Chapter 11

Darek

The scene with Sadie had been terrible, but at least she was okay. I didn’t like her accusing Jack, but he had been acting strangely. I didn’t need him and her butting heads, and if I caught him glaring at her again as I saw on the plane, I was going to have to have a talk with him.

She wasn’t the enemy or his replacement, and I had no time for childish antics or bully bodyguards for that matter.

My leg was throbbing by the time I made it upstairs, and I couldn’t wait to take my meds and go to bed. I would have Sadie run me a hot bath, and wished she’d join me, but I knew better. She’d been super professional, and I’d entertain it, but after seeing that jerk rough her up, all I wanted to do was hold and kiss her.

I’d have to keep that desire to myself. I had to respect her wishes, no matter how much it sucked.

I walked in and found her at the counter with the computer. “I see you found the laptop, after all. How’d the test go?”

“I failed miserably, thank you, but at least since I logged in on time, I can retake it. If I had missed that deadline, I wouldn’t have had that option, which is why I bought this off of a man in the lobby. Well, I should say, you bought it from the man in the lobby.”

“You bought a stranger’s computer?” I was impressed by her ingenuity.

“Yeah, so you can tell Jack that I said nice try. Oh, and that he’s an asshole.” She looked back down to the screen, and after punching a few keys, she logged off.

“You’re not going to start that again, are you? Why would he do that?”

“Because he’s a loser who is afraid that I’m going to steal your attention. Or maybe he’s hoping that after you heal, you’ll fire me.”

I couldn’t argue too much with her theories because I knew that Jack could be a spoiled and conniving jerk when he wanted to be, but I just thought it was simpler than all that. “I’m not firing you, so he can forget that.”

“Well, I’m not sure why I even came along, honestly. If I do need you, I don’t even have a pass to get to you. Instead, I was manhandled like a ragdoll by a steel-toothed biker who smelled like sour socks.” I thought what had happened was horrible, but hearing her recount, it was hard not to smile.

I pulled my lips into a tight line and fought the urge to pull her into my arms. “I’ll get you a pass if you want. But if it makes it better, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Yeah, that makes it so much better.” She went to her bag on the couch and pulled out my medicine. “If that’s the way you treat your fans, I’d hate to see how you treat your enemies. It’s a wonder people love you so much, considering your interaction is void.”

“What do you mean?” Her comment stung me right in the balls.

“Do you ever talk to any of the people you lecture? I don’t mean a meet and greet, shaking hands and photographs doesn’t count.”

“I have a meet and greet after every show, and yes, I do get to talk to a few fans in depth.”

“Yeah, a few, out of the hundreds.”

“I’m only one man.” I thought she was a little harsh.

“There are ways to make connections. You should host some online Q and As maybe write a blog or a book.”

“Yeah, I’ve written a book, but if I go spreading my wisdom around in print, then people won’t come to the events.”

“Sure, they will, because you don’t talk about the same things. You let them know you on a personal level. They adore you; they want to know more about you and what makes you tick. Have you ever thought about trying something different?”

“I’ve made millions doing this, but I guess you know more than me?”

“I’m not saying that. But are you threatened by me giving you suggestions on how to keep making millions, because if I’m not mistaken, that’s what you have Jack for, although, I don’t think he’s really improved things in a long time? I’d bet it’s just the same old shit with him, on a different day.”

She had my buttons pushed, and I didn’t know whether to be aggravated with her or to pull up a chair and listen. “What would you do?” I limped to the minibar to pour a drink and downed my pain pills with a shot of vodka.

She got up and came over to look out the window. “For one, I wouldn’t mix booze and medication, but since you’re interested, I’d come up with some better events. Take the meet and greet to the next level. I’m talking cruises, spa resorts, ski resorts, making it an all-inclusive package where you interact with smaller groups.”

“I held an event at a ski lodge once. I didn’t get to stay, though. I had to get to the next show.”

“Stop booking two a weekend and make the events bigger. Work smarter, not harder.” She gave a shrug and was so nonchalant, she didn’t notice me stepping closer, or maybe she didn’t mind.

“I like your ideas. You should be working for me—Oh, wait. You do.” We shared a laugh as I put my hand on her waist.

“Yeah, but am I doing the right job?” She would be a great addition to the team, but I needed her at home.

“If I hired you to work on my team, then who would take care of me?” I pulled her close enough to kiss, but she shook her head.

“You’re a big boy. You don’t need me.” She’d never told a greater lie.

“Oh, but I do.” I pulled her so close my erection rested against her leg.

“I don’t want to be hurt again. I’m not sure I can have you and not be.”

“I understand, and I only wish there was something I could do to make you trust that I’m not.” She lifted her chin and met my eyes. After a moment, she stepped away and walked to the bedroom. And just when I thought she’d retire to the sanctuary of her room alone, she curled her finger to call me to her.