Unintentional (13 page)

Sophie’s eyes soften. “That sounds good, Laurel. I’ll keep taking the stairs with you. It’s the least I can do considering I’ve almost broken your fingers on a few flights.”

“A few?” I tease.

“I’ll keep your secret, if you keep mine,” I remind her.

Sophie is the only person on the planet who knows about my phobia. It’s so embarrassing.

Sophie reaches over and gives my hand a soft squeeze. “I love you, you know.”

“I love you, too,” I answer.

There isn’t anything better in the entire world right now.

∗∗∗

“Wake up sleepy head!” I can feel my body being shaken by the she-devil, Sophie.

“If you don’t take your hands off me right now, I will not be responsible for what I do to you.”

She knows I’m not a morning person. It’s this fact that gives her extra glee when she wakes me up.

“Don’t be like that! We’re going to have an extra fun day today.” She leans over to give my shoulder a pat. “I’ve done my research like a good assistant. I called the venue where Hard Reign is playing tonight, and the manager told me they reserved one of their banquet rooms at 4:00pm for some sort of band meeting. We have enough time beforehand to hop on one of the ferries to Bainbridge Island. You still want to go, right?”

I put the covers over my head and groan. “Ugh, too much information at once. Caffeine. I need my fix!”

The bedcovers are not sufficient to muffle Sophie’s laugh as she goes to the coffee maker. “One coffee for the grumpy girl coming up!” Sophie says in a sing-song voice. There is nothing worse than a happy person first thing in the morning.

I manage to finish two cups of coffee, take a shower, get dressed, put on my make-up, and fix my hair in less than an hour. A personal record for me. I’m excited as we make our way to the ferry
dock. Luckily, our hotel is within walking distance, so we don’t even need to call a taxi.

As we walk past Pier 56 on our way to buy our tickets, I’m reminded of the last time I was here. We met Cade for lunch at this very place almost a year ago. I can’t believe it’s been that long. I gaze up at the large structure which holds Elliott’s Restaurant, along with a few souvenir shops, and I smile. It’s a fun memory. I wonder what he’ll be like when we see him later today. When I saw him last, it was hard to figure out what his dominant mood was. One minute, he seemed sad, the next, he was laughing, the next… Well, he seemed very passionate. Okay, deep breathing. When I see him tonight, it will be very important to keep myself in check. I can’t let him know he affects me like this. How embarrassing would that be?

“Why are you scowling? It’s a gorgeous day.” Sophie takes hold of my arm and guides me to the ticket counter.

“I’m not scowling. I’m concentrating, thinking about tonight. Maybe we should’ve called and let them know we were coming.” I’m starting to doubt our strategy.

“I think your first instincts were right, Laurel. If we called, they may put us off. It’s much better to meet face-to-face. We can remind
Cade of his promise. He won’t be able to refuse those gorgeous brown eyes of yours.” Sophie seems convinced, but I’m not so sure.

“I hope you’re right.”

Cade

“Scott, you know Kelly already. Kelly, this is Ayden and Mica.” Everyone shakes hands politely, and we sit down in the leather chairs scattered around the long, rectangular table. This room at the Emerald City Nightclub is too large for this small meeting of five, but it was available, so we snatched it up.

Kelly remains standing, rubbing her hands together, about to make her pitch. I study her carefully. She’s quite regal-looking with her long, wavy red hair. It’s an unusual color, a deep red with brown and gold highlights. She’s wearing a designer suit, a deep green color, showcasing her curves without being too suggestive. A smattering of freckles across her nose implies innocence, but I sense anything but. This girl is a shark, and I’m trying to figure out if it is a good thing or not.

She asks, “Has everyone had the chance to go over the
contract? Do you have any questions?”

I answer, “I’ve had my lawyer look it over today. The terms we discussed earlier are all included. Now, we just need to make sure we all get along and work well together. I understand you have an assistant. Will he be joining us today?”

Kelly shifts and adjusts her blouse. “Well, um, yeah. Rodney had an emergency earlier, so he won’t be able to make it today. He’s a really great guy. You’ll like him.”

