Chapter One
Long Island, New York—May
Looking for a beautiful and talented woman was a tough job, but someone had to do it. Dane Harrison had such specifics in mind, he trusted no one else to find what he needed. So he’d chosen to do it himself.
And going to different bars and clubs throughout Manhattan three or four nights a week wasn’t one of the toughest jobs he’d ever had. In fact, it’d been a blast.
He’d seen more singers than he could count at this point. Some mildly attractive, some a bit trashy, some sweet and pretty, some of them downright hot. Dane loved women in every size, shape, and color. That wasn’t the issue. The voice and presence; those were the important things. He wanted star quality.
Some were better singers than others. Some had charisma, but not a good enough voice to match. Out of all the singers he’d seen perform, so far only three had a combination of a quality voice, stage presence, beauty, and yes, even the right personality for what he had in mind. He wanted the woman to be likable. Whoever he chose would be the headlining act at the lounge in his brand-new hotel. To say he had high standards for this job was an understatement. But he was determined. And if anyone could find an amazing woman, even in a city as big as New York City, Dane Harrison could.
He hadn’t been nicknamed “Golden Boy” for nothing—he had natural charm. The kind that wasn’t sleazy, or smarmy, or an act. His charm was endearing, contagious, and drew people to him wherever he went. Especially female people. They flocked to him, had since he was a boy. As his brothers always said—with a touch of admiration from his older brother and a touch of disdain from his younger one—he was “born with the touch.” So how hard could it be to find a gorgeous female singer to work for him?
Harder than he’d realized, actually.
Something that should have been an easy task had turned into a major pain in the ass. He’d been so convinced that he’d find the right woman easily, and now time was running out. The new hotel was opening in only five weeks, and he hadn’t secured the entertainment yet. Dane slumped a bit in the back of the hired town car that was taking him from his spacious loft apartment in Tribeca to the north shore of Long Island. His sister had suggested a club with a female singer that she’d heard about, and he’d decided to meet her there. Being with Tess would be relaxing; she always grounded him. He needed that, because this week, he’d started to do something he very rarely did: worry.
Maybe his standards were too high. Maybe the kind of woman he envisioned finding for the gig didn’t really exist. Most of them had been fine, and some of them, more than fine. Possible contenders. But his gut just didn’t . . . he hadn’t felt it. And he always went with his gut.
The sleek car had already pulled onto the Cross Island Parkway when his cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket, glanced at the caller ID, and answered with a smile. “Hey, Tess. Almost at the restaurant, maybe another twenty minutes or so.”
“Damn,” Tess sighed. “I hoped you’d be running late, or I wouldn’t be. I’m still at the office.”
“Oh.” Dane let out a chuckle. Tess worked in midtown Manhattan. “Well, that puts a crimp in our plans, huh?”
“Yeah. I’m so sorry. But listen, I can make it up to you, and you’ll thank me later,” Tess wheedled. “You’ll still stay over tonight, right? I should be home by the time you get back after the club. I’ll see you in the morning?”
“Yes, you will.”
“Good. Because I really don’t know what time I’ll get out of here. Gotta finish this proposal.”
“Don’t work too hard,” Dane said with affection. “And hey, don’t forget to eat something.”
“I won’t, Mother Hen,” she joked. “My assistant already ordered me dinner, it’s on its way.”
“Good.” Dane looked out the window at the passing scenery as the driver maneuvered the car from the Cross Island to the Long Island Expressway. It was late spring, and the trees were finally budding, a sea of yellow-green and white and pink. The sky was a deep blue above the branches as the sun had just set, but since they were heading east, the changing colors of the sky were behind him.
Tess had called him the day before to tell him about the club on Long Island, and its singer. “It’s a martini bar, over in Glen Bay. On Friday nights, they have a regular singer who does everything from standards to Adele. Jeannie and her husband went there with friends two weeks ago and according to Jeannie, this woman’s got a knockout voice, and is something of a knockout herself. So, since you haven’t found your chanteuse yet, want to go check it out? I’ll come with you.”
“Sure,” he’d said. “Your best friend is a good enough reference for me. Why not? I’ve been looking all over Manhattan; maybe I just didn’t look far enough east. Frankly, I never considered looking on Long Island.” He hadn’t. And was getting desperate . . .
Now, Tess sighed. “I wish I could go with you tonight! Damn. Sounds like it’d be a good evening. I always have fun with you.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Tesstastic: a good time. Rain check. We’ll do it again,” Dane assured his younger sister. Only two years apart, they were more than siblings, they were truly friends, and he adored her. “Everything else okay with you?”
