Page 61 of Take Hold of Me

Kissable lips form a smile. “Hell no. I wanted to get together with you. I knew we had unfinished business.”

“That we did. And look where that landed you.” I take her cold hand in mine and kiss each finger.

She giggles. “Under you, where I wanted to be.”

I nip the tip of her index finger. “I fail to see how I’m a prize in this scenario.”

“You are to me.”

I almost allow myself to believe her. But I’m trying to build up her confidence, not mine. “Now, think about your secret Instagram account. You grew it from nothing. I bet you hit snags along the way, but now you’re helping thousands of people. Do you consider that a failure?”

“What? No way.”

“So, let me get this straight. You’ve conquered both me and Instagram.”

She leans over and kisses me. “I conquered you?”

My cock twitches at how it would like to conquer her right now. “I’ll let you think what you want on that score. Just take your feelings of success and hold your head up high to Price. You’ve earned this right. He should bend over backwards to make his superstar happy.”

If I gave this speech to anyone else—I can’t imagine ever needing to give it, as most of the celebrities I’ve come across are blinded by their ego—they would have responded with a “they should be kissing my ass to keep me happy.” Not my Ems. She simply plasters a fake look of confidence on her face and nods.

The elevator pings at the Agency’s floor, and we enter the lobby. A red-headed receptionist lets her know Price is ready for her. I point to the sofa under windows that give a good view of LA. “I’ll be waiting for you right here.”

“Merci. I hope not to be long.” She follows the receptionist down the hallway.

When I can no longer see her perfect body, I take a seat and call Zak as promised.

“W. My man. What’s up?”

“Hey, I’m just checking in on my new right-hand. Can’t have him out and about in the world unfettered.”

His chuckle floats through the line. “Who knows what kind of trouble I can get myself into? Speaking of which, dude, how’s it going with Emilie?”

Fuck if I know. She’s mentioned exclusivity and I didn’t exactly disabuse her of the notion. What the hell is wrong with me? “I’m teaching her how to drive.”

“And by drive, you mean checking the oil, right?” When I don’t answer, he continues, “Doing the horizontal greased-weasel tango? Filling the gas tank? Parallel parking?”

“Get your mind out of the gutter.” His euphemisms really are hysterical, though. “She’s taking her driver’s test soon.”

“Whatever you say.”

I better get to the reason I called. “So, are you free to get together tonight for drinks?” Unless he says “yes,” I’m keeping who’s joining us to myself.

“Damn, no can do. I have some personal training sessions scheduled at my old gym.”

Part of me is relieved I didn’t have to explain Emilie to him, while the other is disappointed because I would’ve loved to have seen his reaction when she floated through the door. I bet all the cocky would have disappeared. “That’s okay. I knew I was calling at the last minute.”

Our conversation continues as he tells me all about the Summer Competition. It’s good he was there. He did a better job at meeting with the members than I would have. Before we disconnect, he suggests that I give David a buzz.

Glancing around the reception area, Emilie is nowhere to be seen. Might as well make that call. After pleasantries, I ask about the Summer Competition.

My brother-in-law’s voice sounds spent. “The competition was really good. Everyone upped their game.” He coughs. “I told them about the sale after it was over and introduced Zak. They want to meet you. They’re arranging a welcome party for Friday, if that’s okay with your schedule.”

I close my eyes. “I’d rather just take over without too much fanfare.”

“I know you’re more of a behind-the-scenes guy, but they asked. We’re a family here.”

Familyisn’t a popular vocabulary word in my book, but I know the gym members helped him get through the worst days. “What time?”

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