Watching the interaction, JR smirked. The two of them had been disgustedly off the charts affectionate with each other since returning from a week on Vancouver Island. He saw Sam watching them with a wistful expression. He could relate. It was hard not to be envious of the bond the couple obviously shared.
Beth regained Sam’s attention by asking her to email an itinerary to each of the band members. She nodded and bent her head back down over the keyboard. Beth went back to addressing the group. “This week we’re all set to do a performance at the Rickshaw. It’ll be the official debut for the album. It’s going to be very limited seating, one guest for each of you, no exceptions.” She paused and glanced at Dwight, Marcus’ brother and the bassist in the group. “Will Lisa be ok with an aisle seat?”
“Sure. Thanks, Beth,” Dwight replied.
She nodded. “No worries. Where was I? Oh yeah, I’ve scheduled a couple of radio and television spots after that, but that’s it until a VIP party at Blue Water the night before you guys leave on tour.
“Ok that’s it then,” Mary said, gathering her papers. “The meeting is adjourned.” She glanced over at Samantha as everyone stood. “Sam, I need you to stay a minute. I want to have a word with you.”
“Sure,” Sam replied, chewing nervously on her bottom lip.
JR frowned in frustration as he slowly filed out with the others.
Mary glanced up at the young intern. “Sit,” she ordered.
Samantha immediately complied, pulling out a chair and taking a seat next to the formidable executive. Her stomach fluttered.
Mary turned and studied her for a long moment before patting her hand. “So, how are things going? Everyone treating you alright?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Mary smiled. “And how do you like working with Beth?”
“Oh, it’s wonderful. She is so knowledgeable. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.”
“Good. Good. Beth tells me that you’re ready to handle being her full time assistant. Any reason you’d have a problem with that?”
JR immediately came to mind but Sam pushed that errant thought aside. She could do this. “No ma’am. Thank you. I won’t disappoint you,” she replied in what she hoped was a confident professional tone.
Mary gave her a curt nod. “Ok, better hop to it then. Head on over to HR right now. They have the paperwork ready.”
Samantha dipped her head and scurried out of Mary’s presence, both elated by her good fortune and grateful to have survived a run in with the Queen unscathed.
“Oh!” She immediately collided with someone in the hall. By the way her body instantly flooded with warmth she knew exactly who it was without even bothering to look up.
“Ah, Sam, we’ve gotta stop meeting like this.” JR chuckled as his hands curled gently but firmly around her upper arms.
Sam’s face flushed to match the heat rushing throughout the rest of her body. “Yeah, very funny.”
He parried by flashing a lopsided smile that appeared to be part bravado with just a dash of vulnerability, a potent winning combination.
She took a step back. This was how she’d gotten into trouble downstairs in the break room. It would be so very easy to fall for him.
JR’s eyes narrowed underneath the fringe of his blond bangs. “What’s going on Samantha? You didn’t reply to my text last night. And now… are you ignoring me?”
“No…nothing’s going on,” she swallowed. “I just changed my mind about going out is all, ok?”
His smile fell. “I guess,” he said hesitantly.
Samantha turned away quickly before he had a chance to protest and headed down the hall. JR had looked so disappointed, and she hated to hurt anyone’s feelings. But there was no way a man like JR would think twice about a girl like her turning him down. She was just too big of a softie for her own good. Keep walking girl, she told herself. Remember the pictures. John Raymond is just a heartbreak waiting to happen.
Chris jangled his car keys as he came in from the parking garage and walked down the hallway to the reserved recording room. He was pissed as hell at Mary for forcing him to work with this country chick. Fine, he’d do it, but no one said he had to play nice.
He’d done a little internet research on her last night. It had been quite illuminating. The sharp tongued bitch sure got around, riding a virtual carousel of relationships.
He leaned against the doorframe, studying her through the lens of this new information. Last night, he’d worked hard to convince himself that she hadn’t been as good looking as he’d remembered. Ok. Wrong. It was no wonder she had her pick of men.
