More Than You Know

by Jennifer Gracen

  “Nah. Just an observation.” Her mouth went from a judgmental twist to a barely concealed smirk. “Don’t play modest, or dumb. It doesn’t suit you. You’re pretty gorgeous yourself, and you know it. You have that way about you . . . like you don’t have a care in the world. So something tells me you don’t lack for female companionship.”

  “I’m going to let that slide.” He swallowed another gulp of his drink. She was sexy as hell, but her attitude toward him was unfounded—and really, it kind of pissed him off. Yet he pressed on. Something told him she was worth it. “So. I take it that you don’t believe me,” he said. “That I want you to come sing in my hotel.”

  “No, I don’t,” she said plainly. “Sounds like a line if I ever heard one.”

  Jesus, honey, who hurt you? he thought. Wariness came off her in palpable waves. “Well, it’s not.” He pulled out his wallet, and a business card from the leather. She took it from him with small, slender fingers. “You can call and check anytime to see I am who I say I am. My assistant will gladly tell you how I’ve been combing New York for two months, looking for the type of singer I had in mind for this job.”

  Julia placed the card down beside her fresh drink with barely a glance at it. “Mm-hmm.”

  His eyebrows shot up. Now he was getting a little agitated. The other women he’d considered had all jumped at the chance when he’d mentioned it, and he hadn’t really wanted any of them. He hadn’t felt that certainty in his gut. With Julia, he had. This woman was the one he wanted, he’d finally found what he’d visualized, he was even drawn to her himself—and apparently, she couldn’t give a shit about the job, much less be interested in him.

  He wanted her in his bed, sure. But even more than that, he wanted her to headline in his hotel. And he almost always got what he wanted. Especially when it came to women. So with a new resolve, he cleared his throat, speared her with his gaze, and smiled. “Julia. Do you want to hear about the job before you dismiss me so readily? Or should I just leave you alone, since that seems to be what you want? I can walk away right now.” He moved as if to leave.

  “No, I—wait.” Her features softened, and she huffed out a breath. “I . . . I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I apologize. But cut me some slack—how do I know you’re really who you say you are, or what you want from me is legit? I don’t. You know?”

  “Yes, I know.” God, that voice. He could’ve listened to her talk all day. She could probably read the phone book and make it sound sensual. “You’re obviously an intelligent woman, not easily snowed. But listen. It’s a solid job, it’s real. I’m a legitimate businessman, not a pimp. You can google me if you like.” He grinned to break the tension, and she grinned back. Okay. Better. He lifted his drink and sipped before continuing, drawing out the moment to make her wait. A sideways glance told him she was willing to listen now.

  “So here’s the deal,” Dane began. “I own a few hotels around the country. My first one was in midtown New York, a block away from Radio City. That one caters mainly to a business clientele, tourists, etcetera. Now, in June, I’m opening a new hotel. This one’s sweeter. A little more glamorous. Elegant, top-notch.” He smiled; just thinking of it excited him. “Luxury suites, a few upscale brand-name boutiques, full day spa and salon, all of that. Every amenity thinkable. And the highlight, to me? What will set it apart? A swanky lounge and bar that’ll have a piano and a small stage. That’s where you come in.”

  He paused to make sure he had her attention. Her big, gorgeous eyes were glued to his. “I want a kickass singer who’ll pull in my high-end clientele and keep them there, make them want to stay all night and buy lots of drinks. Make it a hot spot for the hotel. I envisioned having a singer who’s gorgeous, sharp, professional, has charisma and stage presence, and is heaven to listen to. A musical seductress, if you will.” His eyes locked with hers and held. “I’ve been canvassing New York for over two months now. I’ve seen a lot of singers, a lot of performances. None of them have held a candle to you, Julia.”

  She blinked and her breath caught.

