“You think?”
“I know it. We did the right thing rushing the first single out. Everyone is salivating for the album now. That doesn’t mean we rush it. We take our time, but I’m telling you, you’re going to be a superstar.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Joz’s image popped into my mind again. The way he’d pitched for Presley, even going as far as attempting to tie his own contract to Presley’s.
“It’s Joz you need to thank. If it weren’t for him, I doubt I’d have ever heard of you.”
His gaze cooled by a couple of degrees. “I like to think our paths would’ve crossed anyway.” A muscle feathered his jaw. “Can I share something with you?”
“Of course.”
He ran his tongue along the inside of his cheek, his eyes narrowed. “You’re too good for him.”
I blinked, taken aback. “Excuse me?”
“Joz. He doesn’t deserve you. He’s virtually a has-been.”
The conversation I’d had with Joz over dinner, where he’d shared his concerns about Presley, echoed in my head. “He’s one of the biggest stars in the world.”
“Yeah, but for how long? You don’t want to hitch your wagon to a soon-to-be washed-up rocker. You’re too special for that. You need a man who’ll put you first. Raynor will always choose himself over you. He’s that kind of a guy.”
I suppressed a curse. Joz had been right on the money. Presley’s brief taste of fame had gone to his head. I should’ve listened to Joz, should’ve seen this coming.
“My private life is just that, Presley. Private. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I pivoted, reaching for the door handle.
“Aspen, wait.”
I stopped. Turned around. He was right there, close to me. Too close.
“I’m sorry.”
“You should be.”
“It’s just…” He raked his hand through his hair. “I’m so grateful to you, and I don’t want to see you hurt by a guy like that.”
“Gratitude is one thing. Overstepping boundaries is quite another.”
“Yeah. You’re right. I am sorry.”
“We’ll say no more about it.”
I went to turn away when he put his hand on my shoulder and moved in to kiss me.He moved in to kiss me.
Planting both hands on his chest, I pushed. “What the hell are you doing?”
Horror leached across his face. “Oh, my God. I-I don’t know what came over me. Shit. Shit, shit, shit.” He covered his face with his hands. “I’m a mess. God, Aspen, please forgive me. Idon’t know what came over me. I never meant to make a pass at you.”
I exhaled slowly, forcing down the mix of shock and irritation crawling up my spine. “Presley,” I said, quiet yet firm. “You can’t do that. Not to me. Not to anyone you work with. You understand?”
His hands dropped from his face. “Yes. God, yes. I swear.”
“Good.” I folded my arms, keeping my voice steady. “You’ve got talent. Real talent. Don’t screw it up because you’re spinning and don’t know where to put that energy.”
He nodded miserably, cheeks flushed.
“I get that you’re overwhelmed,” I continued, “but boundaries matter. You don’t cross that line again. Not with me, not with anyone else. Clear?”
