Driving Tempo

by Thomas, Raine

  “For this? Champagne all the way.”

  The housekeeper made the rounds, distributing the bubbling beverages and placing the platters of food on the coffee table. Even Sydney roused herself and accepted some sparkling cider. She gave Jada a soft smile and apologetic wave, as though she was sorry to have fallen asleep.

  Christopher got to his feet once everyone had a glass in-hand. “We have a lot to celebrate today,” he began. “‘Infinite’ debuted at number three on the charts,” he said, referencing the latest song released from The Void’s album Eternal Muse. “‘Miracle Worker’ and ‘Not Mine’ are both hanging in the top thirty. House of Archer continues to sit in the top slot on the network’s rankings. An international tour is in the works for next summer. We just had two weddings and we’ll be adding to our little family at the end of April.”

  Here, he tipped his glass towards Sydney, who smiled and leaned so her cheek was resting on Keith’s shoulder. Keith turned and brushed his lips against the top of Sydney’s head in an almost absent show of tenderness that immediately made Jada’s heart warm towards him.

  “And last but certainly not least,” Christopher continued, “we’re welcoming Jada to the team to help us grow even more. Jada, we appreciate all of the time you’ve dedicated to The Void over the past couple months and we look forward to seeing everything you can achieve with us. Today we celebrate you.”

  Everyone lifted their glasses and touched them to the glasses near theirs. Jada clinked glasses with Christopher first since he stood beside her, then turned and touched her glass to Xander’s extended one. He winked at her.

  “We’re all lookin’ forward to workin’ with you,” he said, taking a drink of his champagne.

  His deep voice sent a shiver of awareness through her. Why did it feel like he was touching her even though they were still separated by a couple of feet? She couldn’t look at him too long without her thoughts turning inappropriate. It had been a problem since she first met him. She liked to think she was learning to work around it though. All she had to do was remind herself that Xander liked women—a lot—so her attraction to him was nothing special.

  “Some of us would like to take you to dinner to celebrate,” he said. “Anywhere you want.”

  Jada wasn’t about to turn down a free meal. “That’s very kind of you. I’d like that.”

  “I wish we could go with you,” Lily said, “but Archer and I are leaving in an hour. We’ll have to celebrate with you when we get back from our honeymoon.”

  “Of course,” Jada said.

  “I have to extend my regrets on the dinner as well,” Christopher said. “I’ve got a meeting I couldn’t reschedule. But I’ll be there in spirit.”

  Everyone was so gracious, she thought as she joined them in partaking of the appetizers. She had probably spent a total of five or six hours with the band in its entirety in the course of her sporadic shadowing opportunities. In that time, she had learned how loyal they all were to each other. House of Archer was edited to make the public think otherwise. It had taken her a while to understand that. She wondered what else she might learn in her new role.

  It took a heroic effort on her part not to overindulge on the delicious appetizers. It helped knowing dinner was still to come, and before too long the only people left in the room were her, Lily, and Christopher.

  They discussed the expectations for the position, which would start as part-time with the potential to transition to full-time. Jada would support Lily with the band’s social media efforts, going with the band to various engagements, taking photos and video, and helping come up with creative ways to engage the fans. The role would also require her to sign an updated nondisclosure as well as a release form to appear on House of Archer.

  “I know it’s a lot to ask,” Lily said, probably reading Jada’s uncertainty. “You’ll be working with us on some sensitive stuff and there’s no question you’ll end up in show footage, so there’s really no other option.”

  Jada pushed aside her concerns. She’d sign away a kidney to get this job.

  “Since we know this job is more intense and, let’s face it, invasive than most,” Christopher said, “we’re offering a higher rate of pay than the industry standard. Fifteen dollars an hour to start with room to discuss a bump after the ninety-day probationary period.”

  She wished she had more champagne to help moisten her suddenly dry mouth. The thought of negotiating for more didn’t even cross her mind.

  “That sounds fair,” she said, pleased her voice didn’t come out in a squeak.

  Lily leaned forward and took another one of the chocolate-covered strawberries from a platter. “There’s more. With me unexpectedly leaving on my honeymoon, I need to see if you might be able to step in right away. I understand you have another job, but do you think you could spare time every day to do some Void social media in my absence? We’ll pay your hourly rate up to forty hours per week until I get back.”

  The idea of lying to save face briefly crossed Jada’s mind. She dismissed the thought almost instantly. The Void had a top-notch security team working with them. If they hadn’t already done a thorough background check on her, they would most certainly do it once she officially became an employee.

  “Actually, I haven’t been working at my other job for a little while now,” she admitted. “So I’m free and clear to do whatever you need while you’re on your honeymoon.”

  Lily’s brief look of surprise transitioned into relief. “Thank goodness! That’s a big load off my shoulders. You’re a real lifesaver, Jada.”

  “You’ll receive an e-mail from Millie in my office with the employment paperwork,” Christopher said. “I know this is all coming at you fast, but if you could take the time to complete the paperwork as quickly as possible, that’ll make paying you a whole lot easier.”

  Jada smiled. “No problem.”

