Page 101 of Undeniable Temptation

“Why?” Mason snorted. “I’m pretty sure I established a bad reputation with this guy years ago.”

“You may have.” Ryan started for the house. “But I’m hoping to make a good impression.”

“At three in the morning? Good luck with that.”

They climbed the four steps and stopped at the front door. Mason didn’t give him a chance to compose himself before a loud rap of knuckles pounded against the wood.Fuck.His heartrate increased. He began to fidget.

“Come on,” Mason grated, staring up at the windows. “Wake up.” He knocked again, this time pounding with the side of his hand.

A light brightened a third-story window. Seconds later, another illuminated on the second floor, followed by ground level. Footsteps approached. A shadow crossed the door. The lock clicked. Then they were staring at a balding man, his squinted eyes harsh with scrutiny. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Not a good start. Not a fucking good start at all. “Hi, sir…” Ryan ignored Mason’s raised brow that mocked his greeting. “I’m a member of Reckless—”

“I know who the hell you are, Ryan. We’ve met before. What I don’t know is why you’re banging on my door in the early hours of the morning.”

“I wanted to speak to you about Leah.”

“Damn it.” Bruce ran a hand over his wrinkled face. “You’re involved with her, aren’t you?”

He straightened, preparing to fight. For her. “I want to be.” Deflection was key.Don’t lie. Just divert.“I’ve had feelings for Leah for a long time. And I’ve known, because of her job and my wife, that I couldn’t do anything about it. But I’m here today to ask you for permission—”

“No.” Bruce shook his head. “Don’t ask. Don’t even go there.”

“Hear him out.” Mason leaned against the side of the building, relaxed, oblivious to what was at stake, or simply not caring.

“And delay crawling back into bed? Why? I already know the answer, and it won’t change. All this conversation will do is send Leah into the unemployment line.”

“Please.” Ryan stepped forward. “I’m begging you. Take the clause out of her contract.”

There was a beat of contemplation as aged eyes narrowed. “You love her that much?”

“Yeah, I do.” Hope sparked to life in his chest.

“And how about your wife? Did you feel the same way about her, too?”

Shit. Optimism took a nose-dive, freefalling without a parachute. “I was young and ignorant when I married Julie. I didn’t know what love was.”

“But you vowed your life to her. Now you’re claiming Leah is all you want.”

Ryan darted a pleading gaze to Mason. He was flailing, throwing punches that didn’t connect while Bruce had begun slamming this conversation out of the arena. “I appreciate what you’re trying to say. You think I’ll change my mind in the future. And I get that. I understand why you feel the way you do.”

“No.” The older man shook his head. “You don’t understand. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Do you think you’re the first person to ask for the contract to be changed? Out of all the celebrities my company represents, do you think you and Leah are the only ones to get swept up in the glitz and glamour and think it’s love?”

“We’re not swept up in anything. I’ve been in love with her for years. And she feels the—”

“I suggest you quit talking before you admit something I can’t ignore.”

Mason pushed from the wall. “You’ll ignore whatever necessary to keep us as a client.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Bruce scowled at the lead singer. “Your worth is only as valuable as the reputation it gives my company. If your manager can’t control her feelings, it reflects badly on everyone under my employment and all the artists they represent.”

“Then put a price on it,” Mason demanded.

“I could buy her out of the clause.” Ryan stood firm, unwilling to give up, no matter the cost.

“And when things end and I’m stuck with a bad reputation and a band who is no longer willing to work with their manager? What then?”

“It won’t happen. Leah and I are good together. We’ll continue to make it work.”

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