Page 6 of Diva Pop

Silas tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he cruised down Hollywood Boulevard toward Los Feliz. His place was in Silver Lake, but from what he could remember, Jett’s was in the Los Feliz Hills.

Hmm…

He tap, tap, tapped some more. A terrible idea was forming in his head, and he needed to suppress it immediately. The tapping turned to gripping.

Dammit.

Would Jett view him dropping by his private residence as creeper behavior? Or would he view the gesture as reassurance that Jett mattered to the label? That he was worth Silas’ time?

Giving up on resisting his terrible idea, Silas went with the latter and engaged his Bluetooth virtual assistant.

“Give me Jett Fine’s address then directions to his home.”

As soon as he’d signed on with the label, Silas was given the band members’ and the rest of Three Trick Pony’s team info. The system did as he requested, and Silas followed the robotic voice’s directions. After turning left on North Vermont from Los Feliz Boulevard, he made his way up several winding roads until he reached a long driveway with two brick foundations supporting large lantern-style lamps.

Much to his dismay, Silas was able to drive right onto the property, since there was no gate denying entry. Anyone could march up to Jett’s door and knock, have access to him. Or worse. Silas’ heart picked up in pace. This was a reckless boy, a boy who needed someone to take charge.

Silas angrily tugged on the parking brake before shutting off his engine. Being that he was unaware of Jett’s routine, or whether he had his own vehicle, Silas unfolded his long legs from the sportscar and climbed out. Even though there wasn’t another car in view, Jett could still be home.

Silas took the flagstone walkway to the double doors of the mid-century modern home, then rang the lit doorbell. Two outdoor lamps that matched the ones at the bottom of the driveway brightened the landing, which gave Silas some measure of relief. At least Jett was aware enough to keep the front of his home illuminated.

While he waited to find out if Jett was home, Silas rolled his shoulders to release some of the tension he’d been carrying since he arrived at Jett’s address. It was amazing that the fireworks at rehearsal had barely rippled the surface of his calm, yet imagining scenarios where Jett could put himself in harm’s way had him all jacked up.

Silas rang the bell again, leaning with one hand against the door frame, the other stuffed in his pants pocket again. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. He’d been without a permanent boy for a while, and now he’d been thrust into Jett’s life, a man he already found incredibly attractive. Then the next thing he knows, he’s switched into Daddy mode.

Silas straightened and exhaled. That wouldn’t fly. He was forty-five years old, and he knew better than to get involved with a client -- good intentions or not.

After waiting a few more minutes to see if Jett would answer, Silas turned to make his way back to his car, counseling himself that he’d do what needed to be done to help Jett within the purview of his position as manager, but nothing more.

Car headlights blinded Silas when he was within ten feet of his vehicle, and he shielded his eyes with one hand, squinting to see who it was. Sure enough, the man behind the wheel of the car was none other than the elusive Jett. Silas made a low whistle at the sight of the red McLaren 540C. At least Jett knew how to choose a fine vehicle.

Jett burst out of the front seat, his expression radiating annoyance tinged with anger. He didn’t slam down the car door, which would’ve been an unforgivable sin on such a fine vehicle. At least Jett had his act together enough not to make his pricey possessions a victim to his frustration.

Jett stopped in front of his car, his arms crossed while leaning on one hip. His ruby red bottom lip was poked out and a crease marred the perfect porcelain skin of his forehead. Silas sucked in a deep breath. Jett’s attire wasn’t helping with his self-imposed hands-off determination.

The silver lame spandex booty shorts with sheer black crop top were bad enough, but the black fishnets and low-heeled ankle boots with pink rhinestone accents were erection-inducing.

Silas licked his lips and Jett smirked. “See anything you like?”

After giving himself a mental punch to the face, Silas regarded Jett with narrowed eyes. “What I see is that your attitude is just as surly as it was earlier.” Silas let out a sigh then brushed a hand over his head. “But that’s not why I dropped by.”

Jett held up his chin then sauntered past Silas as if he wasn’t worth his time. “Oh, how lovely. You’ve dropped by in person to fire me.” He shot Silas a glare over his shoulder. “What a pal.”

Silas rolled his eyes then trailed after Jett. “That’s not why I’m here, either.”

Jett paused as he jammed a key into the door lock, the brass object the only other one hanging from a giant collection of glittery, feathery and furry objects. Silas frowned at the jumble of items. He sure as hell hoped Jett used the service of a valet. There couldn’t possibly be room for the jangling mess in the small, Chanel crossbody purse he wore. What if Jett absentmindedly set them down, and someone with ill intent had access to Jett’s home or car?

Jett tilted his head and pursed his lips. “Why are you all frowny? And why aren’t you telling me why you’re really here. I despise being kept in the dark.”

Ah. Silas had just been given a clue to part of Jett’s personality. Mystery scared him. Not knowing what was happening earlier, not being prepared for the announcement, having to wait all week to discover his fate -- that’s what the real issue was.

“I apologize, that wasn’t my intention. Which question would you like answered first?”

“Which…?” Jett furrowed his brow then gave a little shake of his head. “Whatever, doesn’t matter.” He jiggled one leg as he stared at the ground then peered up. “You’re really not here to fire me?”

Poor baby. “No, Jett. I’m not firing you.”

“Well…” He gave a quick shrug then turned the key before pushing the door open. “I guess you can come in then.”

---