Every Heart Sings (Serenity Island Series) (12 page)

He cocked his head, studying her. “I’m already going to regret it, aren’t I?”

“I told you to leave that boy alone.” She stormed past him.

Josh caught her wrist and pushed her against the wall. His body pressed against hers in all its half-naked glory—hot skin, sexy muscles, and male scent. He was fuckin’ delicious.

But he was going against her expressed wishes to mentor Tony. That was unacceptable. She couldn’t in good conscience, get into any kind of a relationship with someone who was not looking out for the best interests of her nephew.

Nope. Just couldn’t do it.

He claimed her mouth in a soul-melting kiss that had her grasping for equilibrium that had nothing to do with breathing and everything to do with how badly he pushed her off-kilter.

She pulled back, but he had her penned in, her head bumped the wall and yet he wouldn’t back down. Nor did she really want him to. His kiss said he wouldn’t let her retreat angry. She got the message.

But she sure as hell wouldn’t let him bully her, either. She bit down on his lower lip. He yelped and stepped back. She gave him a little shove that gave her a few inches of breathing room.

“Back off, you big lug. I told you to leave Tony alone. What part of that didn’t you understand?”

“I never agreed to leave him alone. Sure, I heard your edict.” He stepped in to her again. Eyes hard and unrelenting, wet mouth firm. “But I’m not good with edicts. I don’t take orders from anyone, not when I see what’s best for this boy, when I see myself in him. He’s talented. He’s ambitious. That kid needs me. Whether you like it or not. And if I don’t give him what he wants, he’s going to go out and find it somewhere else with someone less reputable than me.” He leaned in and kissed her mouth hard, his forearms braced on either side of her head against the wall. “And I’m sorry if that bothers you, but that’s the way it’s going to be. It’s me. Or it’s someone like Ben. You decide.”

She glared back at him. Then she forced out a long, pent-up breath. “Fine. You. I choose you. I don’t want Ben anywhere near that boy.”

“Good choice. Because you don’t want to see what Ben pushes, believe me.”

“Great. And he’s on my island. Because of you. I told you this was a bad idea.”

He ignored half of what she’d said. “Now it’s your island?” He smiled, wickedness rampant in his expression.

“Fine. I said, fine. Mentor Tony. But I’m holding you responsible. Do you understand? And I don’t have to like it. Got it?”

Josh nuzzled her neck. “Oh, I do. Perfectly.”

Jordan pushed him. “Tony will be back any minute.”

He stepped back. “Nothing I’m sure the kid hasn’t already seen.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I won’t be that kind of role model for him.”

“Then you better get going, because if you stay a minute longer, I’m going to strip you naked and take you on that bed. He pointed to the king-sized bed behind him.

She glanced at the still sleep-rumpled sheets, again, longing for something she couldn’t have.

“Thanks. I’ll see you later.” She ran for the stairs leading to the rooftop. “But I don’t have to like your attitude.”

“Nope, you sure don’t, babe.”

The word
babe
shot straight through her.

She wasn’t sure what she felt about it. But it sure struck some kind of primal chord deep down inside, one that she’d silenced a long time ago—one that had started jangling the moment Josh Nicodemus had invaded her world and hadn’t stopped since.

Shit. Josh Nicodemus was trouble with a capital T.

Chapter 10

Studios & Contracts

At five-thirty the next morning, Josh was up and showered, brewing his first cup of coffee and sipping the steaming mug of Joe on his rooftop patio while he waited for Tony to arrive. It had been a while since he’d seen this side of five a.m., but he wasn’t opposed to it.

It’s what his profession demanded right now. Long hours poured into the creation of a new album. And he’d do whatever it took to get it done. He’d never been afraid of working hard to get what he wanted in life. He’d learned to make his own destiny, not wait for it to find him.

He’d been in control of his own career since he was eighteen years old, arriving in L.A. with no music contacts and no leads about how to get what he wanted most in life.

Yes, he could attribute a lot to talent, and even to chance or luck, whatever you wanted to call it—that the right person had heard his music and been willing to give him a chance at just the right moment. Ben would say Josh was as big as he was because of him. But Josh knew better. Yes, Ben had given him his big break. He’d taken a chance on a no-name kid with more passion than industry sense, but Josh had learned quickly.

So could Tony.

He understood Tony’s drive and he could help the kid navigate these treacherous waters. No matter what Jordan thought. The kid just needed some guidance and a big break. Josh intended to give him both. And if that caused a rift in any future interactions with the sexy former child star-turned café owner, then so be it. He wouldn’t have a lasting impact on Jordan Drake; he could make a difference in Luke Alexander’s kid’s life. And he liked that idea.

Josh leaned on the railing. The brisk ocean breeze frisked his hair and tugged at his T-shirt and cargo shorts. He loved that he had no one pushing him, prodding him to do whatever it was they felt was the next necessary step in his career.

And he liked Serenity—the people were genuine, real in a way he’d forgotten. Where people liked you and wanted to help you for no reason other than you needed it. He’d grown up in a small town, in rural Kentucky. The people there had always been the same way, only at eighteen, he’d seen it as a negative, as confining. Now, he saw it for what it was—people taking care of their own. And he liked that.

