Page 24 of Playing with Seduction

“This isn’t LA. We’re not exactly known for our music scene.”

“Okay, maybe not Pleasure Cove, but we could expand the reach to the rest of the state.” She sighed in response to his unconvinced expression. “Are you saying North Carolina doesn’t have the talent to pull this off?”

“Not at all. There are a wide range of talented acts here in the state. But it wouldn’t have the kind of draw the LA music scene does. We can integrate local acts, maybe have them featured at some of the smaller venues, but we’ll need some heavy hitters, including a highly recognizable act to anchor the center stage. I know you’re a California girl, but the East Coast has a totally different vibe.”

“Well, at the event in New York—”

He shook his head, ignoring the frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. “This isn’t New York, either. We’re in the Carolinas. Got no illusion we can beat New York or LA at their own game.”

Bree folded her arms again. “Then exactly what do you suggest?”

Wes smiled, waving a hand toward the beach. “We create a competitive advantage based on what sets North Carolina apart.”

“And exactly what is that?” She stared at him, one eyebrow raised. Ready for battle.

He chuckled. “The fact that you have to ask means a little research is in order.”

“You’re giving me homework?” The tension in her voice spiraled.

“I’m giving us homework.” His brain immediately balked at the statement. He was supposed to be creating distance between him and Bree Evans. Not finding a way to spend more time with her. It was a battle his good sense was losing. He raised his chin. “Spend the next week exploring the state with me.”

Her mouth opened and her eyes widened, but she didn’t speak. She was considering it. That was more than he’d hoped for. So he pressed further.

“We’ll spend a couple of days at the beach, a few in the mountains, and a day or two in Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Charlotte. You’ll get a sense of what makes the state unique.” She narrowed her gaze at him, so he added, “I’m a North Carolina native, but I’ve lived in London most of my life. The state is growing rapidly, and so much has changed. That’s why I need the refresher. What do you say? Do we have a date?”

Wes regretted his word choice nearly the moment he’d uttered it.

This would be a business trip. Plain and simple. He wouldn’t spend the next six months fighting her on every decision they had to make about the tournament. Which celebs to invite. The selection of celebrity chefs. Which bands to hire. Themes. The schedule.

Bree knew volleyball tournaments. She’d competed in plenty of them, competitive and exhibition. But if he could give her a better sense of the venue and what he and Liam were trying to accomplish, she might come around and stop fighting him.

Wes tilted his head, taking her in. This might be the worst idea he ever had. Bree was smart and beautiful. Yet, she was a fierce competitor. Everything about this woman made him want her.

He gripped the sides of the hot tub, determined not to move, when what he really wanted was to take her in his arms and kiss her again. Then take her to his bed.

The physical attraction was enough to battle, but what worried him most was his growing need to be in her company. He felt at ease with Brianna. Her company was a welcome antidote to the anxiety he felt over his mother’s illness.

If they could get past the awkwardness of what had happened in London, maybe they could be friends.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun.”

She raised her gaze to his. “And we’ll have separate rooms?”

“Of course. I’ll be on my best behavior. I promise.”

“Fine.” Bree stepped out of the hot tub and dried herself off. She wrapped a towel around her body and secured it. “Email me the itinerary.”

She didn’t wait for his response, so he didn’t offer one. He only hoped he wasn’t making another huge mistake that would land both of them in hot water.

CHAPTER 7

“You agreed to do what?” Bex’s voice blared through the speaker on Bree’s cell phone, which was propped on the bathroom sink as she detangled her shoulder-length, curly hair. It was a task that took far longer than she cared to admit. “Have you lost your freaking mind? You’ve got a thing for this guy. Or are we still pretending that you’re over him?”

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