Chris totally got the appeal. Why all those other guys, knowing what he now knew, had risked it anyway to be with her. Admittedly, he was sorely tempted himself. She’d been on People magazine’s list of top one hundred beautiful celebrities last year for a good reason. Her curves were definitely in all the right places. But then there was that mouth of hers…
“You’re late, grandpa,” she said glancing at her watch. “Mary said eight. What’s wrong? Forget your Viagra?”
Chris rolled his eyes. Looked like they were going to continue from where they’d left off. “I’d need more than that to be interested in you. Seriously woman, I may be old, you got me there, but at least I haven’t been out on the town with half of Nashville.”
Sara sucked in a shocked breath, letting her hair fall forward to shield her flaming face. Knowing her reputation and having it thrown back at her like that were two separate things. He must have been on the internet. Though the image wasn’t one she cultivated, she didn’t do anything to change it, either. It was convenient, attracting the only type of guys she wanted in her life, short term ones.
So Chris wanted to play hard ball. Fine, she could throw one right back at him. She’d done a little homework of her own. “At least I can keep ‘em until I decide I’m tired of them. Unlike you and your ex-wife, huh?”
Chris’ lips flattened and his muscles noticeably clenched. Evidently the mere mention of his ex still affected him. He took in a deep breath before meeting her gaze. “Ok. Listen. I get it. I don’t like you. You don’t like me. But we’re stuck working on this project together. Agreed?”
Sara nodded, feeling a tad guilty for her barb. Chris looked sucker punched. Maybe she might have taken things a bit too far.
“Ok. Well. I’ll agree to lay off the personal attacks if you will,” he continued. “We’re both professionals. We can do this song without any blood being spilled, right?”
Sara cringed at his choice of words wondering if they were intentional. She searched his face, looking for a sign that he knew. But how could he? They had been minors when it happened. The records had been sealed. She waited for the follow up, but relaxed when it never came.
Chris’ text alert pinged and he glanced down at the display. “I’m sorry. I need to answer this. Did you get a chance to listen to what I have recorded for the album?”
“No, I…”
He cut her off, holding up his phone. “I’ve got to go listen to a couple of guys who’ve come to audition for my band. Why don’t you get a digital copy of what I have so far? Dalton in productions should be able to help you.” He moved toward the door but stopped, tapping the frame twice before turning around. “Listen, Sara, I think Mary is right. Your music, your voice will be a good fit for the sound I want on the album. If it’s ok with you, I’ll meet you back up here on Thursday, and we can get started.”
“Sure. That’s fine.”
“Good.” He gave her a thin smile and left.
Sara was glad that was settled. A professional relationship was all that she wanted from him.
Sam shambled wearily into work, feeling as lifeless as a zombie. Things around her were amping up with the day for the official launch of the Love Evolution tour rapidly approaching. She’d barely gotten four hours of sleep last night. Beth had kept her at work late and then called her several times at home with additional thin
gs that just couldn’t wait until morning.
This early in the morning the executive floor was blissfully quiet. Running through a mental ‘to do’ list, Sam opened the lid to her coffee and breathed in the delicious aroma. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.
“Hey.” JR smiled tightly. “How’s it going?”
Sam sighed inwardly before she turned. He’d been nothing if not persistent in his pursuit. He’d sent flowers, then chocolates to her office. He’d even put a six pack of yogurt in the break room fridge with a note attached.
Today, his blond bangs were gel free, and the silky strands slid forward, brushing against his high cheek bones. He wore a dark evergreen polo with graphic lettering over a grey thermal layer and had on dark jeans. She hoped it wasn’t blatantly obvious how fabulously attractive she found him.
She had to quash an urge to peek at his backside. It was becoming harder and harder to tell him no. It’s for your own good, she repeated to herself for the umpteenth time. “Good JR. I’m good. Is there something in particular I can help you with?”