“Nothing new and earthshaking since yesterday morning,” she said with dry amusement.
“Get back to work, then, so you get home before midnight. And eat, Missy!”
“I will, I will! Stop nagging me. Go have a good time for both of us.”
“Not a problem,” Dane said assuredly.
Tess chuckled. “Of course it isn’t. Who am I talking to? Wherever you go, you have a good time. It’s just a given. I think fun finds you.”
“Yes, I do,” Dane agreed with a grin. “And yes, it does.”
By the time Dane strolled into the martini lounge, it was close to ten-thirty. It was a nice enough place; not as worn as some of the bars he’d gone to in the city, but not as upscale as some of the others he’d frequented. And to him, there was a distinctly different vibe in a Manhattan bar or club compared to a Long Island one—or anywhere else, really. New York City had a feel and energy all its own. Nothing and nowhere matched it.
He’d grown up on Long Island, not far from where he was now. The second son of a multigenerational, multimillionaire family, Dane had been born and raised in one of the most affluent communities on the Gold Coast of the North Shore. He had led a charmed life, despite his family’s dramas, explosions, and scandals. When it was time to go to college, he got out of that mega-mansion of misery and went out of state. But neither his lively years as an undergrad at Duke nor his time at the Wharton School of Business could keep him from returning to New York by his midtwenties. He was a true New Yorker, it was in his blood. He loved living in the city, he loved the business he’d started and grown there, and he loved the vitality. He thrived on it. Long Island, though nice, just felt . . . muted. Smaller. Quieter. And that wasn’t for him. Dane was all about color and sound, living large, taking life for a ride.
He smirked as he remembered Tess joking that a good time always found him. It was true. He loved life, so it loved him back. He never dwelled on negative things. There was no reason to. He was an upbeat, satisfied man, living a charmed life, so he just went with the flow.
The bar was dimly lit as he found a small table for two in the middle of the room. The waitress he’d passed on the way in brought his drink to him as he sat down. He’d heard the last bars of a song as he’d entered the midsize room, but now it was all applause. The audience obviously liked the singer, or the song, a lot—plenty of the gigs he’d gone to recently didn’t get such an enthusiastic response. In fact, some of the patrons were too cool or sophisticated to acknowledge the entertainment, much less applaud like this audience was. This, to Dane, was a good sign. He sipped his dirty martini and glanced around to gauge the crowd before he looked at the singer.
But when he looked up and saw the woman onstage, everything just . . . shimmered. Maybe it was the air around her, maybe it was the woman herself, maybe there was something in his drink? Dane experienced something akin to when he’d done mushrooms back in college. The air seemed to actually twinkle and glow. It was the damnedest thing. Dane sat very still as he stared at her. Dark red hair that fell to her shoulders, big dark eyes, delicate pale skin, and an hourglass figure made for debauchery, encased in a navy blue sheath dress and matching stilettos. Beautiful and sultry, her presence was powerful, tangible. Time seemed to hang for a few seconds, spin out and slow . . . then everything was normal again as the singer spoke.
“Thank you so much,” she murmured into the microphone, and Dane snapped out of his moment of . . . whatever the hell that was. He scrubbed his hands over his face as if it would help break whatever spell he’d been under for a few seconds.
“Kelvin here . . .” The vocalist gestured to the thin African-American man who tinkled the keys of the piano lightly behind her, a knowing grin on her face. “He and I have done gigs together since our college days. That was a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. . . .” The audience laughed at the Star Wars reference. “This was one of the first songs he taught me, and it’s one of my favorites. Hope you like it.”
In a rich, smooth alto, she began to sing an old standard, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square”. And looking at her, listening to her, taking in her polished presentation and charisma . . . Dane felt it in his gut. Her. Her. He just knew. Dane drew in a long breath, exhaled it slowly, and took a deep swallow of his drink. The search was over. He’d found whom he’d been looking for to headline at his new hotel.
Now all he had to do, after a talk with the bar owner and a quick background check, was convince her of that.
Julia Shay smiled at her audience as they showered her with applause. “Thanks so much,” she said with genuine appreciation. “Thank you. Kelvin and I are going to take a little break, then we’ll be back for the third and final set. Stick around.” She replaced the microphone in its stand and made her way off the tiny riser that served as a stage. As she passed the piano to head toward the back hallway, her accompanist, Kelvin Jones, rose and followed her.
“Damn good set, sister,” he said as they entered what served as a small dressing room. It had a table and chair in front of a mirror on the wall, and one leather couch that had seen better days. Kelvin flopped onto it at the same time Julia did, and they both exhaled. She put her feet up on his lap, careful not to let the bottoms of her shoes dirty his black suit. “I hate heels,” she muttered. “My feet are killing me.”
