A Malibu Kind Of Romance

“Setback, failure, call it what you want. We need another big opening,” Evette said.

“Yes, but we also just landed two new clients, and those projects are going to take a lot of effort. We are on the verge of needing one more agent.”

Evette raised her pointer and middle fingers. “Two.”

“Fine, we need two more people to handle the workload. It’s not a good time for me to hop on a plane and fly across the country to open a new nightclub.”

Evette took a deep breath, which meant she was trying hard to think about Julie’s arguments instead of just blowing her off. “I hear what you’re saying, but I think this is the perfect time. If you open a nightclub associated with Raymond, and it’s successful, it will wash away the mess that was Miami and get us in the playing field on the West Coast. The jerks at Nexon-Jones will lose their minds. Isn’t this why you started this place?”

No truer words were spoken. After leaving Nexon-Jones, Raymond had introduced her to rapper Antwan Harmon, who went by just Antwan. Her attraction to Antwan was immediate; she’d fallen for his swagger and intensity, and was even a little thrilled by his street appeal. When he’d stopped talking with Nexon-Jones about opening a club in Atlanta and trusted her to open the place instead, she’d fallen in love. She’d stolen a major client from her former employer and found the man she’d spend the rest of her life with. The former thought had worked out, the latter not so much. Opening night, she’d found out she was just one of many women in love with Antwan.

Her heartbreak was coupled with the knowledge that her former boss started spreading the word that she’d only landed Antwan’s account because she was sleeping with him. She’d also heard that some blamed her for making the decision about the Miami club because of her “relationship” with the client. Now she made sure to keep a very wide distance between her and any person she worked for.

“I’d feel guilty if I left you alone in the midst of this.”

“Girl, quit being crazy. We’ve already narrowed down the agents we want to interview. I’ll handle bringing on the new agents.”

“I wanted to be involved.”

“Why? You don’t trust my judgment?” Evette asked without any indication that she believed the statement.

“Of course I do,” Julie said with sincerity. She trusted Evette more than anyone. “If this pans out, I’ll be out there for several months, at least until the club is opened.”

“You can come back once or twice a month if it gets really crazy back here. Let go of some of that control freak, and go get us more business. Besides, isn’t the point of having a famous friend is so he can help you out?”

“Says who?”

“Says me. Let your friendship with Raymond be useful for once.”

Julie chuckled and leaned back in the chair. “I don’t know why you dislike him so much. Raymond has been a great friend. He helped me out when I was turning into a poor, sad basket case. He taught me how to—”

“Guard your heart,” Evette finished with a hand wave. “I know. You and those crazy dating rules.”

“They aren’t crazy. I got caught up in that relationship with Antwan and thought there was more to us than there was. You remember how pathetic I was. If it weren’t for Raymond schooling me on the way men think, I would’ve fallen for more pitiful lines and believed I was in a relationship with a guy when I was actually a booty call.”

“Raymond’s so-called education—” Evette made air quotes with her fingers “—has given you a convenient excuse to keep men at arm’s length.”

“I date.” Julie shrugged. “Guys love me. Unfortunately, they love me for all the wrong reasons.”

The few celebrity men she met were just as conceited and into playing games as Antwan. She preferred dating men outside the entertainment industry. Sadly, the few she had dated either played the same games or thought she was a good route to meeting famous people.

“Guys love trying to break through the wall you’ve surrounded yourself with. You’re a challenge.”

“Which is ten times better than being an easy conquest.”

“I still think Raymond’s education is just a way for him to keep you single.”

This time Julie waved away Evette’s words. “We’re just friends, Evette. For the hundredth time, Raymond only gives advice on men when I ask for it, and he’s spot-on every time. He’s not keeping me single—the lack of available men is keeping me single.”

Evette grunted. “I can’t argue with that. Anyway, back to my original point. If Raymond wants you to oversee opening his nightclub—regardless of how busy we are here—I think you should go. At least see what his plans are and make sure it’s worth our time.”

“There’s one more little thing.”

“What’s that?”

Julie studied her perfectly polished nails. “He’s opening the place with Dante Wilson.” Her voice was blasé when she knew this news would shatter any sense of calm Evette had.

