For a while Nate wondered if he’d initially been drawn to Mia because he felt compelled to rescue her from her sister’s clutches. When Mia was around Ivy, she was a quiet mouse in the corner, fetching herbal tea, being ready with Ivy’s favorite snack, loosening her tension with a quick shoulder massage. And it had bothered Nate that Ivy treated Mia like an employee instead of a sister. She never seemed to appreciate how Mia’s kind and thoughtful behavior went above and beyond the role of personal assistant.
“I don’t like the way we left things between us,” Nate declared, taking a step in her direction.
Mia took a matching step backward. “You asked for something I couldn’t give you.”
“I asked you to come with me to Las Vegas. I wanted to spend more time getting to know you.”
“It was all happening was too fast. We’d barely known each other two months.” She’d delivered the same excuse three weeks ago and it rang as hollow now as it had then. “And I couldn’t leave Ivy.”
“She could’ve found another assistant.” He’d said the same thing the morning after the tour ended. The night after she’d stayed with him until the sun crested the horizon.
Their last stop had been Sydney. Following his final encore, Nate had made sure Ivy was busy and then stolen Mia away to a romantic hotel suite overlooking the harbor. They’d sipped champagne, toasted each other, laughed and made love for the first time. But as sunlight filled the room Mia was on the phone with Ivy, making excuses for where she’d been.
“I’m not just her assistant, I’m her sister,” Mia said, now as then. “She needs me.”
I need you.
He wouldn’t repeat the words. It wouldn’t do any good. She’d still choose obligation to her sister over being happy with him. And he couldn’t figure out why.
“Your sister is a spoiled brat.” Frustration and impatience got the better of him. “The only reason I agreed to work on her album is because of you.”
Mia’s beautiful brown eyes went round with shock, and although her mouth dropped open, no words emerged.
Her phone rang, interrupting the heavy silence between them. “It’s Ivy.” She looked almost relieved by the interruption. “I should get this.”
Nate had grown weary of her sister coming between them. He crossed his arms over his chest and let sarcasm slide into his tone. “By all means, take it.”
To his surprise, she put the phone on speaker. “Hey Ivy, I’m with Nate right now and you’re on speaker.”
After a short pause, Ivy’s soprano voice came over the line. “Hi, Nate. Has Mia apologized for me missing the meeting and asked if you could meet for a drink later to chat about my album?”
Mia winced and wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“Not yet,” he answered.
“Then I’ll ask.” He could hear the seductive pout in Ivy’s tone. “Please come by my house at eight.”
He understood the invitation for what it was and barely restrained a growl. “If you wanted to talk about your album, you should’ve come by today.”
Mia’s large dark eyes went round with concern. “Don’t upset her,” she told him in sign language.
Nate pretended that he hadn’t seen the plea. While on tour they’d discovered they both knew how to sign. Something he’d used to overcome her reluctance to talk to him. That they’d shared a secret language had drawn them together.
“Didn’t Mia explain that I had a conflict? I’m meeting with a representative for Mayfair Cosmetics. It’s all hush-hush, but they’re looking for the new face to represent their beauty line.”
“Can you meet for dinner?” Mia signed, her eyes worried.
Nate reined in his temper, reminding himself the reason he’d offered to work with Ivy was so he could spend time with Mia and hopefully convince her to pick him over her sister this time.
“How about I make a reservation for dinner at eight,” Nate said.
“Sure. Dinner would be wonderful.”
“I’ll text Mia with the details and this time you’d better show up.” While Mia stared at him in horror, Nate reached out and disconnected the call. “Studio time costs money. I have a dozen artists I’m currently working with. If Ivy’s not going to show up ready to work, then she needs to find a different producer for her album.”
“Oh, no, please. She’s counting on working with you.” Mia was breathless and anxious. “I’ll make sure she’s where she needs to be exactly when you say.”
“Promise?”