She pulls out a file folder and begins. “I’d like to get started on the plan we have for you. At Ricci and Associates, we’ll make you our top priority. I see a lot of talent in this room, and, believe me, I won’t let it go to waste. I’ll be sending out your demo to the top record labels. We’ve worked with them all, so we’ll get you in the door and your music heard right away. I don’t have any reservations there. You’ll be picked up in no time.” She smiles brightly at us. I take a look at the guys. They seem enthralled. Of course they would. She’s tapping into their egos.

She continues. “Once you’re offered a contract, we’ll negotiate for the best terms possible.” As soon as she finishes her sentence, the door swings open and in walks a tall guy with long, brown hair.

Kelly looks at him, closing her eyes briefly. “Oh, look who made it. Everyone, this is my assistant, Rodney.” She smiles at him, but I can tell it isn’t genuine.

“Rodney, I’m so sorry to hear about your emergency earlier. I hope everything is okay?” She questions him while nervously tapping her pencil.

He flops down into one of the chairs next to Ayden. “It’s all good,” he replies.

Kelly returns to her presentation, quickly regaining her composure. She goes over her bullet points regarding contracts, recording time, marketing and promotion, and tour dates until my brain feels numb. After she finishes, Rodney launches into a half hour description on his job duties. He’ll be in charge of booking us into the top venues to promote our band before we record our first album.

Both of them are very convincing, and everyone is excited. Except for me.

Kelly whips out the contract and asks, “So, are we all good? If we get this signed today, we can start scheduling everything as early as tomorrow.”

Scott grabs it first and signs the contract without hesitation. He
shoves it over to Ayden, who signs and gives it to Mica. Mica looks at me briefly, signs it, and hands it to me. This is it. When my signature goes onto the contract it’s a done deal.

Laurel. Why do I keep thinking about her? I feel regret as I clasp the pen.

Laurel

“These one-way streets are confusing. Maybe if I smack the GPS it will turn on.” Sophie turns her wrath onto the non-functioning contraption. We’ve been circling around the downtown area for the past hour, trying to find Emerald City Nightclub, without any luck. I turn the car north, hoping this direction will finally lead us to the venue.

“I’m sorry, Laurel, we should have just called a taxi instead of driving this worthless rental.” Sophie rests her head against the window, seemingly defeated. “I thought I’d remember how to get here. All these streets look the same!”

“Don’t sweat it, Sophie. I can’t remember either. How much time do we have?”

I’m concerned we’ll miss the meeting, but I don’t want to show it. Sophie takes her job seriously, including appointments. But technically, we aren’t late, because we never set anything up.

“It’s 4:30 now. Most band meetings take at least an hour, don’t you think?” She anxiously looks up and down the darkening street.

“It depends on how many they have. This could be a monthly meeting, or maybe they just have one long one every year. I guess we could always catch up with them after the show if we’re too late.” I don’t know why, but I have this edgy feeling, like we need to hurry up.

“There! Finally, I see it. Pull over, Laurel, into the parking lot on your right.”

We lock up the car and head toward the venue. I’m going to see Cade again. I wonder if he’ll be glad to see us. I’m getting nervous, and I think I know why. The last time I saw him, he had me pressed up against the wall. I try to bat the memory away. It won’t help the jittery feelings I’ve had ever since we decided to make the trip back to Seattle. I know Sophie is right. This band is too good to pass up. I just hope I can keep my emotions in check so I can carry on a professional relationship. I would never consider dating a member of a band I was representing. It just isn’t done. My reputation means too
much. Besides, a guy like Cade will undoubtedly have a girlfriend by now. Or perhaps two or three, but he won’t be alone, I’m sure of it. Anyway, even if he’s single, I could never date a man like him. He’s too messy. Sophie calls it passionate. I call it dangerous.

We enter the front doors and walk into the lobby. It’s empty. The nightclub won’t start filling up until the band goes on, so it should be quiet for a few more hours.

A man in a suit and tie approaches us. “May I help you?” he asks politely.

“Yes, we’re looking for the band playing here later – Hard Reign? We’ve heard they’re having a meeting today, actually right now.”

He smiles. “Yes, that was me you talked to. My name is Don Grolh, I’m the manager.” He shakes both of our hands.

“It’s nice to meet you. Can we head back to the banquet room?” I ask.

He pauses. “Unfortunately, the agent asked for a closed-door meeting.”

Sophie and I look at each other, stunned.