Evette slapped her desk with both hands, her eyes as wide as saucers. “Dante Wilson?” Julie nodded. “The Dante Wilson? Mr. I Can Sing, Dance and Play a Dozen Instruments Dante Wilson? Dante Wilson of W. M. Records, whose parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were music legends?”

Julie chuckled. “The one and same.”

Evette pointed at Julie. “You’re getting on that plane, today, and you’re checking out this lead. Why didn’t you say that first?”

“Because I didn’t want it to sway your decision. This is huge, but if you had any hesitation about handling the two new accounts, hiring new staff and our current projects while I was on the West Coast, I would have said no.”

Evette took another deep breath. “Julie, I appreciate you thinking of me, seriously, but if you are not in Malibu by the end of the week, I swear I’m going to strangle you.” Her calm tone gave way to excitement by the end of the sentence.

Julie grinned and stood. “No need for violence. I’ll go back to my office and finally click Submit.”

“On what?”

“The purchase of the plane ticket I started buying before coming in here.”

Chapter 3

Julie sat in the backseat of the car Raymond had waiting for her at the airport and reviewed the list of reputable contractors in and around Malibu, California. Paying attention to the details instead of taking in the beautiful sights along the Pacific Coast Highway was proving difficult for her. Between the awe-inspiring mountains and sparkling sea, she really wished she was there for pleasure instead of business. But business was the reason she’d left Evette in Atlanta, so she tore her eyes away from the views and scanned contractor websites.

Picking contractors before actually being vetted as Raymond and Dante’s final partner was presumptuous. Raymond basically wanted her to come and talk about possibly working with them. She’d mainly gotten her jobs by acting as if she already had them. The tactic hadn’t failed her yet.

Later, when the car pulled down one of the gated entrances that she assumed blocked the way to the homes of Hollywood’s rich and famous, her stomach churned like the waves against the bluffs she’d admired on the drive up. She was actually about to meet Dante Wilson. Thanks to her friendship with Raymond and her work opening popular nightclubs, she wasn’t easily starstruck. However, she’d listened to and loved Dante’s music for most of her life. From her preteens through her bad breakup with Antwan, the guy always had a song on the radio rotation that seemed to fit the mood of her life.

She’d dressed nicely for her flight. Albeit her black trousers, white cowl-neck blouse and tailored red blazer were travel worn, she still looked casual but professional. While the driver announced their arrival at the gate, Julie pulled out her compact to double-check her makeup and smooth her hand down the back of her stylish pixie cut.

The gates opened, and the driver maneuvered the car down the long drive and parked in front of a huge stone villa. She would have been impressed by the house and its magnificent views if not for the obvious signs of a party going on. She frowned in confusion when the driver opened the door, where she was greeted by music coming from the back, along with laughter and voices. Three women in skimpy bikinis and two men in board shorts stood out front. Another car pulled up, and the group got in.

She glanced at the driver. “Are we at the right place?”

“Yes, ma’am. This is Dante Wilson’s residence.”

Julie nodded, then turned back to the sounds of revelry coming from the villa. She crossed the stone-tiled entrance to the front door. Julie rang the doorbell, unsure if the chime would even be heard over the sounds of the party. Hell, did she even need to ring the bell?

A guy wearing blue-and-red swim trunks opened the door. “Hey, come on in,” he said, waving her inside.

Julie thanked him, entered the home and immediately felt overdressed. Men in swim trunks and women in bathing suits filled the house. The main area, with tan stone walls, dark walnut floors, modern furnishings and expensive decorations, was completely open to the outside, where a crystal-blue infinity pool overlooked the ocean. Even more people in bathing suits milled around the expansive outdoor living space.

“Are you here for the party?” the guy asked.

“Umm, I’m meeting with Raymond,” she said.

“Oh, come on—he’s out by the pool.”

Julie followed him through the crowd out to the pool. “He’s there.” He pointed.

