansion. Did I really need to think about this?
Quickly, I typed my acceptance letter to Gina. Icoulddo this. Alex surely wasn’tthatbad.
“Nat, I don’t understand. What is this?” David frowned at me from behind his desk. His dark blonde hair was catching the morning sun as it gleamed through his windows. I tried not to think about all the times I’d spent across that desk, when he’d taken me to heights I’d never felt before. He was a strong and powerful man both in body and mind. He played rugby in his spare time, and that only made him more desirable. Why did I always fall for men that I couldn’t have?
“It’s my resignation, effective immediately. I’ve been offered a job with a rival company.” I stood tall with my head held high. This man wasn’t going to break me. He’d made his choice. He was engaged to the daughter of the owner of Flavour Records. I couldn’t compete with that.
“What are you talking about? What job? You can’t leave. I need you.” I fought back the tears. Yes, he needed me, but not in the way I wanted.
“You’ll find a replacement easily, David.”
“That’s not true. Nat, you’re the best PA I’ve had. We’re a team. You can’t leave.”
“Rock Records wants me. I’ll be based in LA. This is my dream job, David. Don’t hold me back, please!” I begged, watching his stunned face.
“Rock Records?” he gasped. “Who will you be working under?”
“I can’t disclose that until I’ve signed my contract. You know the rules.”
“You’re really going to leave me after all this time?”
“It’s for the best,” I muttered, playing with my hands. After everything that happened, I was unable to look him in the eyes. “I need a change of direction. There’s nothing here for me anymore.”
“Is this about Sarah and me?” I looked up, noticing he was out of his chair and making his way toward me. “You and me, Nat, it was a bit of fun. We spent so much time together because of work that it meant being with you was easy, but you can’t base a relationship on sex. We have nothing in common. I thought you always understood our arrangement.”
“I did. This has nothing to do with that,” I lied, trying to catch my breath. I was talking too fast. “This is me moving on. I’ve worked for this company for six years. I came here right from university. It’s time for me to spread my wings. Rock Records is the company I’ve always dreamt of working for.”
“Then who am I to hold you back? I’ll miss you, Nat, so much.” He pulled me into a tight embrace. I closed my eyes, basking in the closeness. This would be the last time he’d hold me this way. In a matter of months, David would have a new wife and his whole life ahead of him.
“Take care of yourself and Sarah,” I whispered, pulling away. “I need to go clean out my desk. My flight to LA leaves tonight.”
“That soon?”
“It’s a PA job for one of their top artists.” Well, it was Rock Recordstopartist, but David would know who I was working for if I said that.
“If the job doesn’t work out, you know where to find me. Working for an artist is different from the job you have with me.” Stroking my face, he whispered, “I’ll always be here for you.”
“Thanks. I’m sure the job will be fine, though.” I moved away from his touch, wandering over to my desk to clear it. He began to follow me, but luckily his phone rang. Hurriedly, I began packing my belongings into the small box I brought with me. I didn’t want a dramatic goodbye. I wanted to slip away quietly. David was still on the phone as I reached the door to leave. With a longing look toward me, he nodded as I waved a small farewell. It was easier for both of us this way. I’d fallen in love with him, and it was never going to work out. It wasn’t easy leaving a piece of my heart behind. We’d had our fun, but he had never been mine to keep. A new start was what we both needed.
Chapter Three
Liv was an emotional wreck at the airport. I’d Skyped my parents earlier, and they were over the moon about my new job. They were hoping to see me when their cruise stopped near a local port in three months. It would be great to see them, but I’d told them we’d have to sort it out when the time got closer.
To my surprise, Gina had upgraded my plane ticket to first class. Talk about comfort. I slept most of the trip.
When the plane finally landed, the butterflies in my stomach returned. What was I doing? In just three days, my life had done a complete one-eighty. Was I crazy? I kept asking myself that until I reached the arrivals lounge and found a well-groomed, dark haired man waiting for me.
“Miss White?” he asked, reaching to take my luggage from me.
