Tony didn’t argue.“Try not to scare her off.”
He managed a quick smile before heading outside.He jumped in his truck and drove to the hotel.There was only one hotel in town, so guessing her location wasn't a challenge.Though he grimaced as he realized he'd never asked her if the hotel was comfortable for her.He had three empty bedrooms in his house.She could have stayed in one of them.Though how he'd stay away from her was a puzzle.
The night air was cool and heavy with the scent of wet grass.Carlene’s car was parked under the old oak near the sidewalk.She stood beside the trunk, typing something on her phone, her posture tense.
“Hey,” he said quietly.
She looked up, startled, then forced a small smile.“What are you doing here?”
"I came to speak to you privately."
She straightened, "Okay."
They stood quietly next to each other.The sun was making its descent toward the horizon.The soft orange glow over them lent a beautiful glow to her hair and face.
As he racked his brain to figure out where to start, she broke the silence."You sounded good earlier."
His heart beat faster.“Thanks.You, too.The whole thing looked flawless.”
“Flawless is the goal.”
He stepped closer.“Except you don’t look like someone who’s celebrating.”
She slipped her phone into her bag.“It’s nothing.Just logistics.”
“Vivian, logistics?”
Carlene hesitated.“She wants to meet tonight.Said she’d buy me dinner to talk about my ‘next project.’”
Jami frowned.“What next project?You work for Hart & The Hurricanes.We hired you.Vivian didn't.The label didn't.”
"I know.However, the reality, my reality, is that once we've fixed all the things we're working on with you, I can continue to be involved with you remotely, and I will need to keep new opportunities in my future plans."
His gut twisted painfully.He fought the urge to hold his stomach.Swallowing the large lump that now clogged his throat, he leaned against her car.
"And you think she'll be offering you something?"
“Not exactly.But she’s still a senior partner, and we need her on our side until the tour’s clear.”
“Do we?”
She met his eyes.“Yes.This is business, Jami.Whatever’s happening, we can’t afford to alienate her.”
He studied her, trying to read the truth behind the words.Her calm voice couldn’t hide the flicker of nerves she tried to bury.
“You don’t trust her,” he said quietly.
She gave a half laugh that didn’t reach her eyes.“I don’t trust anyone.That’s my problem.”
He wanted to pull her close, to tell her she didn’t have to keep doing this alone, but the look she gave him stopped him cold.It was that same mix of strength and vulnerability that had wrecked him from the start.
“Carlene?”he said finally.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Carlene.”
She looked up again, softer this time.“I’ll call you.”