Raymond was in the middle of the pool, playing water polo with several bikini-clad women. Of course he would be. Julie rolled her eyes, but she smiled despite her disappointment that he wasn’t prepared for a real meeting. Raymond would never change. They’d met freshmen year in college at a party. Though she’d flirted with him, she’d turned down his attempts to get her in bed. She’d never felt that way about Raymond. Eventually, their flirty relationship had become a close friendship by the time they graduated and Raymond’s music career kicked off. She knew if there was a party to attend or a good-looking woman to get with, Raymond was there.

Still, as she stood by the pool, sweltering in a blazer while everyone else was clad in swimwear, a strong pull of annoyance that Raymond hadn’t mentioned she would be walking into a pool party and not a business meeting swept through her. She really hoped he wasn’t wasting her time. She loved Raymond like a brother, but she wouldn’t hesitate to wring his neck if he pulled her away from Atlanta over a whim of his.

“Hey, Raymond,” she called. Her voice, and the annoyance in it, carried above the music and female laughter.

Raymond turned away from the game to look her way. His grin widened. “Julie!” he exclaimed with slight surprise.

She worked very hard not to roll her eyes again. The volleyball hit him in the side of the head, and a chorus of chuckles came up from the various women in the pool.

Raymond shook his head and blinked several times. “I’m coming out now.” He swam to the edge of the pool and pulled himself out of the water. Every woman in the pool eyed his muscular body with desire and enthusiasm—chiseled muscles beneath smooth tan skin, a pretty-boy face with green eyes to boot. Julie understood their admiration, though she didn’t share their desire.

He took a few steps to her and tried to hug her. Julie jumped back and held up a hand. “No way, you’re soaking wet.”

Raymond’s eyes flashed with mischief that Julie knew all too well. “I’m serious, Raymond—this is a new blazer, and you can’t mess it up with a chlorine-filled hug.”

He chuckled and edged closer. “I haven’t seen you in ages, and you won’t hug me because of a jacket.”

Julie took a step back. “No, I won’t hug you, but I do feel like punching you.”

That stopped his movement. “What did I do this time?”

Julie raised a brow and looked around. “Ray, I thought we were meeting to discuss business. Instead you’re having a party.”

“Oh, that,” he said with a shrug. “We can still talk.” He waved over a woman lounging nearby. The beauty stood and brought him a towel. “Thanks, baby.” Raymond slapped her behind as she walked away, then wiped the excess water from his face.

“You know, I’d rather talk when you’re not in the middle of an orgy. I’ll check into the hotel, and we can meet up tomorrow.”

She’d booked the hotel suite for a month with plans to extend that or possibly rent someplace if it seemed the club opening would take a long time. If it fell through, she would make Raymond pay any hotel cancellation fees.

“No! Sorry, Julie, this party just kind of happened.”

Julie doubted that. There were too many people here for the party to kind of happen, but she kept that thought to herself. “All the more reason to wait until we can really talk about things.”

“Seriously, we can. Dante is here. I told him you were coming today.”

Julie glanced around at the people present. She recognized some celebrities and reality stars, but Dante wasn’t in the mix.

“He’s inside,” Raymond said. “Come on. At least say hello, since you got all dressed to impress, and then stay and relax for a while.”

“Raymond, I’m here on business, not to relax.”

“Not all business is handled in a boardroom, Julie. Chill out for a second and come meet Dante.”

He took her hand and gently tugged her toward the door. Julie twisted her lip but let him lead her. Honestly, she shouldn’t be surprised that Raymond asked her to meet him to discuss business at the same time Dante “accidentally” threw a party. His fun personality and spontaneity were part of the persona that had turned him into a star.

“How was your flight? Did the driver get to the airport on time? I gave him your arrival and told him to be there on time.” Raymond fired off the questions.

Julie answered those and the half-dozen others Raymond threw her way as they walked through the crowded living area toward the back of the house. His questions reminded her of their college days when he always worried about her walking across campus at night by herself. His concern for her welfare was why she’d eventually viewed him as a brother. His concern grew after her breakup with Antwan. She knew Raymond blamed himself for introducing her to the guy, and she believed that was why he was so forthcoming with her about all the sleazy ways men thought and the tricks they pulled.