“I know, Princess,” Kelvin said. He took off her four-inch navy stilettos, dropped them to the floor, and began to massage her left foot.
She threw her head back, closed her eyes, and moaned a guttural moan. “Ohhh, thank you. Damn. Your fingers really are magical.” A smirk twisted her mouth. “Talented fingers, my man. Between the piano, your gift for massage . . . too bad you play for the wrong team.”
“Excuse me, but I do not,” Kelvin told her with a dismissive flip. He shook his head, making the short dreadlocks sway. “I like my team just fine, thank you. You may be pretty, but the men I date are prettier than you.”
“God, it’s sad but true,” she said ruefully, and they laughed.
Julia and Kelvin had met during their freshman year at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. During the first week, he sat down next to her in a Composition class and they’d hit it off immediately. They’d been close friends ever since. Sometimes, more like family. Which was good, since Julia barely had any family of her own. After her life had fallen apart, she’d moved back to Long Island because she’d grown up there, and Kelvin had gone to New York with her. He and Randi, her best friend since childhood, were all the family she had.
She lay still, letting her limbs relax after standing onstage for almost an hour, and trying not to wrinkle her navy silk dress. “Speaking of pretty boys, can I ask you something?”
“About pretty boys? One of my favorite subjects,” Kelvin said. “Ask away.”
“Did you see that guy sitting alone, midway back, really handsome—”
“Yesss,” Kelvin almost purred. “He’s more than pretty, honey. He’s smokin’ hot. I’m proud of you for noticing.”
“Well, yeah, I noticed him.” She was underplaying it; the guy was seriously gorgeous. Dark curly hair, a full, sexy mouth on a square jaw that seemed to be carved from marble, broad shoulders, and blazing blue eyes that hadn’t left her throughout two sets. “But it’s not that. I felt like he was . . . watching us, intently. Or, actually, me. I don’t know.”
“Honey, everyone watches you when you sing.” Kelvin smiled as he moved to her other foot, yielding another moan from her. “It’s called magnetism. Style. Appeal. And double D boobs comin’ out of your dress when you breathe.”
“Oh shut up.” She let out one chuckle, but shook her head in mild frustration. “No, it was more than that. It was like he was . . . I don’t know, sizing me up?”
Kelvin laughed. “Baby, I’m sure he was.”
“Nooo, I don’t mean like that. I mean like . . . in an . . . analytical way. Not in a sexual way.” She let her head drop back onto the padded arm of the couch. “Maybe I’m just paranoid.”
“You’re not paranoid,” Kelvin said, working the arch of her foot and bringing more sighs of pleasure from her. “You’re mistrustful, jaded, cynical, and bitter, but you’re not paranoid. Of that much, I can assure you.”
She chuckled wryly. “Thanks.”
“You know I love ya, honey. But it’s all true.”
She scowled. “I know it is. But to hear it out loud makes me sound like a . . . a shrew.”
His eyes and voice softened. “You’re not a shrew. You’ve been hurt. A lot.”
A wave of images flooded her and she shook her head, as if that would shake them out. She sat up abruptly, swinging her feet to the floor. “I’m going to the bar. One drink before the next set. You coming?”
“No, you go ahead.” Kelvin pulled his cell phone from the inside pocket of his blazer. “I’m going to say a quick hi to Manuel.”
She stood and shoved her feet back into her stilettos. “The new boyfriend?”
“Yessss.” Kelvin started texting, his eyes now on his phone. “The man is dreamy.”
“I’m living vicariously through you, Kel. You’re a rock star.”
He laughed. “You could be too, if you wanted to. Men swarm to you. But you don’t want it.” He scowled briefly. “Damn autocorrect. I know what I mean to type, and ‘ducking’ ain’t it.” His dark eyes lifted to her again as he asked, “Jules? When’s the last time you got some, honey? You’re a little cranky lately.”
“Not in six months,” she said, scowling.
His eyebrows shot up, a look of exaggerated horror on his face. “Has it been that long?”
“Last guy I slept with was Joe. That ended at Thanksgiving.”
“Well, that explains a lot. No sex for my sweetheart equals cranky.” Kelvin clucked his tongue and shook his head slowly. “Joe was nice. And hot. That man fell for you, and you jettisoned him into space the minute you realized that.”
“It was supposed to be no strings,” she said in a flat tone. “You know my deal. He broke the rules.” She headed for the door.
