Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 66753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 334(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 334(@200wpm)___ 267(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“Burgers,” he says, and my nose approves of the savory smell. “You hungry?” he asks. “Or did you blow me off and eat without me?” His eyes are pure mischief as if he knows there’s more going on than meets the eye.
I’d like to say no—I mean, I did decline dinner to behave professionally—but there’s a hollow feeling in my belly that refuses to be ignored. “I actually haven’t eaten,” I admit.
“Good.” He motions to the table and moves in that direction, setting the bags on top. “Bacon cheeseburgers,” he informs me as he snatches two waters from a cooler.
“I love a good bacon cheeseburger,” I say, claiming the seat on this side of the door.
He joins me but he doesn’t reach for the bag. The table is small, which means we’re a little too close for comfort, and at present, he’s staring at me with his famously bright green eyes that girls swoon over. They’re intelligent eyes, warm with interest. A ridiculous number of women would melt under his attention and rip their clothes off, for that matter. Of course, I’m the crazy one they’d say, because all I can think about is Tyler.
I should tell Becker I’m taken, but I’m not taken, I think. Why am I declaring myself off the market when I’m one of ten on a list to Tyler?
“I’m shocked you’re here early after you turned down dinner,” Becker finally observes.
“I got away from work earlier than expected.”
“I see.” His lips curve and he reaches for one of the bags, offering me a burger.
I accept and our fingers brush, but there’s no rush of heat. Why isn’t there a rush of heat? Becker’s a good-looking, talented, sweet man, but he’s not Tyler. “How was your business in Memphis?” I ask, focusing on agent-appropriate questions.
“Good. A real estate deal I’m considering. I’m trying to be smart and take the money I’m making and turn it into more.”
“I know a good investment guy,” I say. “Me and my brother use him. I find a lot of entertainment people take up with the wrong investors and get screwed. Our guy won’t take advantage of you.”
“I guess you make a lot of money repping guys like me. And doing a fine job of it from what I hear.”
“Well, I’m glad that’s what you hear about me. And, yes, I do but, of course, I inherited it from my mother. I’m trying to make her proud and handle it smartly.”
His brows dip. “Wait. I feel like I’m missing something. I know your dad’s a badass NASCAR driver, but what’s the scoop with your mom?”
I set my burger down without taking a bite. “Why did I think you knew who my mother was? She was Alice of the Alice Shopping Network. She founded it.”
“Holy shit. Really?”
“Yeah. She was brilliant.” Pride radiates through my voice, even to my own ears. “She taught me a lot about business that I try to apply to my agenting. Which is why I say, at least talk to my investment guy. I get no perks other than doing right by my clients and my future clients.”
He laughs. “Positive thinking. Gotta love it. Shoot me his name and I will.”
“What about your parents?” I ask, because, yes, I want to rep him, but I’ve spent a week cleaning up another client’s scandal. I’d like to know if Becker has his head on straight. “I bet they’re proud.”
“Oh yeah,” he confirms. “My dad’s in real estate, which is why I’m headed in that direction. He’s done well for himself. My mom’s a voice actress. She voices Mariah, the kids’ cartoon. I have a sister following in her footsteps.”
Mariah being the hottest cartoon on TV right now. In other words, he comes from stability and professionalism, at least on the surface. Tyler is an example of what can seem right and be wrong behind closed doors.
“Then we both have badass families,” I observe.
“Yeah,” he says, but his eyes are warm again. “You’re beautiful, Bella. You know I really want to stand up and come over there and kiss you.”
I can almost feel my cheeks flush. “I’m flattered, and I should be falling at your feet but—”
“You aren’t—” He sits back. “Well, hell.”
“Sorry. I just—I want to rep you and I can’t be a romantic interest and do that properly. I think I could do great things for you, but if not, if you don’t have an interest in me repping you, I hope you can consider me a friend. A good one who you can trust.”
There’s a knock on the door and someone pokes their head in. “They want you for a sound check.”
Becker lifts a hand. “I’ll be right there.”
The door shuts and he says, “It’s Tyler, right? I felt it between you two.”
My heart begins to race. “You know Tyler’s my boss…”