Page 20 of A Reclusive Heart

“So, you’ll be able to do all of those things on your list?” Nick asked before adding, “by yourself?”

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth as she shifted nervously in front of him, but she didn’t say anything because they both knew the truth. Without him, she wouldn’t have the balls to do anything on her list. There was a reason why she was a recluse, after all. She was too damn afraid to get out there and grab life by the balls. Without him, she’d only be able to write about life instead of living it.

He shook his head as he walked over to the hotel phone. “Face it, Miss Harris, you need me more than I need you.”

“No, I don’t,” Jamie mumbled weakly, probably some half-ass attempt to stand up for herself, but he barely paid attention as he picked up the phone and ordered room service.

When he was done, Nick sat down on the small loveseat and relaxed as he watched the little recluse struggle to come up with a decent argument. When a minute passed and she still wasn’t able to manage anything more than a mumble, he decided to take pity on her.

“Why don’t the two of us come to an understanding on the matter?” Nick suggested casually. “During this tour, I’ll go with you and do anything that you would like to try. In return, you will show up to book signings, interviews, conventions, and anything that I need you to do on time and say more than two words to your fans. You will also make yourself available when I need you.”

She licked her lips nervously and he knew he had her by that calculating look in her eye. She wanted thisbadly. Not that he could blame her, Nick thought with a tiny ounce of pity. One look at that list and it was more than obvious that she hadn’t truly lived. It was actually pathetic to think that last night had been her first time at a nightclub.

He should probably feel bad for her and if he didn’t need her so damn badly, he probably would have. But the truth of the matter was that this made his life easier. She would do exactly what he wanted, and in return, he’d help her with her list. The only downside that he could see, of course, was that he would have to give up what little spare time he had during this tour to see to this ridiculous list of hers.

Then again, if it helped keep her in line and smiling on cue, then he would suck it up and deal with it. Besides, her list was pretty simple and wouldn’t take long to go through. They’d finish it in two weeks, three tops, and then he’d have her undivided attention for the next few months. Actually, this could help him out in the long run as well. She’d learn to listen to him and trust his judgment and he could plan future events with J.L. Lewis without fear that she’d cause any trouble.

“You’re willing to go with me and do whatever’s on my list?” Jamie asked slowly as though she didn’t quite trust him.

Smart girl.

But as long as she did what she was asked, then he would fulfill his side of the bargain. It was a simple enough agreement.

“Yes, but you have to do what I ask if you want me to go with you,” Nick clarified. Work came first and he needed to make sure that she understood that.

She nodded slowly. “That sounds fair.”

“But I’m warning you, Miss Harris, the moment you stop doing what you’re told, you’re on your own.”

Another nod.

“Okay then,” Nick said, getting to his feet. “Let’s get to work.”

“I don’t rememberthis being on your list,” Nick said accusingly as he glared down at her.

It took everything Jamie had not to cower beneath that glare, but somehow, she managed it. Actually, she was quite proud of herself for that move, but that didn’t exactly help with the man scowling down at her.

She cleared her throat nervously. “Yes, it was,” she lied.

His eyes practically narrowed to slits. “I don’t remember seeing going with you to a chocolate convention on the list.”

“Well, it was a really long list. You probably just missed it,” Jamie lamely explained as the man standing in front of her stepped back and bumped into her, almost knocking her down. “Sorry,” she mumbled pathetically before she could stop herself. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as Nick’s glare intensified for some reason.

“It was a very short list,” Nick said as he put his hands on her shoulders and gently moved her out of the way as the man in front of her went to bang into her again. He moved her closer to his side even though she was pretty sure she’d rather be rammed into by the rather rotund man in front of her than to be this close to Nick. The man was too damn intimidating and being this close to him was making it kind of difficult to lie to him, but she was willing to give it a shot.

“It was a long list,” Jamie said, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as she averted her gaze.

“It was one page, double-spaced,” he bit out.

“Um, no, it wasn’t.”

But it was.

At least, it had been until last night when he’d finally dismissed her for the night. After he shoved the laptop in her hands with the expectation that she was going to work for a few more hours even though it had been well past midnight by that point, she’d revised her list...a little.

She’d meant to work for at least an hour just to appease the big bully, but when she’d logged onto the computer and started to work, all she could think about was her list and all the new possibilities that went along with their new agreement. Even though she fully planned on doing the things on her list, things that she’d been sure she could handle on her own, she was now going to be able to venture out and doeverythingthat she’d always wanted to do but was always too afraid to try.

Thanks to him.

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