  “You have a fantastic voice. And frankly, I really like looking at you. But you probably hear that a lot.” He caught the split-second flash of surprise in her eyes at that, but she recovered immediately. She was like steel. He grinned as he went in for the hard sell. “You’re very talented, you’re gorgeous, you’re sexy as hell, and I like the way you carry yourself. You hold an audience spellbound when you perform—I saw that here myself, so I know that firsthand. You certainly captivated me.” He leaned his hip against the bar, crossing his long legs at the ankle as he gazed down at her. “Maybe it’s because you’re ‘forty-one and fabulous.’ Maybe it’s because you’re fucking beautiful and obviously don’t have rocks in your head, thank God. Maybe it’s because you can sing your ass off. But what I know is: all combined, you’re the whole package, Julia. You’re what I’ve been looking for.”

  Still and silent, Julia’s eyes went wide and her lips parted slightly. He imagined it was her cool, collected way of her mouth dropping open in surprise. He smiled again and reached for his drink. Finally, she murmured, “I . . . wow. That’s all very flattering. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but I wasn’t flattering you. I was listing what I consider your assets, why you’re qualified for the job, and why I want you to be the headliner at my hotel. Would you consider a job like this?” he pressed, his gaze spearing her.

  “I might,” she hedged, still frozen. “Tell me more.”

  He nodded, both irritated and intrigued that she wasn’t jumping at it. She was really making him work for this. “Okay. You’d work from ten to one on Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night, and do the occasional event if someone requests it. The rest of your time, all week long, is yours.” He took another quick sip, watching her face. “You’ll have an accompanist, who I’ll hire as soon as I’ve hired you, and you can rehearse during the week anytime that works for you both. The two of you can select your song list, but I get final approval.” He grinned to try to lighten the moment, to offset the tone of all his demands. “You seem to be responsible, a professional. The manager here gave you a glowing review. For now, that’s good enough for me.

  “But know I’d expect you to show up on time, if not early, and to give it your all every single night. And I’ll ask for permission to do a basic background check. Just your employment history, that kind of thing, nothing personal. Like I said before, you’d be representing my hotel, my name. So I expect nothing short of the best.” He stared more intently. She was listening now, that was for sure. And damn, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Do you have a day job too, or is this it?”

  She blinked. “I, uh . . . yes, I have a day job. And I hate it.” Blushing, her eyes fell away. That intrigued him. She obviously hadn’t meant to blurt that out. It was the first time she’d been anything but controlled. Fidgeting with the rim of her glass, she added, “It’s just that it’s boring. But it pays the bills. My singing gigs don’t.”

  “Then why do you sing?”

  “Because I’m good at it, and because I love it. Music is my passion.” Her gaze and her tone were unflinching. “I’ve been singing all my life. I wasn’t going to give it up altogether, and I haven’t had to. I do weekend gigs, that sort of thing.”

  “Did you ever pursue it as your only career?” Dane asked, truly interested.

  Something shuttered in her eyes. “I wanted to. . . .” Her voice went soft and flat. “Things happened. Life happened. Didn’t work out.”

  “Okay.” His casual tone belied his sudden burning curiosity. He wanted to know her story. Something about this woman compelled him, made him want to dig and find out all her secrets, her stories, what made her tick. He also wanted to back her up against a wall and have his way with her, but at least that part made sense to him. The rest didn’t. He was drawn to her like a magnet, and while his brain didn’t understand it, his body was painfully aware of it. “What’s your day job?”
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  “I’m a secretary at a construction company,” she said evenly.

  He surveyed her face. He didn’t mean to be elitist, honest work was honest work, but something told him instinctively she wasn’t cut out for that—that she was capable of much more. There was another story there. “How long have you worked there?”

  “Six years.”

  “What do you make in salary?”

  Her eyes narrowed and her mouth tightened. “How is that your business?”

  “Because whatever you’re making, I’ll match it, and then some.”

  Her big dark eyes got bigger. “Bullshit.”

  “Try me.” His mouth quirked as he took in her surprise. “Tell me what you’re making.”

  “What if I said a hundred thousand?” she challenged.

  “Then I’ll pay you that much and more,” he said without hesitation. He leaned in and said in a firm but quiet voice, “Julia, I really want you to work in my hotel. I’m prepared to do whatever’s necessary to make that happen.”

  Now her mouth did drop open in shock. “Really.”

  “Really.”