He finished his coffee and returned inside to survey the apartment space while he waited for Tony.

First, he needed to get the studio up and running. He couldn’t neglect the album. That’s what Tony would help him with today, clear out old, unneeded furniture and clutter that had accumulated downstairs in the extra room at the back of the café.

Tony would also help him figure out what he needed yet to add to the space, what walls would need to be erected to create a recording booth big enough for several artists, in case he wanted the band to come out.

Yes, he’d need a professional to do most of the work, but he had construction experience from when he first moved to L.A., so he knew what it would take, what it should cost, and exactly what he needed. He hoped Jordan could help him with that contact.

Speaking of Jordan, the stubborn, infuriating woman drove him nuts. He’d been ready to push her yesterday, after he’d apologized. He’d absolutely needed to apologize for being a dick. He knew better. His mother would have been appalled that he treated anyone, let alone a lady the way he had the day before. He’d done what was right. So why did he still feel uneasy?

Now that they both understood there was no lasting future relationship, the field was wide open for casual sex, as far as he was concerned, right? He’d been about to find out if she felt the same way when Tony had made his untimely entrance.

Later. He’d pursue her later. Because she was right, this thing between them, this crazy attraction wasn’t going to go away any time soon, especially if they didn’t get it out of their systems. It would just burn brighter and hotter, eventually consuming them both.

For now, he’d focus on what he needed to do to advance his music career. Hell. To keep it at all, if Ben and Howard, the record company exec, were right about the label dropping him if he didn’t fulfill his contracted agreement with them within the next month or so. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if that happened, he’d find someone else, but that’s not what he wanted to do right now and he didn’t want to get a name for himself in the industry as someone who didn’t produce on time or within contract. He didn’t like divos—those high-maintenance male performers who made ridiculous demands, then didn’t fulfill their promises. And that’s what he’d become if he got a name for not producing. He wouldn’t let that happen.

A tap sounded on the door leading to the rooftop. Tony.

“Hey, bud. How are you?”

“Good.”

“You’re on time. That’s the first thing you need to learn about being a good performer. Always be on time. It will set you apart, and you’ll never hold a performance up.”

“So what’s on the agenda for today?”

“We need to inventory the equipment I had shipped here. Make sure we got everything we need for sound recording—I had my computer, so we’ve got the recording device and sequencing software, I had several good condenser microphones shipped. I’ll need one for each instrument and each vocal in my band. We should have a pop filter for the vocal mics.”

“What’s a pop filter?”

“It’s nylon stretched over a hoop that goes in front of a mic to diffuse the popping sounds a microphone picks up when vocalists sing those consonants like P and S.”

“Cool. So what do you want me to do?”

“Let’s start by making a list of what we have to set up a professional recording studio. Then we’ll sit down and discuss design. We’ll need to talk to a contractor today. The studio has to be operational within a week.”

“Sounds good.” Tony squared his shoulders and stood up taller.

Josh handed Tony a notebook and pen. “Here, you inventory what we have so far. I’ll call out the items.”

They began making a list of everything Ben delivered yesterday.

Josh’s cell phone went off in his pocket. “Bad to the Bone” ringtone played. Ben. He didn’t really want to talk to his manager yet. But he knew better than to put Ben off indefinitely.

Plus, he was on the island somewhere. So he had to keep tabs on him.

“Be right back, Tony. I need to take this call.” Josh stepped into his bedroom and shut the door.

Then he walked into the interior bathroom before he spoke to his manager. “Hey, Ben. J.D. at The Down Dog Café told me you’d stopped in. Thanks for dropping the equipment off in person. You didn’t need to do that.”

“Personal touch. It matters.”

“Yeah. Well, I didn’t want to imposition you, that’s why I’d arranged for a shipping company to deliver it.”

“No need to do that, especially when I’m still in the area.” Ben paused, wind blowing across the phone created some loud static. “Where are you?”

“Working.” He wasn’t about to tell Ben he was right where he’d dropped the equipment. “I thought you were headed back to L.A.?”

“I’d like to meet up. Talk about your current project. Make sure you’re on track.”

“Generous offer. Thanks.” Josh looked out the window at the sea churning on the horizon. “No need to worry yourself. I think I’m good.”

“Seriously, Josh. You can’t do this. You can’t just go AWOL on me on this project. It’s too important. It’s not only your career and future riding on this—it’s mine, too.”

“I know that.” Josh huffed, a frustrated breath. “I know exactly how many people depend on my continued success. I don’t forget it for one single moment. I’m not going off-track, Ben.”

“All right, kid. Settle down,” Ben soothed, in his most calming voice, trying, as always, to manage and placate Josh.

“I know exactly what I’m doing—I’m meeting my contractual obligations. Period. You and Howard will have nothing to quibble over.”

“We never do. We love your music, Josh. Nicodemus is hot.”