“You’re gonna have to break those rules of yours one day,” he said softly. Something in his voice stopped her and made her turn back to look at him. He added with a pointed stare, “And if you do, you might let yourself find love again. Or at least, find something good.”
“Nope. Not interested.” She ignored the sad flutter in her stomach that her friend’s concern created. Whenever he brought this up, she fought against the tug in her heart. By now, she always won. “My rules work for me just fine. See you back here in what, fifteen?”
He sighed, giving up. “Sounds good. And bring me back a Coke, would you?”
“You got it.” Julia smoothed her dress over her hips and made her way toward the bar. Her longtime friend’s words echoed in her head, but the noise of the bar helped drown them out. It was pretty full, and that pleased her. If she and Kelvin kept filling the place regularly, Everett would keep them on as a regular gig. And she loved singing here.
When Everett Bailey had opened the martini bar, she’d gone there a few times for drinks with Randi. Even for the north shore, it was high-class without being pretentious, a posh little jewel of a place. When Everett had brought in a piano and started having singers on Friday nights, she asked for an audition. She’d done a bunch of random gigs with Kelvin all over the tristate area; having a regular gig, much less close to home, would be great. Two years later, she and Kelvin were still here every Friday night, making music together and enjoying themselves.
The bar only had space for about a hundred people, but that was a good crowd when it filled up. And tonight, it was filled, even though it was after midnight and they’d already done two one-hour sets. Maybe it was the nice weather; spring in the air made people want to get out and do things after a long winter cooped up inside. Whatever it was, the bar was crowded, and it took her a good minute to get to the bar. There were no available stools to sit on, and she sighed inwardly.
A man in his fifties noticed her and rose from his barstool. “You need a seat?” he offered.
“That’s kind, but not necessary,” she said, smiling.
“No, please. I’ve enjoyed your singing tonight,” he said. She recognized the flare in his eyes. He was attracted to her. Great. “Please, I insist.”
“Okay, thank you.” She sat on the barstool, flashing him an appreciative grin, but nothing flirtatious to encourage him.
But sure enough, she saw his eyes linger on her breasts before he looked back up into her face and asked, “Can I buy you a drink?”
Before Julia could decline, a Botoxed woman was there at his side. “You just offered to buy her a drink?” She glared at Julia, who shrugged carelessly in response.
He flushed, looking guilty. “I, uh . . . she’s such a good singer. I was just trying to—”
“Yeah, we both know what you were trying to do,” the woman snarled. Julia imagined if the woman could move her facial features, she’d be scowling. “Whaddaya think, women are stupid?” She stormed away.
“Susie, wait!” The man followed her without hesitation.
Julia just shook her head. It was so strange to her; she didn’t do anything to invite the attention of men. At least, she didn’t think she did. But she still got hit on all the same. It had to be the job. Just like girls flocked to musicians, men seemed to be equally entranced by female singers. They saw a figure on the stage and spun their own fantasies about what she was like, putting her on an impossible pedestal. God knew that had happened to her, more than once, with disastrous results.
She glanced down to readjust the neckline of her dress. Okay, so the dresses she wore, while never lewd and always elegant, usually gave a peek of her generous cleavage. That also came with the job. Men liked boobs. She had ’em in spades. So yeah, she played the girls up a bit at her singing engagements. But by now, she thought her quiet frost would keep men away.
She wanted her quiet frost to keep men away. At the very least, it would weed out the weaker ones. The ones who were intimidated by a strong woman, a smart and mature woman—and unfortunately, there were many of those men.
Why did they still hit on her? Other than a fun romp once in a while, she didn’t want anything more. She wanted to be left alone. No emotional ties, ever again.
She shook her head and raised her arm to catch the bartender’s attention. Hallie was working the bar tonight, which was good. She made strong drinks.
After watching two sets, and having a long, friendly chat with the owner/manager, Dane had come to a definite decision. He wanted to hire Julia Shay. Her voice was pure gold, she had genuine stage presence, she was polished and poised, he liked how she carried herself, and she was stunning to look at. He’d definitely enjoyed the view as he’d sat and listened for almost two hours.
She had a beautiful face—big dark eyes to drown in, a sultry mouth, and smooth pale skin that he just knew would be soft and warm to the touch. And unlike the too-skinny women who ruled fashion pages these days, Julia was built like a woman. She was voluptuous. Her unbelievable breasts were to die for, and he’d bet they were real, because nothing about her seemed plastic or fake. Her slim waist led to curvy hips that were lush and inviting. She had the figure of a Greek goddess, the kind that was made for a man to lose himself in. But her physical appeal alone wasn’t what made her attractive. The woman radiated confidence and sex appeal. Nothing sleazy, nothing like that—she carried herself with class. Her allure was subtle but powerful. She was hot and she knew it. She was a siren. A temptress. Please, God, he thought, let her not be dumb. That would break his damn heart. But he’d still offer her the job.