  “And do you always get what you want?”

  “Um . . . no.” He smiled slowly. “But almost always.”

  She smirked back. “You’ve got big money to throw around to make sure you do, huh?”

  His smile faded only a bit, and his eyes intensified on hers. He leaned in closer to murmur smoothly, “Yes, actually, I do. But it’s usually my dashing looks and dazzling charm that win people over, not my bank account.”

  “I’m not like most people,” she said, not dropping the locked gaze. “You’re smooth and you’re handsome, and you’re rich. That’s lovely. And oh yes, you’re charming. You ooze charm.” Pure steel flashed in her eyes. “But big-time charm, to me, usually reeks of insincerity. So, you know, that doesn’t do it for me.”

  “I’m getting that.” He edged closer, close enough now to feel the heat radiating from her skin and catch the light scent of her perfume. Musky, with a hint of vanilla. He wanted to bury his face in the curve of her pale neck and inhale her. Skim his mouth along her skin. “But, good news, Julia. Even though I’d be your boss, you don’t have to like me. You just have to like the job.” The air seemed to crackle around them, pure electricity. He took in the gleam in her eyes, the stubborn set of her jaw, her sweet little mouth, her luscious cleavage, and had a flash of ravaging her until that mouth opened to gasp and scream his name. His eyes lingered on hers . . . and he eased back. Stood up straight. “Hey, it’s fine. If you don’t want the job, I’m not gonna—”

  “I make forty thousand a year,” she said, and reached for her drink for a hard gulp.

  He grinned softly. “Quit that job, Julia Shay. Sing at my hotel. I want you well rested and focused when you walk into my lounge. I’ll pay you eighty grand a year. Hell, let’s make it an even hundred grand. Why not? I think you’ll be worth it. Deal?”

  She choked on her drink and started to cough.

  He couldn’t help but laugh, even as he patted her back.

  Chapter Two

  Julia sputtered, her throat burning a little from where her vodka and cranberry had gone down the wrong pipe. Dane’s big, warm hand on her back was gentle, even as he whacked her to help clear her lungs.

  She didn’t believe in fairy tales, and hadn’t for a long time. But if she could have thought one up, this scenario would come close. A breathtakingly handsome man with lots of money walks into her gig and offers her the job of a lifetime? She would have laughed out loud if she weren’t choking so embarrassingly.

  Over her coughing fit, she heard Dane ask Hallie for a glass of water, which was placed before her seconds later.

  “Drink that,” Dane commanded, watching her. The look on his face was a combination of amusement, concern, and a hint of smugness. It made her want to growl.

  She took a few deep breaths, then drank slowly. She downed half the glass. “Dammit,” she muttered. She swallowed hard, trying to soothe the scratchy tickle in the back of her throat. “I still have to sing my last set. What are you trying to do, see how I perform under less-than-ideal conditions?”

  He laughed, which made her temper burn. “No, Julia. I’m not trying to sabotage you. I’m trying to get you to work for me.”

  She took a few more sips of water, a stalling tactic as her mind raced. Quit her job? Be able to sing for a living? Only work three nights a week for double what she was making now? Jesus H. Christmas, that was some offer.

  If only she trusted it.

  She didn’t trust this smooth, charming, smoking-hot man any further than she could throw him. “I can’t just say yes right away. I want to google you, check you out too. See you’re who you say you are, that this hotel really exists, do my homework.”

  He nodded slowly, a flicker of something in his amazingly blue eyes. Respect. “I’d expect nothing less. And know that of course, a legal written contract will be drawn up once you agree. You can have your attorney look it over before you sign anything. But a verbal agreement would be a great start. Is that a yes?”

  “Not yet, Prince Charming,” she said staunchly. She wished as fast as her brain was spinning, it would actually work. She was too shocked to think clearly, couldn’t put things together at the moment, and hoped she didn’t appear as flustered as she felt.

  A movement near the front of the room caught her eye. Kelvin had poked his head out from the back hallway to wave to her. A c’mon, let’s go, back to work wave. She lifted her arm and waved for him to come to the bar. Kelvin’s brows furrowed, but he started heading toward her.

