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I groaned. “Sorry. She’s crazy.”
“She sounds fun. I’m Nick, by the way. I’ll be your personal guard. As your guard and the person responsible for your safety, I suggest you get back to your grandma.”
“Grandma? I’ll call you back. Love you.” I hung up and frowned at Nick. “What do you mean, personal guard? Why would I need a guard?”
He shrugged. “I don’t make the calls, ma’am. When you go in, I’ll put your suitcases away so you don’t have to haul them around.”
I took a deep breath in and ran my hand over my hair to straighten it. I’d taken my time in the airport bathroom to be sure to look as professional as possible. My pencil skirt and full coverage blouse made clear that I was there to work. Nothing more. I nodded to Nick and thanked him when he opened the door for me.
“Good luck.” He shut the heavy door behind me and then I was in the low-lit club, staring across the large room at the stage.
Soft guitar strumming filled the room and I saw Jones and Mack sitting on stools while they played. When they added vocals, my skin erupted in chills at the low timber of their voices. I’d never heard the song they were singing and my entire being had an instant reaction to it. Slowed down and soft, their voices were haunting together. They leaned into their mics as they played their guitars and even from across the room, I could see the way they each felt the lyrics as their eyes closed.
My heart raced and my body reacted like nothing had changed. It was still lost in lust for them and wanted to get out of my stifling clothes so it could be ravaged already.
Xavier stood up from behind his drums and the movement drew a stop to Mack and Jones’ singing. They all turned and faced me from across the club. There were other staff members from the club walking around but I suddenly felt like we were all alone and my morals were weak. The idea of ripping my skirt down my legs might’ve crossed my legs.
I was stronger than that, though. I had a job to do. I repeated that to myself over and over again as I walked across the room on my nice and professional kitten heels. If it all felt like a costume as I stood in front of the guys, that feeling would pass.
Jones raised his eyebrow at me as he ran his eyes down my body. “Was it dress up day?”
I planted my hands on my hips and hardened my resolve. “I think we need to talk.”
19
Layla
Mackputhisguitardown and sat on the edge of the stage. His long legs nearly touched the floor on my level and it would’ve been so easy for him to step down and then scoop me up. “Good to see you again, too.”
I licked my lips and looked down at my shoes. Swallowing down my personal feelings, I squared my shoulders and looked back up at them. “I’m not sure why you wanted to hire me on as your tour manager. I know I can do the job and I’ll kill at it, but if you think that paying me to act as your tour manager is just a way to keep an easy fuck close by, you’re way off. I take my job very seriously. I know that you three didn’t get a chance to see that while I was on vacation, but it has to be different when I’m working. I’m not here to be your call girl. I’m here to manage the shit out of your stage and help you put on amazing shows.”
“So, you think we hired you as our tour manager because we want to fuck you.” Jones had a look on his face that I hadn’t seen before. He was angry at me. “I guess it’s good to know what you think of us.”
“I’m sorry, but I just wanted to make everything clear before I accepted the job.” I crossed my arms under my chest and promised myself that if I stayed strong, I’d buy myself a giant tub of ice cream that night.
“You didn’t accept the job?” Mack shook his head. “You’re here with your luggage and your work uniform, though.”
I cringed at how ridiculous he was making my outfit seem. “Mr. Bingham didn’t give me much of a choice, but I told him that I was coming to speak with y’all before I accepted. I want the job but only if it’s a real offer.”
“And if it wasn’t?” Standing from the stage, Mack walked closer. “What would you do then?”
I held strong. Somehow. “If it wasn’t a real offer, I’d walk. I’d go back home and tell Jagger that his favorite band sucks and start over. It wouldn’t be easy, but at least I’d have my dignity.”
Xavier jumped down from the stage and walked over to stand in front of me. “It’s a real offer. You were honestly the best we’ve ever seen when you were setting up the stage in Vegas. We’re playing an arena in two days. If you can pull that off, the job will be yours for however long you want it, Layla. We’re not giving you a pretend title so we can fuck you. Business aside, we’re still interested in you.”
I ground my teeth together and dug my nails into my palms. “You can’t. It was unprofessional of me to sleep with you when I wasn’t directly connected to your band. Now? It would tank my career just as fast as walking away would. I won’t throw away my chance to make it in this industry because my hormones or whatever react to yours. I can’t do it.”
Jones shook his head from where he still sat on stage. “I’m still trying to make sense of your goodbye letter.Thanks for helping me recover? That was shitty, Layla.”
I took a deep breath and took a few steps back. “I think we should keep it professional from here on. I’m going to and I’d appreciate it if you three would, too. If you want me to do the job, it’s the way it has to be.”
Jones shook his head. “Fine. Professional, it is.”
Xavier slowly nodded. “Whatever you need, Layla.”
Mack smiled as he backed towards the stage. “Professional. Sure.”
I forced a smile that felt brittle and nodded. “Great. So, I just need a few details about the arena show.”
