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Chapter Seventeen
Ocean
It's the opportunity of a lifetime…
The words have been on repeat in my head since Mia sent me the document early this morning. I hated that she couldn’t be here in person to sit with me, while at the same time understanding that she needed to escape from here while the media continues to drag her. Even though Zander had started to publicly speak out in support of Mia, the damage had already been done; therefore, she was conducting business virtually for the time being.
We chatted over Zoom right after and she gave me her absolute most professional opinion before her personal one. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for my career to start collaborating with an artist such as Mason Namara. The conditions are reasonable enough that his management would oversee the production of the music video and mine would cover the recording studio time.
Mia’s personal opinion was that Ezra was doing this as a way to get to me. I refuse to see her point, however. Then she reallydropped the bomb on me that Ezra and Mason would be here later this afternoon to sign contracts. This was moving at warp speed and I wasn’t quite sure how to handle it. It was just after the winter holidays and I didn’t think many people were working very hard right now. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised Ezra was. I don’t think I remember a time the man ever took a break for anything.
I quickly slip into the shower and change into a stylish pair of jeans and a sweater before drying my hair and styling it in loose waves. With a few minutes to spare, and wanting to make a professional first impression, with Mason that is, I put in my lucky diamond earrings and slip on a matching watch. After sliding my feet in my most comfortable pair of boots, I grab the contract that Mia sent and my favorite signing pen. I’ve signed all my biggest deals since being with Rosen Records with this pen and I’m hoping the good luck continues.
I arrive at the office with plenty of time to spare and make sure to set up the room so that it’s comfortable for me. Kyle is stationed outside the door and Tabbi is on standby, should I require assistance. I’ll check in with her once we’re ready to sign. If this is what I choose. Working with Mason is a dream of mine. I’m a fan of his music and talent. It will also help me branch out to other genres. It’s the working so close with Ezra part that bothers me. Ever since he pulled me into that alcove, I haven’t been able to function. His words, the way he held me, I don’t know what they mean or if they mean anything at all. Then there is his constant interfering in my life and the tasks he gives Kyle. I don’t know what to make of it all. My cracked little heart gives a small thump in my chest. It still believes in true love while my mind and soul fight desperately to remind it that it’s better to be alone and not expect things from people so we don’t get hurt.
I check to make sure that Tabbi is on the line before sitting down to wait. The hand on the clock ticks slowly in response tothe racing blood in my veins. The meeting time creeps nearer and I’m honestly surprised they aren’t here already. From what I remember, Ezra’s motto was always ten minutes early is already late.
At exactly ten on the dot, I hear footsteps coming down the hallway, getting louder and louder. My fingers grip the edge of the table, fighting the ridiculous urge to run and hide. How do I greet him? Do I shake his hand? Just get up and invite him to sit? It all seems too detached. Two years ago, if he hadn’t abandoned me and broken my heart, I would have hugged him. Joked with him. This contract signing would not have been nearly as formal and I would have done it with a gracious smile on my lips. And he would have wanted it that way as well. Now I am not sure what he wants or expects of me.
My cheeks are tinged pink and my heart is racing in my chest when the door opens and Ezra walks in. I swallow down my fear, force a smile on my face and make myself walk over to stand in front of him to greet him. He stands just inside the conference room wearing a dark gray, three-piece suit that clings to his muscular body and black tie. It looks good on him. The color offsets his dark, chocolatey brown hair and those intense, pale green eyes. His style has changed somewhat over the past two years, and I wonder if it has to do with his change in position.
A smile graces his handsome face. “Morning, princess.”
My body stops short of reaching him, and my eyes quickly dart around him, making sure that Mason Namara did not just hear his manager call me the pet name he had for me back when I believed I was special to him. When he made me believe he considered me important to his life.
“Where is Mason?” The space behind Ezra is empty.
His eyes narrow, the look he gives me is intense, predatory and possessive. My belly flutters in response and my brain shouts at it to calm the fuck down.
“Do I not get a hello in return anymore?”
I want to roll my eyes, but I promised myself I would be nothing less than professional in this meeting. I let my smile relax and gesture to the table. “Good morning, Mr. Hamilton. Let's have a seat and discuss the contract.”
Ezra’s eyes linger on me and the grin on his lips turns into an evil smirk. “Sure, baby. Let's discuss the contract,” he says right as I go to sit.
His term of endearment catches me off guard and I almost bang my leg on the table. Once again, I shoot a panicked glance at the door, wondering if someone will hear.
“Mr. Namara couldn’t attend today. He had a last-minute interview come up, so it’s just me today. You can quit looking at the door like you’re about to be caught in a compromising position.”
I let myself relax more in my seat. “Okay, Let's get started, shall we?”
His head tips to the side. “Not even a hug or a kiss for me today, princess?”
My eyes practically bug out of my head. “You just said —”
“I said you wouldn’t be caught in a compromising position, not that I didn’t want you in one.”
“Ezra—”
“I always loved when you said my name, princess.”
I roll my lips together, fighting to hold in any words I might say that I won’t be able to take back. He has always been able to rile me up and calm me down, the perfect antidote to my moods and feelings. As if he could read me like a book. I used to thrive on our connection, now I find it almost alarming. He leans back in his chair, the almost swaggery way his body moves is his signature position. He’s in charge even if you think you are. I’ve seen him close many deals in this way behind a desk.
“Can we focus please?”
“I’m very focused, Ocean.” He slides the contract over to me. “I have everything I want in front of me. There is no way I would come to this meeting unprepared or willing to lose.”
I refuse to reply to that or address the way my stomach swoops at his words. Instead, I take the contract and look it over to make sure it is the exact same as the one Mia sent me. It appears to hit all the same points, except the number on the back is larger than the first one.
