Escape Magic (11 page)

He leaned back in his chair. “Could you
please make up your mind? First you’re dying to interview me, now
you don’t want to spend a moment alone with me.”

“You’ve made it pretty clear you don’t
approve of my style of journalism.” Her mouth primmed up into a
thin line. He wanted to tell her not to do that. Her lips were lush
and full of promise, but compressing them that way made part of her
allure disappear.

“I’m curious. What was your angle, anyway?”
He took a sip of coffee, studying her over the white plastic rim.
“How were you going to make this appeal to the masses? I’m not
exactly a star. Yet.”

“Exactly.” She scrubbed her face wearily.
“Fine. You’re not a star, but you’re an up-and-coming magician
doing your first big gig in Vegas. Nobody doubts you’re
going
to be a star. And your agent—who also happens to be
your brother—gets caught gambling away your advance a few weeks
after you get here. You kept it quiet for longer than I would have
imagined you could, too.” Her gaze was frankly curious. “What was
it a week…or ten days ago that you sent him away?”

He shrugged. “Didn’t want exactly this kind
of press to overshadow me.”
And you’re going to help me with
that.
He leaned forward. “I’m pretty good at reading people.
Requisite job skill for my chosen career, I suppose. You intrigue
me. You’re afraid to be yourself, but you don’t like the person
you’re pretending to be.”

She looked startled, but she quickly covered
it up with a slightly derisive smile. “You’re grasping. You don’t
really know anything about me.”

He brought one hand up to tick off points.
“You’re not a natural blonde, you drink your coffee black even
though you’d probably prefer it a little sweeter, you write crap
when you’re capable of doing much better and you’re chasing a story
in Vegas when you’re usually the bane of the A-list in Hollywood or
New York. What’s your angle? You’re hunting a next-to-nobody in
Vegas and even compromising the few scruples you still have. Why
would you do that for me?”

She took a deep drink of the coffee. Too
deep. It made her cough and sputter, and he knew she was hiding
something.

He patted her on the back and continued. “I
have a business proposition for you.”

“B-business?” She gasped the single
important word.

“I’m thinking for one reason or another
you’re a bit down on your luck. As you’ve noted, I’m down a staff
member. I have no intention of hiring another agent, at least at
this point. I have Bobby and Mattie for the day-to-day stuff and at
least a six-month run here in Vegas. However, I could use someone
to handle the press.”

Her coughing stopped. Was she too astounded
by his offer to remember she’d nearly choked herself? The thought
made him smile, but he hid it by standing.

“I expect you’d like to sleep on it,
especially considering how late it is. Where are you staying?”

She stared at him and gulped. “I—haven’t had
a chance to…”

He frowned. “You haven’t checked in or you
don’t have a place to stay?”

“I came straight from the plane…” She
trailed off, looking more tired than she had before, probably at
the idea of finding a room at this late hour.

He glanced at the bag at her feet. He’d
assumed it was a large purse, but he realized it was probably an
overnight bag. Without waiting to hear her protest, he slung the
bag over his shoulder and pulled her to her feet, starting toward
the mall entrance.

“Where are we going?” She followed him.

Deciding she was tired enough to come with
him regardless of whether he answered or not, he shushed her,
pulling out his phone.

Greg answered on the second ring. Greg was
the concierge in charge of keeping Andre happy, so when Andre
called, he answered. So far, he hadn’t had a problem fulfilling
Andre’s requests, and Andre hoped tonight would be the same, but
considering his depleted bank account, he might be pushing his
luck. As usual, however, Greg sounded courteous and ready to help.
“Mr. Hawke. What can I do for you this evening?”

“Greg, I need a room. For a new staff
member.”

“Certainly, sir. What will your staff
member’s requirements be?” Greg had no doubt been anticipating this
since Tony’s departure.

“A queen room should serve. With a study
area.”

“And when will you be needing it?”

Andre eyed the woman stumbling along beside
him. She needed a room sooner rather than later. She was dead on
her feet. His financial position was well known at the hotel,
however, and he couldn’t risk being too demanding. “Could we get
her something tomorrow?”

“Absolutely. Shall I phone you when it is
ready?”

“Thank you, Greg.” He hung up, pushing open
the door to the resort. Maybe it would be better to keep her close
until he had a full commitment from her anyway.

Michelle Garren Flye is an award-winning
romance author. Reviewers have described her work as: “an engaging
novel with charming and likable characters”, a story that “will
make you believe in love and second chances”, and a “well-written
and thought-provoking novel.”

Michelle placed third in the Hyperink
Romance Writing Contest for her short story “Life After”. Her short
stories have been published by the romance anthology Foreign
Affairs, Opium.com, SmokelongQuarterly.com and Flashquake.com. She
has served on the editorial staffs of Horror Library Butcher Shop
Quartet and Tattered Souls.

Michelle has a Bachelor’s degree in
Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s degree in Library and
Information Science from the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, three
children and their rapidly growing collection of pets.

Also by Michelle Garren
Flye:

Sleight of Hand
Series:

Close Up Magic

Escape Magic

Island Magic

Carolina Wine
Country:

Ducks in a Row

Saturday Love

Agapi Mou
(Coming…someday)

Published by Carina
Press:

Where the Heart
Lies

Published by Lyrical
Press:

Secrets of the
Lotus

Winter Solstice

Also set in the North
Carolina Mountains:

Weeds and
Flowers

Synchronicity
Series

Out of Time

Time Being (Coming January
2017)

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Here’s what reviewers have
said about some of my other work:

“Michelle Garren Flye is a wizard with words
and I completely enjoyed her voice.”

—LAS Reviews

“…a well written sweet story that renews our
faith in happily ever after.”

—Michelle Bowman, We Love Kink

“I highly recommend this unsettling
book.”

—Lauren Strait, Amazon Reviewer

“…well-written and thought-provoking
novel…”

—Book Reviews & More by Kathy

“…a poignant story of loss, grief, secrets,
love, redemption and second chances.”

—Jersey Girl Book Reviews

“…a book that will take you on a trip where
failing or giving up is NOT an option.”

—Bunny’s Book Reviews

“This book has so much depth on so many
levels. The thought process, and how everything played out was so
great!”

—We’re Jumpin’ Books

“Readers will feel good and happy about this
story… it made me smile.”

—Guilty Indulgence Romance Review

“Michelle has a way with words, she draws
you into the small town life of these characters and keeps you
hooked until the last page.” — Stitch Read Cook

“…a well-written romantic novel with an
unusual amount of depth.”

—Book Addiction