Offering her the job also had a challenge he almost wasn’t up to taking—because he wanted to sleep with her, no doubt about it. In a different scenario, he’d be approaching her to spend a few nights, or even weeks, in his bed. Somehow he knew she’d be incredible. Just thinking about stripping her out of that dress sent a warm tug right to his belly, low and simmering. Dammit, he wanted her.
Which was more important?
Obviously, having her sing in his hotel . . . he’d been close to choosing between a few of the other singers he’d seen, though none had been . . . enough. This woman was. He was drawn to her, but he’d have to ignore the pull he felt; he wouldn’t be able to pursue her, much less have her. Sleeping with one of his employees was a huge no-no. He didn’t cross that line, ever. He sighed and swore under his breath. Well, that was it. There would be other women. There always were. Julia Shay would be off-limits.
He saw her emerge from the back and make her way through the small crowd toward the bar. She smiled at something someone said as she passed, and he sucked in a breath. Her natural smile—not the measured one she used onstage during her act, though that was stunning too—was like a flash of pure light.
Dane knocked back the last of his drink. In the future, just looking at her, possibly forming a cordial relationship with her over time, and having dirty, hot fantasies about her would have to suffice. All right, then. He rose from his table, his gaze focused on the flame-haired woman who’d just taken a seat at the bar. Time to make her an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Dane moved in quietly, making sure to place himself right next to Julia at the bar. It was crowded, so he was close to her, enough for his arm to brush against her shoulder. Her head turned and she glanced at him in brief appraisal. Apparently, it only took her two seconds to decide she didn’t like him. She looked away with what he took to be an expression of disdain, back down into her half-empty glass. The corner of his mouth quirked in a combination of amusement and surprised indignation. That wasn’t usually the reaction he garnered from women. Especially ones he’d been picturing in a steamy position beneath him, naked and writhing, only minutes before.
“What’ll it be?” the bartender, a pretty brunette, asked him. She smiled engagingly, a flirtatious sparkle in her eyes. Now that was the reaction he was used to.
He smiled back at her. “Dirty martini for me. And a refill of whatever she’s having.” He gestured beside him with his chin.
That caught Julia’s attention. Her dark eyes darted up at him as the bartender walked away. “Thanks, but you don’t have to do that.”
Damn. Her speaking voice was as sultry as her singing voice. He was a sucker for a woman with an appealing speaking voice. It did things to him. His blood started to simmer and surge throughout his body. Goddammit. He grinned softly and said, “But I want to do that.”
She considered him for a moment. Her face gave nothing away; she was hard to read. Then she simply picked up her dark pink drink and sipped. He watched her lips curl around the rim of the glass and a rush of lust seared him. He never thought he’d be jealous of a glass.
“What are you drinking, anyway?” he asked. “Sex on the Beach?”
A chuckle escaped her. “No. Simple old vodka and cranberry.”
He nodded and shot her a friendly grin.
Her gaze lingered on him for a second, then she looked away. Glanced at her watch. Took another sip. Looked back up at him. “Is there something you want?” she asked, a trace of annoyance in her tone. “Buying me a drink, making small talk . . . so?”
Whoa. Direct, and to the point. A bit defensive. Feisty. Game on. “Yes, actually,” he said, keeping his tone amiable. “There is something I want.” He smiled, but she didn’t smile back. He continued, unfazed. “My name’s Dane Harrison. I’m about to open a new hotel on the Upper East Side. I’m looking for a singer to work in the lounge I’m opening within it. It’s an upscale lounge, glamorous, high-class. It’ll bring in an exclusive clientele, so I need someone fantastic. And after what I’ve seen here tonight, I think you’d be perfect. So the ‘something I want’ is to hire you. Interested?”
There was a long beat as she gaped at him. God, she was gorgeous. He let his eyes wander over that thick red mane, her high cheekbones, her creamy, luminous skin, and those dark eyes that radiated intelligence . . . and mistrust. Now that they were so close, and she was sitting under one of the few lights in the dimly lit room, he realized her eyes weren’t brown, but hazel. Gold flecks shone in the dark depths, reminding him of the tiger eye stones his sister used to collect as a kid.
“Is this a joke?” she asked in a suspicious tone.
“Not at all,” Dane replied.