  They spent the next thirty minutes reviewing Lily’s social media plan for the next two weeks. Jada took careful notes on her phone and felt confident she could handle it.

  When it came time for Lily and Archer to head to the airport, everyone else piled into their cars to drive to the restaurant for Jada’s celebration dinner. She’d chosen a Mediterranean restaurant that she loved both for its food and its location. As they all pulled into the uninspiring strip mall parking lot, however, she worried the band would find her choice questionable. They were all surely used to much finer dining.

  Oh, well. There wasn’t any use second-guessing now that they were already there.

  As it turned out, no one seemed concerned as they headed into the restaurant to find a table. They were all too busy talking amongst themselves, including Jada in their conversation. Soon they all sat around a circular table reserved for large groups like theirs. Rosemary sat to Jada’s left and Xander to her right. They were close enough in the small restaurant that Jada felt the heat from his body against the side of her thigh.

  Once again she felt hyper-aware of him. Once again she reminded herself that he was a player in every sense of the word.

  “I’ve wanted to try this place for ages,” Rosemary said as she scanned the menu.

  “Their falafel is the best I’ve ever had,” Jada advised.

  Rosemary closed her menu. “Sold.”

  “What else is good here?” Xander asked.

  Jada looked over at him. His soulful eyes drew her in so much that she almost forgot the question. She had to turn her focus to his lightly-stubbled chin to regain her senses. When he gave her a crooked grin, she knew he was well aware of her reaction to him.

  “Do you like lamb?” she asked.

  “Don’t know that I’ve ever had it.”

  Her eyebrows lifted and she forgot to avoid his gaze. “Allow me to educate you.”

  It turned out to be a fun time for everyone. Xander wasn’t the only one who hadn’t eaten much Mediterranean cuisine. Rosemary and Jada, being the experts among them, helped guide the others through the menu. They end
ed up ordering a number of dishes family style so everyone could try them.

  The conversation flowed freely throughout the meal. Jada found herself wishing the evening would never end. It seemed all too soon that everyone walked out to their cars to head home.

  Jada merely headed to her car.

  Home, sweet home, she thought with a sigh as she settled into the driver’s seat. When she was sure the rest of the band had gone and no one else in the parking lot was paying her any attention, she lowered the sun visor and looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror.

  “Great job,” she told herself. “You busted your ass for this. You deserve it. Now stick with it and don’t ever fucking give up.”

  Once upon a time, she would have felt sorry for herself that she was the only one she could turn to for support and encouragement, especially for such a huge moment. Now she chose to look at the bright side. At least she wouldn’t ever let herself down.

  The restaurant closed an hour later. When the night manager turned the lock and spotted her sitting in her car, he frowned and headed over to her. She obligingly rolled down her window.

  “Hey, Nico,” she greeted him.

  “Hi, J,” he said, stopping a few feet from her car. “Been awhile.”

  “Yeah, it has. Listen, I need a favor.”

  “J...”

  “Please, Nico? I swear it’s just for tonight. I was actually here celebrating my new job.”

  That had the discomfort easing from Nico’s expression. “Is that right?”

  “It is. I’ll only be mobile another couple weeks until I get my first paycheck. ‘Til then I just want to make sure I’m somewhere safe to sleep at night. This is a well-lit parking lot and I know you won’t call the cops on me.”

  “Well...”

  The faint sound of a throat clearing had Nico glancing over the roof of her car. Jada turned to her left to see who had interrupted. When she saw a camo T-shirt tucked into a pair of khaki cargo pants, her spine stiffened. Xander was too tall for her to see his face but there was no mistaking that spectacular body.

  Had he heard their conversation?

  “Hey, man,” Xander said to Nico. “You work here?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I think I left my phone earlier. Can you help me out?”

  “Of course.”

  Nico immediately turned and walked back to the restaurant, fishing his keys out of his pocket as he went. Jada forced herself to stay calm. Xander had been standing on the far side of her car and that window hadn’t been open. He probably hadn’t heard anything, she assured herself.

  She heard the sound of his heavy boots crunching gravel as he strolled over to her side of the car. It was impossible not to notice how gracefully he moved, like a powerful predator. Her hands gripped the steering wheel for no good reason other than she didn’t know what else to do with them. She swallowed audibly as Xander placed a hand on the roof of her car and leaned over so he was looking in her window. He was so close she could smell the mouth-watering scent of his aftershave.

  “Hey there, Jada,” he said casually. “Or should I call you J?”

  Fuck. He’d heard everything.

  Her eyes refused to meet his. She stayed focused on the window leading into the restaurant as she willed Nico to hurry out with the cell phone.

  “Either is fine,” she said, attempting to sound blasé. “Forgot your phone, huh?”

  “Yep. So you gonna explain what I walked in on here or am I supposed to guess?”

  She wanted to snap that it was none of his business but knew she couldn’t. Technically he and the rest of the band were her bosses. She wasn’t about to lose this job over a matter of pride before it had even officially begun. Gauging him based on the limited time she’d spent with him, she decided that honesty was the best policy.

  “Look, I’m between places right now,” she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “I lost my last job due to...difficult circumstances. Funds are tight. I swear this won’t impact my ability to do my job.”