He hesitated, drumming his fingers on his jean pockets. “No, not really. I just wanted to see if you’d changed your mind about going out.”
“No. I haven’t changed my mind.”
He gave a resigned shrug.
Why did she let his wounded expression get to her? It shouldn’t matter at all. She was just his featured flavor of the week. She’d be a fool to think he had any real feelings for her. Yet, she found herself trying to soften the blow. “Sorry to be so short. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“No worries,” he said grimly.
She noticed his jaw clench before he turned away.
“See you around, Sam.”
“How are things going between you and Ryan?” Sam asked her sister over lunch at Rain City Grill, a popular upscale café on the water’s edge of English Bay just outside Stanley Park.
“They’re not. We were over and done with weeks ago.” She shrugged.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” she replied, brushing the breadcrumbs off the white table cloth with beautifully manicured hands. “It was amusing while it lasted, that’s all, nothing more.” She hadn’t even offered Ryan a reason for the breakup, but had ended the month long relationship when the nightmares returned. Her father being up for parole again had exacted a mental toll on her. She kept it to herself, though. Sam didn’t know about any of it. Unless his parole was approved, she didn’t plan to mention it.
Studying Sara over the crystal rim of her glass, Sam took note of the pinched look around her eyes. Someone who didn’t know her as well might have missed it. Since the debacle with Matthew, short shallow relationships had become more of the norm for her sister. “Sara,” she said lowering her voice, “When are you going to give a guy more than a passing chance with you?”
“I’m not.” Sara snorted. “Binge and purge. That’s my motto.”
“Come on.” Sam pursed her lips. “I’m serious.”
“You know me,” Sara said with a forced smile. “I’m not interested in the enduring relationship status.” She shrugged again. “I always let them know where I stand up front. I never lead anyone on.” Eyebrows knitting together, she whispered, “I’m not like Momma.”
“No, of course you’re not,” Sam said, squeezing Sara’s hand.
Sara leaned back and took another sip from her water. She waved off the uniformed waiter hovering to refill her glass. “I’m good thanks,” she told him. Turning back to her sister, she said, “Enough of the heavy, ok?
“Fine.” Sam nodded.
“You look tired. How early did you leave for work this morning?”
“Five.”
“Damn, Sam. I didn’t realize Beth was such a slave driver. I thought she was the nice one.”
“She is nice, and she’s not a slave driver.” Sam’s voice rose as she rushed headlong to defend her boss. “She’s just a perfectionist and wants to make sure every detail has been checked and rechecked before Brutal Strength goes on tour. Attention to detail like that is why she has such a stellar reputation.”
“Hey, no disrespect intended. I just don’t like to see you looking so worn out.” Reaching across the table, she tucked one of her sister’s curls behind her ear before asking, “Is JR still sniffing around?”
Sam nodded, focusing on straightening the black napkin in her lap.
“Why do you look so guilty? He’s the one who won’t give it a rest.” She shook her head. “I’ve known lots of guys like him. It’s a game, thrill of the chase kinda crap.”
“I know that’s what you think, but… the sad expression on his face.” Sam gave a resigned sigh.
Before Sara could respond the waiter arrived, placing delectable salmon salads in front of them. When he left the table she tapped a finger to her lips. “JR has been way more persistent than I would have thought, but BS is going on the road soon, aren’t they?”
Sam nodded, taking a bite of the lightly seasoned fish. She was starving and glad to get something more substantial than her usual yogurt. At that thought, an image of JR flooded her mind. Her appetite evaporated. She continued chewing, but the salmon might as well have been cardboard now.
“That’s a relief, I bet.” Sara lifted her glass. “Here’s to JR being out of your hair soon.”
Gazing disinterestedly at the salad, Sam bit her lip, wondering why that idea left her with a hollow, empty feeling inside.
