“Day after tomorrow.”
What the hell. I had promised Halle I’d find an entertainer. “I couldn’t convince you to stay a little longer. Could I?” Why did my voice sound more possessive than I’d intended?
Lainey narrowed her eyes and I’d be damned if she didn’t give me a hard, hot, and sinful onceover. “It depends on what you have in mind.”
“Well,” I said as I took a step closer. “You see, there’s this party.”
“I like the sound of it already.”
“Don’t say that yet. It’s my daughter’s birthday party and you happen to be the next best thing to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”
“Hey, don’t knock peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I lived off them for years,” she said, laughing. “You’re inviting me to your daughter’s birthday party? That adorable little Nina?”
“That wild child of a daughter Nina and yes, but there’s a catch.” I tried to give her puppy dog eyes. I might as well forget about trying. Something else I could check off as sucking at. Boy, I was on a roll.
“Hmmm…What’s the catch?”
“Well… That maybe you’d sing a couple songs. For Nina. And just a few guests.” I tried to act nonchalant, but after the last few months of engaging with Lainey at least once a day, the request felt way too personal. She had a life and introducing her to mine wasn’t necessarily a good idea.
I had no idea what she was thinking, her expression unreadable. Then her eyes lit up. “I’d love to.”
“I’ll understand if you couldn’t do it. You have other commitments. That’s fine. I hadn’t mentioned something like this to my daughter since I thought it would make her birthday extremely special, but…” I suddenly realized I’d been talking over her and what she’d said. “You’ll do it?”
She laughed, reaching out and touching my arm. The moment she did, another bolt of white-hot electricity flowed back and forth. She could feel it, her breath skipping. I expected her to pull away, yet she didn’t, instead licking her bottom lip. “You seem so surprised.”
“Well, we are from two different worlds.”
“My mother used to tell me that when two worlds collide, they create a new galaxy, a magical place full of joy and opportunities. I like to think she was right.”
Being around her was too easy. I’d heard the rumors that she was a prima donna and difficult to work with. I’d seen anything but. She was kind to everyone from her roadies to her fans, making the time to sign autographs when I could tell she’d been dog tired. I admired her tenacity and professionalism even while sensing she was hiding something behind her shimmering light green eyes.
“I have a feeling I’d like your mother.”
“You would. She’s as close to being an angel as there is. Just tell me when and where, but you might want to keep it a little secret between us. You know how Scott can be.”
“Yes, I do. I hope you don’t mind me saying, but your assessment of him was right. He’s a complete asshole.”
Every laugh created a wave of deep vibrations all throughout my body. “You’re one of the first people to tell me that. If there’s one thing I value in another person, it’s the truth. I hate bullshitters.”
“You won’t find that with me.”
“That’s why I like you so much.”
We’d bordered on flirting more than once without crossing the line. That didn’t mean I hadn’t indulged in impure thoughts. What the hell was I trying to do, lie to myself? I’d undressed her in my mind enough times my lurid thoughts could be considered a total sin.
“I will admit I might have mentioned the possibility to Bernie, including extending an invitation.”
Her smile lit up her face. “That’s perfect. I can use him as an excuse to keep me protected.”
“I assure you that you won’t need to worry about security. The family is very tight.”
“So I understand, Mr. Dmitriyev.” She made the statement in a knowing way, likely hearing all about my family and what others called a regime. At least there’d be no surprise.
“Would you like me to go through your assistant with details?”
“Give me your phone.” Lainey held out her hand.
I did as she asked, unlocking the screen. While constantly darting me looks, she typed in her contact information, hitting save. “I like to handle personal aspects of my life with no one elseinterfering. What I do in my private life is nobody’s business and the lovely birthday party is very personal andveryprivate.”
