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- Chapter Six -

Bach

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She wasn't the firstwoman to walk into my kitchen after sun-up. I kept telling myself that, even as my pulse raced the longer she stayed near me. She wasn't even dressed sexy! She'd thrown her wet hair up in a lazy loop, her bare feet leaving damp smudges on my perfectly clean floors.

My eyes drifted over the delightful expression of surprise plastered on her face. I needed her to speak; the silence made me too aware of how the air around us was growing hot and heavy.

She licked her lips, I watched her tongue intently. "You're saying," she began, "That Violet arranged for me to stay in your personal home?"

"It was easier this way. I'm going to need to work closely with you to make sure you're ready."

"Ready forwhat?"

My glass dripped condensation onto my arm, I ignored it. "Violet didn't tell you?"

"She didn't get a chance to talk to me," she mumbled. "I fell asleep after we got here yesterday. I was pretty exhausted."

So, the responsibility falls to me.Did Violet intend for that? Maybe she suspected the offer would mean more from my lips than hers.

Pulling out one of the stools next to the counter, I motioned Amina closer. She grabbed a blueberry muffin, settling beside me. Briefly, her eyes flicked over my body. That thrilled me; her stare when she'd first seen me this morning hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Amina, it's clear that Beats and Blast—that I—am interested in signing you. I know you know that."

"I wouldn't have flown out here otherwise."

Her honesty was refreshing. "However, as good as you are... and youaregood..." The memory of her haunting voice pushed pins into my guts. "There's more to being a top performer than just a great voice."

"Sure," she agreed slowly.

I leaned away, throwing my arm over the back of the stool. "Have you heard of the SoCal Artist Awards?" Her head swung side to side. "It's a gigantic show, and a great opportunity, especially for a new artist."

Her coal-black eyes went wide. "You want me to try and win an award?"

"Ineedyou to win an award."