“Mr. Mason. To what do I owe the pleasure?” he drawled in his Texan way.
Vincent James owned one of the largest record labels in the country, with an array of Grammy-award winning artists under his belt from what I researched last week. He had the kind of money and clients that could make a huge impact on my firm’s profits. While I didn’t know a lot about the music industry, I knew money, and I wanted his business. He knew it, too.
“I think you know what I want, Vincent,” I said, leaning back in my office chair.
“I didn’t take you for much of a music man.”
“I’m not.”
I was anything, if not honest.
“But I’m a money man,” I continued. “And I know you have a lot of it. I also know that you’re looking for a new firm to help you handle it.”
“And you think you’re the firm that canhandleit?” he asked with a chuckle.
“No. Iknowwe’re the firm that can handle it,” I said confidently.
He laughed loudly on the other line.
“The rumors I’ve heard are true. You are one cocky son of a bitch.”
“I’ll be out in Dallas tomorrow for a few days. Why don’t we set up a meeting and I’ll show you what other rumors are true,” I said, hoping he would bite. I had no plans to go to Dallas, but if he agreed, then I would be on the first flight out in the morning. I was nothing but persistent when it came to things I wanted. My other clients could wait if it meant reeling in this big fish.
“Fine. I’ll leave you with my receptionist to schedule.”
“See you then, Vincent.” I hung up the phone and smirked to myself.
It would seem I was heading to Texas tomorrow. There was a lot to do before then, though. I looked up from my desk to call Sadie in, but found her desk empty. I frowned. Where the hell was she? She had been buzzing around all morning out there and now when I need her, she’s not where she should be.
Standing from my desk, I strode out of my office, ignoring people’s cautious looks in my direction. I checked my watch. It wasn’t lunch. I hadn’t sent her on any errands. I slid out my cell phone and called her. I heard a buzzing coming from her desk drawer. I walked around and yanked it open, seeing her phone moving around the wooden drawer with the screen lit up. My number with the namebossholewas drifting across the screen. I slammed the drawer shut.
I spotted Tanya, the front desk clerk watching me from her desk. I growled and walked toward her, placing my hands on her desk firmly.
“Where the hell is Sadie?” I asked frustratedly.
“I saw her run to the bathroom in a hurry just a few minutes ago,” she said nervously.
I pushed off her desk and started for the bathrooms, feeling my annoyance steadily creep up my neck.
What the hell is going on with this girl?
I stopped just outside the door and pounded my fist against it.
“I’ll be right out,” Sadie called out, startled.
I could hear the sink running, so I pushed open the door and walked inside impatiently. I found her alone and washing her hands at the sink. Her face was damp and flushed. When she saw me through the reflection in the mirror, she let out a little yelp and whipped around to face me.
“What the hell?” she said loudly, drowning out the running water behind her.
I took three large strides toward her and she braced her hands on the edge of the counter, her eyes filled with confused anger. I reached past her and shut the water off before standing in front of her with a seething look on my face.
“How many damn bathroom breaks do you need?” I asked exasperated. “Isthiswhat I’m paying you for?”
“Are you kidding me?” she bit back. “I’ve been busting my ass the past week. If I have to pee, then I’ll damn well pee.”
Her glare was intense, and I saw that same fire from back in my office when she demanded a raise. I lifted my chin in approval. I liked this version. She was fierce. Bold. Sexy.
The fire in her eyes turned to embers, but her stare didn’t leave mine. We were in some sort of standoff. I wasn’t sure if we wereabout to argue more or rip each other’s clothes off. Before we could do either, I looked down at her coolly.