She studied him for another few seconds. There was so much going on in her eyes, but all she said was “Oh.” And bit down softly on her bottom lip.
Dane’s mouth went dry as an almost primal desire ravaged him mercilessly, like a flash flood. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had brought on such an intense, immediate physical reaction in him. He marveled at it, even as all of his senses started to pulse faster. Focus, asshole. The job. You want her for the job. Stop thinking about what that gorgeous mouth is capable of. About pinning her against the bar and running your hands over every inch of her. About what her skin would feel like, what her mouth would taste like . . .
The bartender came and set their drinks down before them. Dane turned for a moment to hand her a fifty-dollar bill, took a very deep breath, then turned back to Julia. Yes, he loved looking at her, he’d established that the minute he’d laid eyes on her. But talking to her was beginning to feel like a carefully orchestrated chess match. She was tough, edgy. His somewhat legendary powers of persuasion would obviously be needed to secure this deal. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Shay. Or can I call you Julia? It’s a beautiful name.”
“Julia’s fine,” she said.
Dane extended his arm for a handshake. Slowly she slipped her hand into his, her somber eyes scanning his features warily. Her skin was warm and soft, as he’d thought it would be, and something in his belly stirred at her light touch. Yup, he thought. Instant chemistry.
At least, for him. It seemed like for her, not so much. Again, not what he was used to when it came to women. He made himself focus, get back to the business at hand.
“I spoke to the manager here about you,” he said as she pulled her hand back.
Her brows furrowed as her gaze sharpened. “What? Why?”
“To ask him about you. To get an idea of your professionalism—what you’re like when you’re off the stage.” Dane lifted his drink to his lips and took a swallow. “I mean, I know how you handle yourself up there. You’re seasoned, in the good way; I can tell the difference between a newbie and a pro within a few bars of a song. I’ve seen enough to know you’re the real deal. I wanted to know some other things.”
“Checking up on me?” she said with an edge, clearly put off.
“Yeah, I was,” he said without apology. “I’m not going to make an offer of employment to someone I’m asking to represent my hotel, my name, who doesn’t take her work seriously.”
“And? What’d Everett tell you?”
“That you’re a pleasure.” Dane smiled softly. “That you’ve been doing gigs here—with your accompanist—regularly for the past two years. That you’ve only cancelled on him once, and that’s because you had the flu. That you’re always on time, have never had a problem with a member of the audience, that there are times you have them downright eating from the palm of your hand, and that you sing as well as any of the pros.” Dane smirked as he added, “He said he tried more than once to get you to audition for American Idol, but you wouldn’t hear of it.”
“I’m too old for that show,” she sniffed. “I’d never get past the first round.”
“Bullshit. You’re gorgeous and you have a killer voice.” He stared at her, studying. “How old are you that you think you’re too old? I never ask a woman her age, but you brought it up and now I have to know. You can’t be more than thirty-three, thirty-four tops.”
Her eyes lit up, and she couldn’t hold back the delighted smile. “Yeah? Wow. Thanks.” She was genuinely pleased, and that pleased him way more than it should have. “Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you’re wrong. In fact, I bet I’m older than you.”
“No you’re not,” he scoffed. “I’ll be thirty-six at the end of July.”
She smirked, a triumphant sparkle in her eyes. “Yup. Told ya so.”
Dane’s eyes went wide as he sputtered, “No way.”
“Way. Just turned forty-one in April.” Her lips curved seductively and her dark eyes danced. “Forties and fabulous, that’s me. Go ask Everett if you don’t believe me.”
He let out a puff of air, genuine surprise clobbering him. “Whoa. You look great. I mean . . . I didn’t think that at all, and I’m usually dead on with guessing a woman’s age.”
One of Julia’s thin red brows arched. “Yes, I’d bet you’ve been around lots of women.”
“What?” He felt a flare of irritation, but played it coy. “Hey now. Did you just insult me, Julia?”
“Nah. Just an observation.” Her mouth went from a judgmental twist to a barely concealed smirk. “Don’t play modest, or dumb. It doesn’t suit you. You’re pretty gorgeous yourself, and you know it. You have that way about you . . . like you don’t have a care in the world. So something tells me you don’t lack for female companionship.”
“I’m going to let that slide.” He swallowed another gulp of his drink. She was sexy as hell, but her attitude toward him was unfounded—and really, it kind of pissed him off. Yet he pressed on. Something told him she was worth it. “So. I take it that you don’t believe me,” he said. “That I want you to come sing in my hotel.”
“No, I don’t,” she said plainly. “Sounds like a line if I ever heard one.”
