More Than You Know Read Online Free PDF Page B

hadn’t for a long time. But if she could have thought one up, this scenario would come close. A breathtakingly handsome man with lots of money walks into her gig and offers her the job of a lifetime? She would have laughed out loud if she weren’t choking so embarrassingly.
    Over her coughing fit, she heard Dane ask Hallie for a glass of water, which was placed before her seconds later.
    â€œDrink that,” Dane commanded, watching her. The look on his face was a combination of amusement, concern, and a hint of smugness. It made her want to growl.
    She took a few deep breaths, then drank slowly. She downed half the glass. “Dammit,” she muttered. She swallowed hard, trying to soothe the scratchy tickle in the back of her throat. “I still have to sing my last set. What are you trying to do, see how I perform under less-than-ideal conditions?”
    He laughed, which made her temper burn. “No, Julia. I’m not trying to sabotage you. I’m trying to get you to work for me.”
    She took a few more sips of water, a stalling tactic as her mind raced. Quit her job? Be able to sing for a living? Only work three nights a week for double what she was making now? Jesus H. Christmas, that was some offer.
    If only she trusted it.
    She didn’t trust this smooth, charming, smoking-hot man any further than she could throw him. “I can’t just say yes right away. I want to google you, check you out too. See you’re who you say you are, that this hotel really exists, do my homework.”
    He nodded slowly, a flicker of something in his amazingly blue eyes. Respect. “I’d expect nothing less. And know that of course, a legal written contract will be drawn up once you agree. You can have your attorney look it over before you sign anything. But a verbal agreement would be a great start. Is that a yes?”
    â€œNot yet, Prince Charming,” she said staunchly. She wished as fast as her brain was spinning, it would actually work. She was too shocked to think clearly, couldn’t put things together at the moment, and hoped she didn’t appear as flustered as she felt.
    A movement near the front of the room caught her eye. Kelvin had poked his head out from the back hallway to wave to her. A c’mon, let’s go, back to work wave. She lifted her arm and waved for him to come to the bar. Kelvin’s brows furrowed, but he started heading toward her.
    She turned back to Dane. He leaned against the bar casually, like he’d just offered her a drink instead of a possibly six-figure job opportunity that was a dream come true. Cool, she snapped at herself. Play it cool. Do this right.
    â€œLet me ask you something,” she said. “The accompanist. A professional musician with credentials, yes?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œHave you actually hired one yet?”
    â€œI have three candidates. I was waiting to find the singer, then let her meet with each of them and see who she felt most comfortable working with.”
    Julia gave him a silent gold star. That was a smart way to go. “Great idea, really. But here’s the thing. I’ve worked with Kelvin for over twenty years, more or less. You won’t find someone much better than him. I want him to come with me.”
    At that moment, Kelvin appeared at her side. “Where we goin’, honey?”
    â€œHopefully, to my hotel.” Dane flashed a smile and extended his hand. “Dane Harrison. Nice to meet you, Kelvin.”
    â€œLikewise.” Kelvin shook his hand, but turned back to his friend. “Julia? What’s going on? Fill me in here.”
    â€œI’ve offered Julia a job,” Dane said before she could answer. “I want her to sing in the lounge of the hotel I’m opening in June. Seems she wants you to come with her, as her accompanist. I’ve seen and heard enough here tonight to know you’re damn good, so I’m game. Want to hear about