In the back of the house, the sounds of the party were replaced by the sound of piano music along with Dante’s smooth tenor singing.

“Let me hold you in my arms. Let me comfort you all night long. Let me be the man to kiss away your fears.”

Julie’s heart ached as the words took her back to the time after the Antwan breakup when she’d listened to this song and yearned for a guy to be all those things. She’d listened to the song repeatedly. She hated herself for moping so much over a man who didn’t deserve it, and hearing Dante sing stirred up the longing she’d thought was long gone.

She and Raymond stopped at the open door of the room where the music came from. A large grand piano stood in the center of what she could see was a music room with other instruments, framed albums and pictures of the Wilson family lining the walls. Dante sat behind the piano; four women in colorful bikinis surrounded him like beautiful birds. She hadn’t listened to the song in ages. His voice swept her up in thoughts of how nice having a man actually kiss away her fears would be.

She’d known Dante was handsome and that he could sing, but to witness his talent and his beauty up close and personal took her breath away.

His eyes were closed, and the flash of his perfect white teeth gleamed between lips that made her think of marathon rounds of kissing, touching and sexing. His head swayed gently back and forth to the sound of the music. His curly dark hair was tapered at the sides and thicker on the top. A dusting of hair covered his square jaw. Julie’s gaze slid over wide shoulders in a white shirt unbuttoned just enough to give a glimpse of a smooth muscled chest and warm brown skin. As if she were still standing beneath the sun, Julie’s body burned. Her nipples hardened, and a slow, sultry heat that matched the smoldering sound of Dante’s voice slid through her body.

Julie shifted from one foot to the other. This was not good. She could not be attracted to him. She tried to ignore her primal response, but the concentration of heat between her thighs continued in a mocking sucks for you kind of way.

The music stopped, and no one spoke until the last note drifted away. Dante opened his eyes, and the ladies clapped and squealed their praise. His lips spread in a wide-open grin. His sexy dark eyes sparkled with a look that made a woman want to forget every lesson about acting like a lady. A sound, part whimper, part suppressed giggle, rang in her ear; a second later, she realized she’d made the sound.

Raymond shifted beside her. Dante looked up, his dark gaze connecting with hers so hard she gasped out the little bit of air that remained in her chest. Oh, hell, I’m screwed.

“Raymond,” Dante said, his very interested eyes still on Julie, “please introduce your beautiful friend.”

Chapter 4

Dante’s smile widened as the woman with Raymond snapped her mouth closed and lifted her chin. He didn’t miss the blatant desire burning in her wonderful light brown eyes before she’d hidden the emotion behind a professional mask. His gaze slowly traced over her body, and his abdomen tightened with anticipation. Forgetting the beauties who’d dragged him to the music room, and the fun he’d planned to have with them, Dante stood and crossed the room.

He took in more of her appearance the closer he got. He liked everything he saw: short, stylish hair highlighted blond, the bangs just long enough to brush arched brows; clear, direct amber eyes; and a full, sensuous mouth. Her black pants didn’t hug her curves, but the material didn’t hide her shapely figure either. The red blazer brought attention to her waist and the scooped neckline of her shirt drew his eyes to her sexy cleavage. Sexy cherry-red heels brought her to almost his height.

“Dante,” Raymond said. “This is Julie Dominick.”

Dante held out his hand. “Julie Dominick.” He said her name slowly, enjoying the sound. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

He took her hand and kissed the back, catching a whiff of her perfume. The warm scent brought to mind dark rooms and Julie sliding across satin sheets beneath him.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Dante,” she said, and she didn’t pull her hand away. “Out of all your songs, that is my favorite.”

Her gaze was straightforward—no batting lashes or shy glances. He liked that immediately. She was a woman who wasn’t hesitant. Despite her directness, that hot spark from when their eyes first met was nowhere to be seen. He wanted the spark back.

“I’d be happy to sing it for you anytime you’d like.”

Her smile tipped up at the corners, and she slowly slid her hand out of his. The gentle glide of her slim fingers sent shivers down his arm. “Raymond didn’t tell me you were having a party. I expected a business meeting.”

