Page 88 of Fire

She picked up her phone and dialed. All the while, her fantastic smile lit her face.

And the fire burning inside of him blazed out of fucking control.

Chapter 23

They arrived at Frank’s office building, Gwen in the dress she’d worn to Fire Saturday night and armed wearing only some lipstick she’d found at the bottom of her purse and a band holding her hair piled on top of her head, and Blake in a suit, looking his usual fabulous.

“I’ve got butterflies in my stomach. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.” They were standing at the back of the elevator, two other people on it with them.

“Not nerves, excitement.”

“No. It’s definitely nerves.”

He chuckled softly, using the hand he already held to pull her closer. “You’ve already got the job. What’s to be nervous about?”

The elevator stopped, and one person got off.

Gwen looked up at Blake. “I’m worried this will change everything. Once I sign those papers, there’s no going back. I’m scared to lose you.”

“Sweetheart, I’ve already told you, it will all work out. I promise.”

The elevator doors opened on their floor, and Blake held her hand as they made their way down the hall. Or maybe she was clutching his. It was hard to tell with the state she was in.

The same receptionist greeted them, taking them straight back to Frank’s office.

Frank rose from his desk as they entered. “Gwen! I’m so happy you could make it today, after all.”

“Frank, this is Blake Stone, my…” She paused, they’d never labeled themselves, and while things were back on track, she still hesitated to put a name to what they were.

Blake didn’t have such qualms. Extending a hand Frank’s direction, he smoothly filled in, “Boyfriend.”

Well, okay then.

Frank’s brow furrowed. “Stone? Stone?” He snapped his fingers. “The nightclub owner, right?” Then his expression turned concerned, “Being Gwen’s boyfriend, I realize this decision affects you, too, but we can’t discuss anything unless you sign an NDA.”

Blake plucked a pen off the desk. “I understand. Just tell me where to sign.”

Frank’s expression cleared. “Good. Good. I know it seems strange, but in this business, you can never be too careful. Once the show airs, I can’t stop anyone from stealing the idea, but I sure as heck can try to be the first one out the gate.”

Once they were all seated, Frank held up some papers. “This is the contract committing you to the first season of the show.”

Blake took the papers and held them so they both could read. It seemed like a pretty standard contract—in other words, it read like stereo instructions—and she hoped Blake was having an easier time comprehending.

When they flipped to the last page, she asked, “What do you think?”

“I think everything looks fine except for the part about salary.” Blake raised a brow Frank’s direction.

Gwen noticed Frank turned a bit red. “She has no prior experience in the industry. I think the amount is generous.”

“Generous?” Blake’s eyes narrowed. “She may not have experience in the industry, but she does in her field. Add to that, her degree, and this number is insulting.”

Gwen’s eyes widened at that. What Frank offered was double what she currently made plus had the bonus of free travel. She thought the pay generous, too.

“I can go up another twenty-five.”

Gwen’s eyes grew rounder. Twenty-five thousand?

“Make it fifty, and you have a deal.”

---