  His brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you mention this before?”

  Her back teeth set and she had to force her jaw to release. “Because it’s my business,” she said, deliberately cool. “And it doesn’t hinder my ability to do my job. You’ve had no complaints so far, have you?”

  “How long have you...?” He trailed off as he studied her expression. “You know what? Never mind. That’s not important. You can stay with me.”

  She felt her entire chest give a solid thunk. “Huh?”

  Nico finally emerged from the restaurant, locking the door behind him. “Is this your phone?” he asked as he got closer, holding up an iPhone with an Air Force logo on the case.

  “That’s it. Thanks, man,” Xander said, accepting it from him.

  “Sure.” Nico glanced at Jada. “Um, as for your request, J...”

  “Don’t worry about that,” Xander said. “We’re good here.”

  Jada felt her ears growing hot with anger. “Now just a minute—”

  “Do you really think I’ll let a fellow Void team member spend the night in a parking lot when I’ve got a perfectly good spare room?”

  She sensed no judgment in his tone or his gaze. He had presented the question so sensibly and had referred to her as a Void team member so nonchalantly that she found all of her anger and resistance fading.

  “Just for tonight,” she said.

  “We’ll start with that,” Xander agreed.

  She frowned. “I meant—”

  “You can follow me into the parking garage,” he said as though she hadn’t just spoken. “I’ve got two reserved spots but only use one. So just park next to me on the right.”

  Turning to Nico, he gave him a small two-finger salute. “Thanks again. Loved the food by the way. I’ll definitely be back.”

  Nico beamed. “Thank you! We’re on Uber Eats too.”

  “Even better.”

  Jada watched the interaction as she struggled to find her voice and her pride. She couldn’t just stay the night with Xander Phillips, the notorious playboy, even if it was in a spare room. He was practically her boss. It was all kinds of inappropriate. And where did he get off thinking he could just order her to stay with him?

  The arguments running through her head were all valid.

  The idea of a hot shower and a comfortable bed overrode them all.

  That was why she found herself starting her car and following Xander out of the strip mall’s parking lot. It was why she managed to turn her car into the parking garage of the building where he lived instead of turning around. It was why she pulled into the parking spot he’d told her to and turned off the car’s ignition.

  Then she sat there staring at the concrete wall of the garage in front of her wondering what had possessed her. This was insane. And, okay, more than a little humiliating.

  Xander rapped a knuckle against her window. “Pop your trunk,” he said. “I’ll carry your bag up.”

  She didn’t know how he knew she had a bag ready to go for situations like this. Once again, though, he’d said it so matter-of-factly and with such authority that she didn’t think to argue. She just popped the trunk and opened her door, collecting her purse before stepping out to join him behind her car. He lifted her single suitcase like it weighed nothing.

  “Need anything else?” he asked.

  Wordlessly, she grabbed the small bag she used in gas station restrooms to take care of her personal grooming needs. After she stepped back, he closed the trunk.

  “This way,” he said, placing a hand on the small of her back to direct her towards an elevator.

  Her dress had a low keyhole back, so his fingers brushed her bare skin. It felt like he’d branded her. Her skin flushed hot over the innocent contact. She stepped away from him, certain she would do something stupid like throw herself at him if she didn’t.

  He appeared oblivious to her behavior. “I’m on three,” he said as they reached the elevator and he p
ushed the button. “Usually take the stairs, but I don’t have to wear heels like those.”

  The grin he flashed her made her heart do a slow spiral. It was easy to see why so many women fell victim to his charms.

  Not me, she vowed. That’s the last thing I need.

  “I appreciate the consideration,” she said, hoping he understood that she meant more than just the decision to take the elevator.

  “I got you,” he said.

  She could have chosen to read all kinds of things into those three words, especially when she saw the teasing light had faded from his eyes. Thankfully the elevator arrived, giving her a reason to look away. It was best not to infer or draw conclusions. She hardly knew him.

  He shared a few details about the building as they walked from the elevator to his condo. She only listened with half an ear. After all, she’d only be staying the one night.

  It was hard not to be impressed with the condo itself. She loved the clean lines and contemporary feel of the place. A short hallway off the foyer led to the living space with a fully appointed galley-style kitchen to the right and a cozy eating area to the left. Just beyond the eating area was a spacious family room decorated in warm browns, beiges, and creams with a few pops of color in the artwork and accent pieces. On the other side of the condo were two bedrooms and a bonus room clearly dedicated to music based on the brief glimpse she got as Xander walked her to the guest room.

  Her eyes widened when they entered the room where she’d be sleeping. It was large enough that she would have assumed it was the master. The queen-sized bed had a wood headboard that ran the entire height of the wall, drawing attention to the high ceilings. It had a soft cream comforter and decorative pillows in shades of aqua, taupe, and cream. There were even two scoop chairs on the far side of the room. Xander walked over to one and set her suitcase on it.

  “There’s a guest bath right around the corner,” he said. “It’s all yours. Make yourself comfortable.”

  Jada had never found it easy to accept help. She wasn’t sure why Xander somehow made it simple, as though this arrangement was perfectly natural. There was something both touching and dangerous about that.