Jesus, honey, who hurt you? he thought. Wariness came off her in palpable waves. “Well, it’s not.” He pulled out his wallet, and a business card from the leather. She took it from him with small, slender fingers. “You can call and check anytime to see I am who I say I am. My assistant will gladly tell you how I’ve been combing New York for two months, looking for the type of singer I had in mind for this job.”
Julia placed the card down beside her fresh drink with barely a glance at it. “Mm-hmm.”
His eyebrows shot up. Now he was getting a little agitated. The other women he’d considered had all jumped at the chance when he’d mentioned it, and he hadn’t really wanted any of them. He hadn’t felt that certainty in his gut. With Julia, he had. This woman was the one he wanted, he’d finally found what he’d visualized, he was even drawn to her himself—and apparently, she couldn’t give a shit about the job, much less be interested in him.
He wanted her in his bed, sure. But even more than that, he wanted her to headline in his hotel. And he almost always got what he wanted. Especially when it came to women. So with a new resolve, he cleared his throat, speared her with his gaze, and smiled. “Julia. Do you want to hear about the job before you dismiss me so readily? Or should I just leave you alone, since that seems to be what you want? I can walk away right now.” He moved as if to leave.
“No, I—wait.” Her features softened, and she huffed out a breath. “I . . . I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I apologize. But cut me some slack—how do I know you’re really who you say you are, or what you want from me is legit? I don’t. You know?”
“Yes, I know.” God, that voice. He could’ve listened to her talk all day. She could probably read the phone book and make it sound sensual. “You’re obviously an intelligent woman, not easily snowed. But listen. It’s a solid job, it’s real. I’m a legitimate businessman, not a pimp. You can google me if you like.” He grinned to break the tension, and she grinned back. Okay. Better. He lifted his drink and sipped before continuing, drawing out the moment to make her wait. A sideways glance told him she was willing to listen now.
“So here’s the deal,” Dane began. “I own a few hotels around the country. My first one was in midtown New York, a block away from Radio City. That one caters mainly to a business clientele, tourists, etcetera. Now, in June, I’m opening a new hotel. This one’s sweeter. A little more glamorous. Elegant, top-notch.” He smiled; just thinking of it excited him. “Luxury suites, a few upscale brand-name boutiques, full day spa and salon, all of that. Every amenity thinkable. And the highlight, to me? What will set it apart? A swanky lounge and bar that’ll have a piano and a small stage. That’s where you come in.”
He paused to make sure he had her attention. Her big, gorgeous eyes were glued to his. “I want a kickass singer who’ll pull in my high-end clientele and keep them there, make them want to stay all night and buy lots of drinks. Make it a hot spot for the hotel. I envisioned having a singer who’s gorgeous, sharp, professional, has charisma and stage presence, and is heaven to listen to. A musical seductress, if you will.” His eyes locked with hers and held. “I’ve been canvassing New York for over two months now. I’ve seen a lot of singers, a lot of performances. None of them have held a candle to you, Julia.”
She blinked and her breath caught.
“You have a fantastic voice. And frankly, I really like looking at you. But you probably hear that a lot.” He caught the split-second flash of surprise in her eyes at that, but she recovered immediately. She was like steel. He grinned as he went in for the hard sell. “You’re very talented, you’re gorgeous, you’re sexy as hell, and I like the way you carry yourself. You hold an audience spellbound when you perform—I saw that here myself, so I know that firsthand. You certainly captivated me.” He leaned his hip against the bar, crossing his long legs at the ankle as he gazed down at her. “Maybe it’s because you’re ‘forty-one and fabulous.’ Maybe it’s because you’re fucking beautiful and obviously don’t have rocks in your head, thank God. Maybe it’s because you can sing your ass off. But what I know is: all combined, you’re the whole package, Julia. You’re what I’ve been looking for.”
Still and silent, Julia’s eyes went wide and her lips parted slightly. He imagined it was her cool, collected way of her mouth dropping open in surprise. He smiled again and reached for his drink. Finally, she murmured, “I . . . wow. That’s all very flattering. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, but I wasn’t flattering you. I was listing what I consider your assets, why you’re qualified for the job, and why I want you to be the headliner at my hotel. Would you consider a job like this?” he pressed, his gaze spearing her.
“I might,” she hedged, still frozen. “Tell me more.”
