Chapter 13
Nathan
H oly shit, she’s handsy. I thought I would be the one groveling tonight.
I’m not a fan of celebrity god complexes, but if anyone has earned an ego, it’s Shaylin.
She works harder than anyone in the industry.
Her real name is Shaye Linda Colette, but the world knows the pop star by her stage name.
Anytime I meet a person who only goes by one name, like a Madonna wannabe, I brace myself for narcissism.
Instead, Shaylin has shown nothing besides humble and considerate since we got into the back of this car together.
It’s nice to see a singer-songwriter who is more passionate about her craft than her fame.
Her only crime is being a little more flirty than I’d care for. I’ve been tolerating her hand on my knee for the past ten minutes of this ride, but when her fingers tiptoe up my thigh, I make an excuse to hop into a seat on the other side of the stretch Escalade.
“Would you like some water?” I grab two flutes from a hidden compartment between the captain seats.
Shaylin’s bright red lips curl into a mischievous grin. “I believe those are for champagne.”
Right she is. Her sparkly, sequin dress reflects off the champagne flutes I’m holding. But there’s no way I’m drinking in this back seat with a woman who is acting like she wants to mount me. “How about we stick with water for now? I’d hate for alcohol to influence your business decisions.”
“All work, no play.” She winks at me, still not answering my offer of water. That’s probably good because I don’t actually see any water back here. Just bottles of champagne on ice.
“This is a working dinner, right?”
She silently nods before tucking a loose strand of her long, blond hair behind her ear.
“The reason my dad and I wanted to reach out to you in the early phases of development is because, if you decide to commit to at least a one-year residency, we’d like to construct the stage to fit your needs.
Your last tour had a water element. It was visually stunning. We’d love to recreate that energy.”
“So, you’re trying to steal my tour ideas?”
“What? Not at all, I just?—”
She giggles. “Calm down, Nathan. I’m kidding.
Thank you,” she adds in a honey-smooth voice.
“That’s very considerate to offer me some creative say in the construction.
Actually, the residency caught my attention because all the aggressive travel is starting to take a toll on my health.
It’d be nice to settle down for a while. ”
“Sounds like this is ideal timing.”
“Perhaps.” She runs the tip of her pointer finger across her bottom lip.
Maybe I’m imagining it, but she’s giving off lioness vibes, and I may look like dinner.
I really hope her endgame is a disgustingly large lump sum of money, and not getting into my pants.
I’m stupid, really. You don’t throw away a chance with Shaylin.
She’s worth almost as much as I am, and of course she’s attractive, but my mind is on one thing right now…
What the hell does Spencer have up her sleeve? No way she got Tansy Haleen, or any celebrity chef, to cook a private dinner at a moment’s notice. I keep checking my phone, waiting for her to wave the white flag and admit defeat, but it’s been crickets.
The vehicle arrived at the airport right on time, and now we’re headed to God-knows-what.
Is Spencer more well connected than I realized?
I thought this request was a slam dunk for her failure.
By now I should’ve received a text or email, full of profanities, criticizing me for my diva-like behavior.
Instead, I’m counting down the minutes until I get to call Spencer’s bluff.
Fuck, this is irritating. I don’t like feeling this way, like I might not have the upper hand.
“When’s the hotel going to be finished?” Shaylin asks.
“With divine intervention? One year.”
“So, when you factor in the inevitable fuckups and inclement weather—we’re talking at least two.”
She earns a genuine laugh from me. “You know your stuff. But I promise you, if we agree on a firm timeline, we’ll make it happen. I know how valuable your time is. I’ll move mountains to ensure we hold up our end of the bargain. And as far as your payment?—”
With a thick scoff, she holds her palms up. “Before you try to wow me with money, I’ll go ahead and tell you the only thing that will get me to agree to your proposal. I swear on my life if you say yes to it, I’ll sign paperwork tonight.”
“Careful, Ms. Colette. You’ll want your lawyer present to review all the fine print. I want to do everything by the book here.”
She points to my chest. “You invited me out tonight. Your people went through great lengths to get in touch. Isn’t this what you want?” She pauses to tug on her bottom lip with her top teeth. “Or did you have ulterior motives for this dinner?”
There’s nobody I can complain to about this. Oh, wah, Shaylin’s overtly hitting on me. If I had close buddies, they’d for sure punch me in the dick for passing up an opportunity of a lifetime.
“What’s the one thing?” I keep my eyes fixed firmly on hers.
There’s no part of me that wants to savor a peek at her chest which is very exposed in her low-cut dress.
Lately, I only fall victim to stolen glances around Spencer, which is another reason my assistant irritates me to high hell.
She’s a snake charmer who has apparently learned to exercise some control over my snake.
“I want an ownership stake in the hotel.”
I can’t hide my shock. “ What ?”
“Not for free,” she clarifies. “I want to be an investor.”
“You’re kidding.”
Her perky smile turns into a scowl. “You know what? I’m used to not being taken seriously, but my money is just as green as yours. I’m here to play.”
“Oh, hey now.” Risking being back within reach of her wandering hands, I hop over to the opposite chair right next to Shaylin.
“That’s not what I meant at all. I would of course respect you as an investor.
I just don’t understand why. Investments like this are heavy if you want an ownership stake, and it comes with a lot of risk.
Your pay as a performer is guaranteed…and would be very generous. ”
“I’m twenty-six, Nathan. But I’ve been doing this since I was sixteen.
I’m already so exhausted. I’m not going to be able to shake my ass on stage forever.
It’s time to think about branching out. I want to invest my wealth into something tangible that can take care of my kids, and their kids, and their kids’ kids. ”
Smart girl. “I’ll run it up the ladder.”