  She turned back to Dane. He leaned against the bar casually, like he’d just offered her a drink instead of a possibly six-figure job opportunity that was a dream come true. Cool, she snapped at herself. Play it cool. Do this right.

  “Let me ask you something,” she said. “The accompanist. A professional musician with credentials, yes?”

  “Yes.”

  “Have you actually hired one yet?”

  “I have three candidates. I was waiting to find the singer, then let her meet with each of them and see who she felt most comfortable working with.”

  Julia gave him a silent gold star. That was a smart way to go. “Great idea, really. But here’s the thing. I’ve worked with Kelvin for over twenty years, more or less. You won’t find someone much better than him. I want him to come with me.”

  At that moment, Kelvin appeared at her side. “Where we goin’, honey?”

  “Hopefully, to my hotel.” Dane flashed a smile and extended his hand. “Dane Harrison. Nice to meet you, Kelvin.”

  “Likewise.” Kelvin shook his hand, but turned back to his friend. “Julia? What’s going on? Fill me in here.”

  “I’ve offered Julia a job,” Dane said before she could answer. “I want her to sing in the lounge of the hotel I’m opening in June. Seems she wants you to come with her, as her accompanist. I’ve seen and heard enough here tonight to know you’re damn good, so I’m game. Want to hear about it?”

  Julia had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. Kelvin was trying not to appear shocked, but failing miserably. He looked from Dane to her and back to Dane again. “Yeah, I wanna hear about it. I’m all ears.”

  As Dane filled in Kelvin on the details, Julia sipped her water and let her eyes feast on Dane. He was, without question, one of the best-looking men she’d ever seen. His dark curly hair was just shy of being unruly, and they were such deep, perfect curls that she had the urge to poke her finger through each one, slowly and deliciously. He had to be over six feet tall, probably six-one. A tight, lean body that looked damn fine in his deceivingly simple light blue button-down shirt and tan slacks.

  And that face. She couldn’t help but stare. Strong, square jaw, full lips she could nibble on for hours . . . and his eyes were truly beautiful. She’d rarely seen eyes that shade of blue, a brilliant blue that seemed to glow. They were lit with good humor, as if he had a secret he wa
s dying to let you in on. This was a man who viewed the world as his playground, she could just tell. And for all she knew, it probably was.

  She and Dane reached for their drinks at the same time and their hands brushed. The contact made a shiver run through her. Did he have to be so damn hot? She gulped more water.

  So, she thought, let’s list all the bullet points. Movie-star handsome, and just as charismatic. He was also bright, articulate, and so charming that she bet he wrapped people around his finger wherever he went. And, apparently, filthy rich and successful. Definitely rich enough to offer her a hundred thousand dollars to sing at his hotel without blinking an eye. That helped explain the air of power and self-assurance that surrounded him like a cloak. The whole combination was as sexy as sexy got. She wanted to climb him like a mountain.

  In short, Dane Harrison was dangerous.

  Every fiber in her body warned her to steer clear of him, even as those same fibers were filled with lust at just being near him. Yup. Danger of the worst kind.

  And he’d be her boss? Holy crap. Dirty thoughts involving your boss were an instant recipe for disaster. Any dumbass knew that. But . . .

  Should she do it? Should she quit her job and give this crazy idea a try?

  “Julia.” Kelvin’s insistent tone broke her from her thoughts. “Can I talk with you for a few minutes before we get back on? We do have to finish up.”

  “Of course,” she murmured, still feeling like she was in a bit of a trance. She blinked a few times and finished the glass of water.

  “I’ll stay for your last set,” Dane said to her. “Afterward, can we talk some more about this? I’ll wait. I’m not leaving here tonight without an answer, one way or the other.”

  “Demanding, aren’t you. I’ll keep that in mind as I think this over.” She rose to her feet, her large breasts accidentally brushing against his arm. A stab of heat seared through her, her nipples peaking instantly. Color flooded her cheeks as her eyes flew to his. He was already staring at her, the intensity in his blue, blue eyes almost startling. “Sorry,” she murmured. “Tight quarters here.”