“I’m Keanna,” she says. “And I really hope you can talk that one into signing.”
I sigh. “Me too.”
“Is that the test Marcus gave you?” she asks, her voice quiet.
“How’d you know?”
“He told me that he’s only going to hire someone who can make Clay be nicer,” she whispers. “Apparently the team is trying to go for this wholesome, family-friendly image and Clay is the only one stopping that.”
I frown. “Do you have any tips?”
She bites her bottom lip while she thinks. “He really is a nice guy under there,” she says, her eyes seeming far away like she remembers something. “He’s there for you when you need him, and he’s a good friend. He just doesn’t like outsiders, and he makes it really hard to get into his inner circle, if that makes sense.”
I try to take in that information and find a way to make it work for me. “Thank you,” I say. “Wish me luck.”
She grins and it lights up her whole face. I like Keanna already. She’s sweet and beautiful but in that girl-next-door kind of way, not in that Instagram-model kind of way that most famous guys seem to go for. She has light brown hair with highlights and is wearing a shirt with Jett’s name and bike number on it. I hope I get to see her again. I hope I don’t totally screw this up.
I walk over to Clay, my knees feeling wobbly the whole time.
“Hi there,” I say brightly.
He looks up at me, his chocolate eyes peering into mine. For a split second I worry he won’t even take out his earbuds, and then I won’t know what to do, but he does. Thank God.
“Can I help you?” he says. It’s a question, but it doesn’t sound like it. His voice is strong, unwavering. It sends a chill down my spine.
“Yes, you can,” I say, keeping my smile. “I’m Avery, and I’m the new intern. Marcus asked me to send you guys over to the autograph table.”
I gesture toward it with my hand. “I’ll walk with you,” I say, hoping it encourages him to move.
He stays firmly leaned against the stupid wall. “No thanks.”
My heart pounds. My mind races as I think of what to say next. I need to convince him and he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would care if I started begging and pleading. In fact, he’d probably hate me more.
I remember what Keanna said about how he’s nice to his inner circle. Surely the other guys on the team are part of that circle, right?
“I get it,” I say. “You don’t want to do it. But a Team Loco signing isn’t a signing if one member is missing.” I look back at the table where the other guys are sitting down already and a line is forming of fans eager to meet them. When I look back at Clay, he’s watching me, as if he never stopped staring at me. I swallow. “Your team needs you. Do you really want to let them down?”
Clay takes a step forward, peeling his lean body away from the wall. He was pretty tall a second ago, but now he’s towering over me, well over six feet, as he gazes down at me.
I don’t look away even though I really,reallywant to.
“I’m not asking you to be nice,” I say, my voice feeling weaker with each word. “I’m just asking you to scribble on some posters.”
“What’s in it for you?” he asks.
There’s no point in lying. He probably knows just as much as the others do about Marcus’ attempt to find an intern.
“I get to keep this job,” I say honestly. “And I really, really need this job.”
My cheeks flush after saying that last part. Too much emotion slipped through my words, and now I feel like my heart has been opened up to this total intimidating jerk. I do need this job. It feels like fate—like something I have to do in order to fill this hole inside of me. I want to travel. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.
And now Clay Summers holds the key to my future in his tattooed hand.
Clay watches me for a moment, his thoughts locked down behind that hard stare of his. And then he slips his phone and earbuds into his pocket. “Fine,” he says. “I’ll go scribble on some posters. For you.”
Chapter 5
Holy shit, what is wrong with me? I seriously just let some sad girl talk me into doing something I hate? Did I have a temporary lapse of consciousness or something?
