Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 98823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“I…uh…” Duncan’s startled gaze made it clear he didn’t remember her at all. “I’m sure I’ve heard your name from Danny. Good things.”
He recovered nicely, more of that all-American charm I remembered, offering Marissa a polished smile. This older Duncan wore a preppy polo and khaki shorts. He looked ready to catch a tee time with some of his movie-executive father’s friends, but somehow, he also managed to be maddeningly hot, even in sandals three decades too old for him.
“Lola worked in makeup on Ezra’s last tour, Bob played a teacher on the show before becoming an agent, and Reggie tutored Ezra on set in high school.” Marisa made quick introductions before giving me a fast kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for a fun afternoon, Ezra.”
“Anytime. There’s lots of food in the kitchen. Tell Kate if you need anything.” I pointed at the hallway beyond us that led to a giant chef’s kitchen that was going to waste with my meager reheating talents. “I’ll be around in a few after I settle things with my new security guy here.”
“You’re handing me the job?” Duncan scowled as the four others departed. “Aren’t you conducting interviews?”
“I don’t need to.” I waved his concern away. He should be relieved, not irritated. “Danny said you’re the best. I believe him. And I don’t exactly have a ton of time here.”
“How tight of a timetable are we talking about?” He pulled out an oversized phone and stylus.
“Wow. You really did get old.” Laughing, I shook my head. “And we’re due in KC Tuesday night. Tour bus is meeting us there. But I promised the label I’d have a plan in place by Monday.”
“That’s less than thirty-six hours from now.” Duncan frowned like I couldn’t count. He seemed determined to take issue with everything I said. “And what’s with the we?”
“We, as in me and the rest of my band and crew. They got two weeks off for this TV deal of mine and for this mess to die down. Which it hasn’t.” I groaned and stretched before striding back over to my guitar. “And we as in me and you. This isn’t a remote-work position. I need a security guy out there with us, dealing with the venue people, triple-checking shit.”
“You need boots on the ground.” Duncan ran a finger down Lola’s keyboard, distracting me from my need to get his agreement.
“Do you play?” I jerked my head toward the keyboard.
“Nah. Lessons when I was younger, about ten years worth, but nothing in twenty years.” He had a faraway smile.
“Bet you still remember how.” I winked at him.
“Probably not.” His laugh was decidedly strained. “And I won’t be in the field with you. Assuming you want to hire A-List, I’m going to hook you up with one of our—”
I held up a hand to stop him. “Danny made it sound like you’d be the one handling this.” Actually, I’d specifically requested Duncan, but he didn’t need to know that.
“I am. But I’m one of the partners. I can handle your needs by assigning you to one of our best people.”
“But you’re the best. I don’t need some discount store bargain brand version of the best. I need you.”
I needed someone I trusted, and I was running out of options. As much as I disliked my body’s inconvenient reaction to Duncan, he was as trustworthy as they came. He was a former SEAL with all sorts of ribbons, but more importantly, he had Danny’s loyalty and respect. He was the right person for this job, and I needed him to see that so we could get on with finalizing details.
However, Duncan’s eyes narrowed like I was a kid pitching a tantrum. “On short notice, you’re going to get what you get. Or you could always let your label provide you with someone.”
That sounded mildly like a threat, so I glared at him. “No. No way. I’m done with hearing their opinions on the way I choose to conduct my business.”
“Because that’s going so well for you?” He arched a well-manicured eyebrow. His impeccable grooming was an interesting contrast with his rugged muscles, and rather than give into a return of my previous fascination with him, I focused on my irritation.
“Look. I’m sorry for what happened at the Denver show. It sucked, but the media keeps wanting to hang me out to dry for a few rogue fans.” Stomping away from the guitar, I put all my frustration into the heaviness of my tread, not particularly caring what Duncan thought about that either. I was so over people who thought they knew better than me what had happened. “What I need is better security measures, not judgmental attitudes from people who weren’t there.”
“Point taken.” Tone soothing, Duncan held up a hand. “But you have to admit, you did have a certain rep, even before this latest incident.”