“How do you expect me to answer that when we haven’t had a conversation on terms? When I haven’t seen a contract?”
From the incensed look on her face, she was about five seconds away from kicking me in the nuts. Damn, I’d enjoy being in the blast zone when she exploded.
“If you’d shown up to the meeting at my offices, you’d have the answer to both of those questions.”
“Yeah, but this is far more enjoyable, don’t you think? After all, you’re a music exec trying to sign a musician. What better place to negotiate than while listening to a band?”
“I can barely hear myself think.”
“Then, don’t. Feel.” I took the brandy from her and shifted in my seat so I was facing her. “Close your eyes.”
“What?”
“It’s a simple enough request.”
“So you can leer at my nipples?”
God, she was fucking magnificent. “Spitfire, I don’t need you to close your eyes to do that. Now, shut up and do what I say.”
“I don’t take kindly to being ordered around.”
A smile crept over my lips. “I’d bet my left fucking testicle that isn’t true in the bedroom.”
She was half off the stool when I grabbed her arm. The withering look she gave me as her eyes shifted from mine to the way my fingers wrapped around her forearm got me rock fucking hard. Grinning, I released her and brought my hands up on either side of my head.
“Okay, I’ll stop with the innuendos.”For now.“Just sit, please, and close your eyes. I promise I won’t drop my gaze below chin level.”
Squaring her shoulders, she primly perched on the edge of the stool, but she did as I asked. “What now?”
“Listen.”
I readied myself for another round of arguments, but she settled into her seat, and her shoulders relaxed.
Ever since I’d discovered this kid, he had captivated me, but instead of looking at him, I found myself fixated onher.The sharp cut of her cheekbones contrasting with the softer chin and feminine jawline. The way her mouth moved as she caught onto the words in the chorus. The intelligent hazel eyes hidden behind closed lids. The dyed plum hair gently blowing from the air conditioner overhead.
It wasn’t as though I didn’t know what she looked like. Kingcaid Music might not rival the big players in this industry, but it had a solid reputation among musicians. So, of course I’d come across her in industry magazines, although we’d never met in person until today. Being in her presence was a totally different experience. My skin almost singed from her biting tongue, and I could not get enough of her scent. Vanilla and rose.
She was fucking enchanting.
The song finished, and Presley launched straight into another—a haunting melody that showed off his incredible range, even though the bass guitarist couldn’t play for shit. Aspen’s eyes were still closed, as though she’d transported to another dimension, lost to me in this moment, and I was fucking jealous of wherever she’d gone .
Get a grip, Raynor.
Halfway through the song, her eyes flickered open, and she stared at the stage for a beat before turning to me. “He’s extraordinary.”
I nodded. “A once in a decade discovery. He has the talent to go all the way—with the right label who won’t wear him out before he’s twenty-five, who will give him the guidance and protection he needs from the vultures prevalent in this industry. Kingcaid Music would provide that.” Along with my guidance, but I’d keep that to myself for now.
Her eyes narrowed, then returned to the stage. “Did you just pay me a compliment?”
I huffed a laugh. “You have the wrong impression of me.”
“Hmm.” She wasn’t convinced. “How did you discover him?”
“Complete accident. I was scrolling online a couple of months ago and came across a video. I’ve been hoping to catchhim live ever since, but my schedule didn’t allow for it… until today.”
One perfectly plucked eyebrow curved. “Your schedule didn’t allow for it today, either.”
“If I bend over and take my spanking like a good boy, can we draw a line beneath my transgression?” I paired a cocky smile with a wink.