“The agent?” Sophie asks casually, like his statement hasn’t
floored us.

He laughs. “Yes, apparently they’re taking this to the next level. They’ll be famous in no time at all.”

Sophie smiles and says, “Oh, yes, we know. We work with the agency. We’re here to deliver these files.” She holds up our files, the ones we were going to use tonight. I’m going to need to give Sophie a raise. Starting right now.

She smiles brightly at Mr. Grohl, takes my arm, and leads me down the hall.

“Do you know where we’re going?” I whisper to her.

She keeps her smile in place while whispering back to me, “No idea. Pretend you know what you’re doing.”

“Which door, which door?” There are three doors on each side of the long corridor. This place is huge. We could get lost in here for hours.

Sophie looks left and right. She tugs me toward the second door on the right. Why, I don’t know. She flings the door open, and there they are, the band and…oh hell, Kelly Ricci. This is not good. It’s too late, I can tell by the victorious grin on her face.

I look at Cade. Our eyes lock. My breath is gone, and I can’t
look away. Everything goes quiet. I can only hear the pounding of my heart and the blood rushing through my head. I’m too late. I don’t think I’ve ever been more disappointed in my life.

Chapter 11

Cade

My hand is sweating as I grip the pen. I place it on the line for my signature, slowly. Hesitation overcomes me and I don’t know why. As I continue to ask myself what the hell I’m doing, the door to the banquet room flies open.

Scott starts choking on the sip of water he just drank. I lean over to give him a solid whack on the back. He stops me and says, “Holy shit, Cade, who the hell is that?”

I follow his gaze, and I lock eyes with none other than Laurel Lawson herself. She’s here. Relief like I’ve never felt fills me up. I can’t look away.

“That’s Laurel and her assistant, Sophie.” I feel like I’m in a trance. I continue to stare at her, unable to look away.

“No wonder you’ve been holding out for her. Cade, she’s beyond gorgeous.” I follow his line of sight. He’s looking directly at Sophie. Sophie is openly staring at Ayden. This could be a problem, but I don’t want to think about it now.

Laurel has been on my mind for a year now, and she’s finally here. Without thinking, I stand up, put down my pen, and go to where she’s standing. She’s looking at me, wide eyed, and maybe a little sad. She probably thinks we’ve already signed the contract. Without speaking, I take her by the hand and lead her out the door. She resists a little at first.

“Come on,” I urge, and that seems to be enough. Now I just need to find a private room so I can get this out of my system. I don’t care if I get slapped again. I need to do this.

All I see down the long corridor are big banquet rooms. I want something smaller, more intimate. Ah, I know, the storage room. I lead her in and lock the door behind us.

“What are you doing Cade?” She’s breathless.

“Hell if I know.”

I take her by the shoulders and she steps back. She’s against the wall, again. What is it about her? I can’t think. All I can do is feel. I’m overcome with a flood of emotions, mostly white hot lust, blinding me to everything else but her.

Should I stop this right now? Taking a step back and running my hands through my hair, I pace a couple times across the small
room. What is wrong with me? I look over at her again, and she’s just so, I don’t know, beautiful doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe her. She’s breathtaking, that’s for sure. But there’s more; she’s so much more than that.

She stands before me, her eyes exotic and mesmerizing. Her hair is tied back into a bun, but I can still see the streak. It’s purple today. She seems so tough, yet so vulnerable. She’s passionate, but also contained – or she’s trying to keep herself that way. I notice the rapid pulse going a mile a minute at her throat. Her eyes are so expressive, but also guarded. I want to break through. I want to melt that last bit of reserve she has. I can tell she keeps her emotions in a guarded place, but they’re there. I can feel it. I feel the tension in the room. The passion. I approach her, getting close, close enough to feel her rapid breath on my face.

“I need to kiss you, Laurel. Will you let me?”

She shakes her head no, but her eyes say yes.

“I just want to know if it will happen again.”

“Another experiment?” she asks. So, she remembers.

“Have you been able to stop thinking about it?” I ask.

“What?” she replies innocently. Her eyes immediately take on
a devilish sparkle. Oh, she remembers.

I lean closer. “What I’m about to do.”

She places her hands on my chest and pushes back slightly. “Cade. I want us to work together. Is it too late? Did you sign with Kelly?” She looks a little panicked.