Page 2 of Risky Business

TIA

Holy cow! I drop onto my bed and reach for my notebook to fan myself. Did I imagine the last few hours? Surely, I’m going to wake up and find this has all been a dream. There’s no way Hawk Knightley is flying us to the music festival this weekend on his private jet.

My phone rings, interrupting my crazy thoughts. “How did your lunch go?” my mother asks when I answer. I’m surprised she waited this long to call. While my overprotective family trusts me and my abilities, they are constantly checking on me. Trying to prove that I’m capable of doing this job while exerting my independence isn’t easy. I almost feel like I have to work harder than any other employees so people forget my last name is Jamison.

“It went well.” That’s an understatement. I managed to arrange for the CEO of Inked Knight Records to consider Pussycat Rebellion for a record deal. “Hawk Knightley is taking me to Daytona this weekend for the festival. He wants to hear the girls in person.”

My mother sputters on the phone. “Really?” She doesn’t have to sound so freaking shocked. “That is wonderful. I knew you could pull it off,” she adds, and I feel a little better.

Two days ago, my mother asked me to take the meeting with Raven Knightley in the hopes of arranging to meet her brother, Hawk. I jumped at the chance to finally show my parents that I can handle the Pussycat Rebellion account.

My confidence held until I arrived at the restaurant. My first look at Hawk Knightley turned my entire world onto its ear. I almost swallowed my own tongue while watching the extremely tall, handsome hottie prowling toward the table in Tony’s Steakhouse. When I glanced up into his intense emerald eyes, my blood heated, and I knew I was in serious trouble. The “I’m headed for a heartbreak” kind of trouble. I completely forgot the reason for our meeting until Tia started talking.

Surely, these insane feelings won’t last. I reassure myself, but my cautious side scoffs at my overly optimistic thoughts. I’m not positive, but I think the hot record company CEO stole my heart right there in Tony’s Steakhouse.

The rest of the week flies by while I work from home. Honestly, I mostly plan for my weekend away. My father was less than happy to hear I’d be going out of town with the older man, but my mother told him to get over himself. I love my family. My dad and brothers are determined to treat me like a little girl, but my mother goes to bat for me. She knows it’s time for me to prove myself to them.

I attempt to convince my overheated body that this is just a business trip, but my inner hussy laughs at my efforts. Each night, the hot record company CEO fills my dreams. In my fantasies, he owns my heart and inexperienced body. Waking up each morning hot and bothered is frustrating.

When Hawk’s assistant contacts me with travel plans, I begin to second guess myself. My poor heart takes a hit from the disappointment. Maybe I misread the signs? The big jerk can’t even take the time to call me himself. Did I imagine the electricity filling the air around us in the restaurant? I hope I’m not about to get my heart broken into a million little pieces.

Thursday night, I’m shocked when an incoming text flashes across my phone screen. Hoping the unfamiliar number is Hawk, I swipe the screen and read the message.

This is Hawk. I’ll pick you up at seven a.m. Be ready.

When I gave Josh my address, I expected the company to send a car for me. Before I’m able to talk myself out of the stupid idea, I quickly type out my reply to Hawk.

For what?

I watch the three little dots appear and pray I’m not reading the signs from him all wrong.

You’ll see tomorrow. Be ready.

I take a deep breath and type out.

I don’t take well to being ordered around. I’ll meet you at the airport like we planned.

Nothing comes across the screen for several minutes, and I start to worry. Shoot. Did my emotions get the best of me and ruin this for the band I’m representing? Three little dots appear, and I hold my breath.

That kinda puts a kink in my plans, but we’ll do things your way.

How do I respond to that? I bite my lip and stare at the screen for a few minutes.

And what are your plans?

I jump in with both feet.

You’ll see tomorrow, kitten. Sleep tight and dream of me. And don’t be late. I’ll have to spank your luscious ass if you miss the flight.

Holy cow. I drop my phone onto the bedside table and stare up at the ceiling. My inner rebel urges me to protest his overhanded attitude, but my melted girly heart won’t hear of it. I end up dreaming about him all night long and wake up hot and bothered and cursing his hold over me.

---