“Well, I’m making sure there’s not an issue. I got a copy of the contract right here beside me. I know exactly what it is I promised to deliver and by when. You have nothing to worry about.” He’d called his lawyer, a friend of Ben’s, to get a copy of his contract. He’d needed to know the exact wording of what he owed Ben and Capital Records.

“What do you mean you got a copy of the contract? What? You don’t trust me now?”

Josh scowled. “No. I never said that, Ben.” That was just a weird leap for Ben to make. For some strange reason, Ben acted like Josh was threatening him. “I totally trust you, I just wanted to make sure I give you what you and Howard want. The contract spells out the limits of the record deal. That’s all I needed to check.”

“Damn it, Josh. Why are you doing this? We always work on your albums together. You can’t do this without me.”

Josh paused. “Really? You can say that to me after all these years, when I’m the one with the musical talent here? Ben, you manage me. You know, better than anyone, everything I’ve done and do to push ahead my own career. You’ve been like family to me. And family trusts family.” Josh could feel his anger rising. This situation continued to nettle him. Damn. He hated the tension between him and Ben. The constant drama.

“I know. I know. You’re right.” Ben backed off. “I just like to know that you need me.”

“Yes, I do. To help manage business I can’t take the time to manage on my own. Writing music and lyrics is not something I need you to help me with, never have, so I don’t know why you’re getting so clingy, Ben.”

“I’m just worried about you, kid.” Ben’s voice dropped. He sounded tired.

“I get that. But, believe me, I’m better right now than I’ve been in years. Certainly better than when I was on tour—after only almost a week away in a quiet place, I’m finding a renewed sense of creativity—a reason to write again. So give me some time. I need to work this album out, then I want to bring the band to me, create a demo, so you and Howard can hear it. I think you’ll be pleased. My fans are going to love it.”

Josh didn’t let his self-doubt come out in his voice. If he did, Ben would be all over it in a heartbeat.

Never show weakness.
Ever. That was Josh’s motto. He’d learned his lesson well at his grandfather’s knee. Saul Cohen had been the first to teach him the importance of not showing weakness and not giving in to what someone else thought about you—or letting it direct your career. It had been a hard lesson. But he’d learned it well. The hard way.

Josh wasn’t at all sure his regular fans would love this new album. For once, he was going for the emotional jugular—tapping into the universal themes of love and hurt and healing Joe-America experienced every day.

However, Ben didn’t need to know any of this right now. He’d deliver the album. When it was a done deal, then Ben would hear it. Not before.

“At least tell me where you are. I need to see for myself that you’re okay.”

“Nope. You’re just going to have a little faith in me, Ben. I’ll contact you when I’m ready. Sorry, bud.”

“Fine.” Ben blew a labored breath. “But I don’t like it.”

“Fair enough.” Josh heard Ben grunting. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to get out my front door. Damned dilapidated hotel. No hot water. The front door sticks. The A/C just stops working when it wants. I about boiled last night. North Carolina summer nights are not pleasant without air conditioning.”

“Why don’t you go home, Ben? Seriously. No need to suffer. I’m not going to back down on this one. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

“I might just do that.” He gasped on the other end of the phone, and then gave a shout of triumph. “Got it. I’m going to try to find a way into town to get some food, and then I’ll make my decision about what to do next. Don’t worry about me.”

Josh did worry. He was worried that Ben would accidently find him before he was willing to be found. Damn. He needed to make sure that didn’t happen and that he was out-of-the-way for the day. That didn’t go along with his plans. He wanted to contract someone to build his studio. Pronto.

“All right, Ben. Good luck. I’ll be in touch.”

“You do that. Anything you need, I’m right there.”

“Got it.” Josh remembered the last thing he’d asked Ben to look into. “Did you find out any information on Luke Alexander and why his son and wife aren’t receiving royalties from his work?”

“No. I haven’t had much time to inquire.”

Bullshit. Ben did what he wanted when he wanted and this wasn’t an important issue for him. “Well, instead of trying to track me down and corner me for some kind of creative lecture where you whip my muse into shape, I’d recommend you find the answer to this question, because it’s top on my list of priorities and if I need to do this myself, I’m afraid something is going to suffer, if you get my drift.”

“Sure, sure. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I’ll make some calls, find out the information you need. You just focus on that album.”

“I’ll do my job. You do yours. Deal?”

Ben didn’t say anything for a long minute. “I’ll make some calls about Alexander. No promises, though. I have a feeling the money is wrapped up in his estate. Didn’t I hear he died a few years ago?”

“More than a few, Ben. And nothing should be held up in probate that long.”

“All right, all right, just give me some time to figure this out.”

“Call me when you find something.” Josh signed off.

Josh couldn’t figure out why Ben was being so cagey about this task. It was a simple inquiry. Find out who’d been Luke’s manager and agent at the time the contracts were signed. Follow the paper trail.

Simple. So simple Josh was tempted to make his own phone calls. Hell, he could even ask Grace. Only he didn’t know her well and didn’t want to upset her. If Ben didn’t do the job he paid him to do, he’d find out himself, and start looking for a new manager who could take orders. Family or not. Enough was enough. Josh was in charge, not Ben.

They both needed to start acting like it.

Josh walked into the other room.