He nodded, both irritated and intrigued that she wasn’t jumping at it. She was really making him work for this. “Okay. You’d work from ten to one on Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night, and do the occasional event if someone requests it. The rest of your time, all week long, is yours.” He took another quick sip, watching her face. “You’ll have an accompanist, who I’ll hire as soon as I’ve hired you, and you can rehearse during the week anytime that works for you both. The two of you can select your song list, but I get final approval.” He grinned to try to lighten the moment, to offset the tone of all his demands. “You seem to be responsible, a professional. The manager here gave you a glowing review. For now, that’s good enough for me.
“But know I’d expect you to show up on time, if not early, and to give it your all every single night. And I’ll ask for permission to do a basic background check. Just your employment history, that kind of thing, nothing personal. Like I said before, you’d be representing my hotel, my name. So I expect nothing short of the best.” He stared more intently. She was listening now, that was for sure. And damn, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Do you have a day job too, or is this it?”
She blinked. “I, uh . . . yes, I have a day job. And I hate it.” Blushing, her eyes fell away. That intrigued him. She obviously hadn’t meant to blurt that out. It was the first time she’d been anything but controlled. Fidgeting with the rim of her glass, she added, “It’s just that it’s boring. But it pays the bills. My singing gigs don’t.”
“Then why do you sing?”
“Because I’m good at it, and because I love it. Music is my passion.” Her gaze and her tone were unflinching. “I’ve been singing all my life. I wasn’t going to give it up altogether, and I haven’t had to. I do weekend gigs, that sort of thing.”
“Did you ever pursue it as your only career?” Dane asked, truly interested.
Something shuttered in her eyes. “I wanted to. . . .” Her voice went soft and flat. “Things happened. Life happened. Didn’t work out.”
“Okay.” His casual tone belied his sudden burning curiosity. He wanted to know her story. Something about this woman compelled him, made him want to dig and find out all her secrets, her stories, what made her tick. He also wanted to back her up against a wall and have his way with her, but at least that part made sense to him. The rest didn’t. He was drawn to her like a magnet, and while his brain didn’t understand it, his body was painfully aware of it. “What’s your day job?”
“I’m a secretary at a construction company,” she said evenly.
He surveyed her face. He didn’t mean to be elitist, honest work was honest work, but something told him instinctively she wasn’t cut out for that—that she was capable of much more. There was another story there. “How long have you worked there?”
“Six years.”
“What do you make in salary?”
Her eyes narrowed and her mouth tightened. “How is that your business?”
“Because whatever you’re making, I’ll match it, and then some.”
Her big dark eyes got bigger. “Bullshit.”
“Try me.” His mouth quirked as he took in her surprise. “Tell me what you’re making.”
“What if I said a hundred thousand?” she challenged.
“Then I’ll pay you that much and more,” he said without hesitation. He leaned in and said in a firm but quiet voice, “Julia, I really want you to work in my hotel. I’m prepared to do whatever’s necessary to make that happen.”
Now her mouth did drop open in shock. “Really.”
“Really.”
“And do you always get what you want?”
“Um . . . no.” He smiled slowly. “But almost always.”
She smirked back. “You’ve got big money to throw around to make sure you do, huh?”
His smile faded only a bit, and his eyes intensified on hers. He leaned in closer to murmur smoothly, “Yes, actually, I do. But it’s usually my dashing looks and dazzling charm that win people over, not my bank account.”
“I’m not like most people,” she said, not dropping the locked gaze. “You’re smooth and you’re handsome, and you’re rich. That’s lovely. And oh yes, you’re charming. You ooze charm.” Pure steel flashed in her eyes. “But big-time charm, to me, usually reeks of insincerity. So, you know, that doesn’t do it for me.”
“I’m getting that.” He edged closer, close enough now to feel the heat radiating from her skin and catch the light scent of her perfume. Musky, with a hint of vanilla. He wanted to bury his face in the curve of her pale neck and inhale her. Skim his mouth along her skin. “But, good news, Julia. Even though I’d be your boss, you don’t have to like me. You just have to like the job.” The air seemed to crackle around them, pure electricity. He took in the gleam in her eyes, the stubborn set of her jaw, her sweet little mouth, her luscious cleavage, and had a flash of ravaging her until that mouth opened to gasp and scream his name. His eyes lingered on hers . . . and he eased back. Stood up straight. “Hey, it’s fine. If you don’t want the job, I’m not gonna—”
“I make forty thousand a year,” she said, and reached for her drink for a hard gulp.
He grinned softly. “Quit that job, Julia Shay. Sing at my hotel. I want you well rested and focused when you walk into my lounge. I’ll pay you eighty grand a year. Hell, let’s make it an even hundred grand. Why not? I think you’ll be worth it. Deal?”
She choked on her drink and started to cough.
He couldn’t help but laugh, even as he patted her back.