She’d ignored his obvious flirtation, which meant she was going to try to ignore what he’d noticed and felt between them. He should do the same, but direct and beautiful women were his weakness.

“A friend came over, and before we knew it there was a houseful of people. The whole party happened on a whim.”

“Hmm, is opening your club also due to a whim?” She looked from Dante to Raymond. He heard the insinuation that they were wasting her time. Dante grinned. Direct, beautiful and bold. Ballsy for a woman trying to go into business with him. He liked her even more, even if he didn’t like the assumption that he wasn’t serious about opening the club.

“I promise you, I’m very serious about the opening of my club. I’d like to debut new artists under my own label there. My family wouldn’t support these artists at venues owned and managed by W. M. Records.”

Her brows rose. He’d surprised her.

“Then I’ll do everything I can to make sure this place opens smoothly.”

Raymond smiled at them both. “I’m telling you, Dante, Julie is the right person for the job.”

His body was definitely on board with Julie handling this project, but his brain interjected. This was important to him for multiple reasons; he couldn’t just go with the decision the head below his belt was trying to get him to make.

“We’ll see. I’m talking to a few other developers.”

The corner of her inviting lips lifted, and her head tilted to the side. “Talk to them all you want. I know I’m the right person. In the next few days, you’ll know it, too.”

Dante added “confident” to the things about Julie Dominick that were making ignoring the head below his belt harder.

One of the women from the piano came over. “Are you ready to sing for us again?” she asked with a bright smile.

Julie stepped back. “I mentioned to Raymond that I can come back tomorrow to discuss business. I’m more than happy to do that.”

Raymond placed a hand on her arm. “Don’t leave, Julie.”

Dante zeroed in on Raymond’s hands on Julie, so familiar, without a bit of hesitation or awkwardness between them. Raymond said nothing was going on between him and Julie, but he’d also said she was the woman he could consider settling down with later, which meant Dante should pull back. No matter how his body reacted to her, he shouldn’t step on Raymond’s toes that way.

“Stay,” Dante said. “Change and join the party.”

She shook her head. “I’m not prepared for a pool party.”

Raymond chuckled. “You can’t tell me you came to Malibu and didn’t bring a swimsuit. Get the thing out, and come sit by the pool. I know this is a business trip, but you can have a few minutes to enjoy yourself.”

She glanced at Dante, and he nodded. He may not step on Raymond’s toes, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want her to stick around so he could see her in a bathing suit. Maybe the desire caused by that thought showed in his expression because the spark he’d witnessed earlier made a brief appearance in Julie’s eyes. It was quickly hidden when she turned to Raymond. “Fine. I’ll change and join you.”

Raymond dragged Julie away to get her bags and showed her where to change. Dante would have preferred to do that himself, but she was Raymond’s friend. Better for Dante to keep his distance.

He sang another song for the ladies in the music room but wasn’t really into having fun with them anymore, so he ushered them back to the pool. They kept him company, and he listened to them talk about inconsequential things. Each one tried to gain his attention and figure out who he’d spend the rest of the day with. It was a question he’d been debating before Julie walked through the door and broke his thoughts, scattering them like balls on a pool table.

The source of the scattering came out onto the patio, Raymond with her. Dante took a sip of beer that stuck in his throat. He coughed and sat up in his chair. Julie in a business suit was a man’s fantasy; Julie in a bathing suit was a man’s erotic dream. The red one-piece suit was plastered to full breasts and a flat stomach. It rose high on her hips; no sarong or wrap hid the perfection of her thighs and legs. Confident with a capital C. She’d switched the heels for a pair of red sandals. Dante took another gulp of his beer to stop his groan of appreciation from escaping.

She and Raymond settled into chairs across the pool. They talked and laughed, looking every bit the close friends Raymond said they were. She glanced around the space. Her gaze stopped several times as she took in the various people. When she stopped on him, a small smile lifted her lips and made his heart jump before she continued her perusal. What did that smile mean? Did she feel the same knocked-out-of-breath feeling when their eyes met, or was she just smiling at a potential business partner she had to acknowledge? He couldn’t say she was looking only for him because she seemed to check out everyone there.