Sam stretched her arms over her head, trying to work the kinks out of her back, and yawned. She slipped her shoes off. She had been in her office working at this for hours. Outside her window it was dark and the usually busy city sidewalk was nearly deserted. Glancing back at the computer screen, she scowled and raised her fist at the Rickshaw seating chart. Stupid, uncooperative thing. Where had she made her mistake? “Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!” She dropped her head down onto the frosted tempered glass surface of her modern L-shaped desk and pounded it several times.
A light knock brought her bout of self–flagellation to an end. She looked up to see JR casually leaning against the doorframe. As their eyes met, he straightened and held up a couple of white takeout bags in one hand and a cardboard drink carrier in the other. The mouth- watering aroma drifted across the room.
“Someone told me you were pulling another late nighter. I thought you might be hungry.”
Her stomach growled right on cue. She smiled sheepishly. “Apparently. What have you got in there? It smells delicious.”
He handed her one of the bags and settled his long frame in one of the leather office chairs facing her desk. Tonight he had on a black long sleeve shirt with the buttons open just enough at the collar to reveal a hint of a white undershirt underneath. Both layers were tucked smoothly into a pair of fashionably distressed jeans held up around his narrow hips by a black canvas belt. The man was definitely metro. Pulling her gaze away from the distracting view, she went about the business of opening up the fast food sack. Her stomach grumbled again as she pulled out a hamburger and fries from the Red Onion.
“Thank you, JR.” Lips lifting slightly, she peered shyly at him from underneath her long eyelashes. She was trying real hard not to let on how very touched she was by his thoughtfulness. It certainly didn’t gel with the image her sister had of him. “About earlier today, I…”
“No worries.” He pulled out his own burger, peeled back the crinkly paper, and took a huge bite.
She hesitated, shrugged, and then started in on her own food.
“It doesn’t count as a date if we just sit here and eat together at work, does it?” He gave her a sly smile.
She stopped chewing and stared at him. His playful attitude surprised her, after what she had put him through the last few days, and she couldn’t help but be amused by his creative work around. She shook her head.
He responded by winking at her.
Unable to hold it in, her face broke into a huge
smile and laughter spilled freely from her lips. She couldn’t figure this guy out and was done trying. The tug of war between her hormones and her head was officially over. She was giving in.
A last tiny bubble of concern floated to the surface of her thoughts warning her that she might get hurt, but she decisively stuck a pin in it. She found herself extremely attracted to JR and wanted very much to see where this thing between the two of them might lead. She was all in. Feeling lighthearted for the first time all week, she relaxed back in her chair and took a sip of her soda. The carbonated beverage tickled her nose.
Green eyes fixed on her, JR watched her for a moment, noticing the precise moment when the tension drained from her shoulders. A smile flickered across his face before he leaned back and took a sip of his drink as well. They gobbled up the rest of their greasy fast food feast in companionable silence.
“Why are you working so late?” he asked as they finished.
“I was making out the seating chart for your concert at the Rickshaw. There’s limited seating and Beth says it’s very important who sits by whom.”
“You’ve been at it since you came back from lunch.” She cocked her head at him. Uh oh. Now she knew how closely he’d been keeping tabs on her. He swallowed nervously, his brain screaming for him to redirect. “How’s that going?”
“Good, except I somehow missed giving Carter Besille a seat. And I can’t remember where I was supposed to put him.”
JR stood and came around to her side of the desk. After a brief glance at her legs, he smiled and knelt down beside her to look at the club layout displayed on the computer screen.
Sam’s heart beat furiously in her chest. She couldn’t help but study him with a sidelong glance. She was a sucker for boyishly handsome and JR had that going for him for real.
Unexpectedly, he turned his head to face her.
Sam stared at his lips, merely inches apart from hers. Involuntarily, she leaned forward before noticing something that made her stop. Her lips curved up. Turning, she rifled through the takeout bag on the desk. Retrieving a napkin, she swiveled back to face him. “You have some mustard on your beard. “Here.” She reached out and dabbed at his face, the napkin making a scraping sound against the bristle.
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