Her talons clamp right back on my knee. “I thought you were at the top of the ladder.”
“This project is a collaboration with my dad. I’d like his insight on this.”
“Aw,” she coos. “I love me a daddy’s boy.”
Good grief. I’m relieved when the car finally crawls to a stop. I all but jump out of the Escalade and hold out my hand for Shaylin. I hope she takes my eagerness as chivalry and not just a desperate attempt to put some distance between us.
Still, the instant her bright pink stilettos hit the concrete, her arm is looped in mine.
Viva isn’t embedded within a mainstream Vegas hotel, so it’s only a few quick steps from the curb to the front of the restaurant.
The walk isn’t long, but it’s plenty of time for the hostess, waiting for us underneath the entryway arch, to see me arm in arm with Shaylin and draw all sorts of wrong conclusions.
My stomach swoops when I realize said hostess is Spencer. She’s dressed in all black and wearing an unmistakable frown at the sight of me and Shaylin.
“Good evening. I’m glad you two made it safely,” Spencer says in a sugary-sweet tone that doesn’t match the kicked-puppy expression on her face. “Ms. Shaylin, you look stunning.” She cuts me a look. “Mr. Hatcher…you’re here.”
Spencer has more poise than a seasoned ballerina, not appearing remotely starstruck by the pop legend on my arm. Speaking of which… I make an excuse to search my pockets for something and successfully detach myself from Shaylin.
“What are you doing here?” I ask Spencer, examining her scowl, that’s pointed directly at me, for any hint of nerves. I didn’t want it to go this far. I only wanted a text omission of failure. I don’t want to embarrass the poor girl in front of famous company.
“Tansy asked for my assistance, since we booked her on such short notice. I hope you don’t mind, I’ll be your server tonight.
The restaurant isn’t technically open yet, but there’s one table set for you in the middle of the dining room.
Ms. Shaylin, there’s a very nice bottle of rosé on ice at your table, but can I get you anything else to drink? ”
“You are so lovely.” Shaylin gives her a warm smile. Spencer looks just as surprised as I am when the pop princess grabs her by her shoulders and kisses both her cheeks. “I love rosé. That’s perfect.”
Eyes as big as globes, Spencer gestures through the door. “Right this way.”
Shaylin takes the lead, allowing Spencer and me a brief moment, side by side.
“Anything for you, boss? A drink? Some bread? Or will you just be feasting on the shock that’s smothered all over your face?”
Witty, this one. “So, when do we get to meet Tansy?” I ask.
Spencer clears her throat and smooths her black blouse. Dammit, again. Her ample bust creates an open space between the buttons. My gaze slips against my will…and now I know her bra is purple. For fuck’s sake.
Shaylin seated herself, so I don’t have to do the awkward shuffle of holding out a chair for a woman who is most definitely not my date. At least, not like that. Spencer waits until I’m sitting as well, practically blanketed with the oversized linen-covered table, to address us.
“Tansy is very excited for this evening,” she starts.
“Great. Bring her out.”
Spencer delivers me an icy glare. “Ms. Haleen would appreciate your discretion in the matter, but she just had a little work done.” She waves her hand over her face and grimaces.
“Her nose, chin, and ears… It’s a bit of a bruised mess right now.
She can cook but she’s really not feeling up to company, so it’s imperative you stay out of the kitchen to respect her privacy. ”
“ Of course. I get it. When I got my nose done, I didn’t even want my dog looking at me until the swelling went down,” Shaylin enthusiastically explains.
I squint at Spencer, replaying her calculated excuse. “Nose, chin, and ears ? Are you implying that Tansy got an ear-job?”
“Um.” Panic briefly flashes across Spencer’s face, then just as quickly evaporates. “Yes.”
She can’t honestly expect me to believe that. “Huh. Okay, then. Please wish Tansy a speedy recovery and thank her for cooking for us tonight, especially in such a delicate state.”
Spencer flutters her thick, dark lashes profusely. Well, ladies and gentlemen, there it is. This is my assistant’s tell when she’s lying. She’s either batting her lashes, or that’s one hell of an aggressive eye twitch.
“What are we having tonight? I’m assuming it’s a fixed menu?”
“Yes. Five courses,” Spencer curtly responds to me.
“One of which involves Kraft Mac and Cheese?”
“ Nathan !” Shaylin scolds me playfully. “Don’t be rude. It’s Tansy Haleen. Her food is art.”
Oh please. I don’t know who Spencer is hiding back there, but it most certainly is not Tansy.
“You know what? I’m going to let Ms. Haleen’s food speak for itself. In fact, I’m going to head back to check on your appetizers.” She points to the gold, five-armed candelabra on the table. “Would you like me to light that for you?”
“No,” I answer.
“Yes, please.”
Shaylin and I exchange a glance after our opposing responses. The last thing I need between the two of us is romantic candlelight.
“An open flame isn’t safe on this tablecloth. I’d love to get you home burn-free, Ms. Colette.” Sometimes the excuses just come to me. It’s a gift.
“Fair point,” Shaylin concedes.
“I’ll be back in a moment with your humble pie.” Eyes locked on me, Spencer theatrically open-palm pops herself on the forehead. “Whoops, slip of the tongue. I meant hummingbird pie. We’re starting the evening with a touch of sweet.”
“Ooh, how fun. We’re starting with dessert? This is already arguably the best dinner I’ve ever been treated to.”
Shaylin says something else, but it doesn’t register. My stare is glued to Spencer’s hips, swaying back and forth as she whisks away to the kitchen.
All right, sass queen. Go ahead.
I’m ready to be impressed.