Shaking his head, Cash chuckled. “I didn’t know my song could sound that good.”

  “I didn’t mean to change that last bit on you, but it just came to me as I was singing.”

  “No, the mix-up of the chords was actually spot on.”

  She slid off the stool and put her guitar back on the stand, then turned to face them once again.

  “Usually when something doesn’t feel or sound right to the artist, that’s how it will come across to the audience,” she explained. “My grandmother drilled that into me at an early age. You want your listeners to feel just as much as you do and you want them to get lost in the story you’re telling through your music.”

  Oh, Will had been lost, all right. Lost in fantasies that he had no place venturing into.

  “The way you just did that song, that’s how it needs to be on the track and on the tour,” Will told her. “We will release that as your first single.”

  Her smile faltered and she glanced from Will to Cash. “I’m not sure that’s the song I want to release first.”

  Pulling in a deep breath, Will swiped a hand over his jaw. “We put that in your contract.”

  Hannah nodded. “We did, but I was hoping we could discuss it. There’s another song I want to release first.”

  “Whose song is it?” he asked.

  She hesitated for a moment, then replied, “Nobody you know. I heard it and fell in love with it.”

  “You know that going on tour with Cash is a big deal, so it makes sense for his song to be your first release.” Will had made that perfectly clear on the day she’d signed the contract. “Your stage list is up for negotiation, but not that first single.”

  Hannah’s lips thinned and Cash started to speak. Will held up his hand, holding off his little brother.

  “None of this is news to you,” Will reminded her. “Are we going to have a problem?”

  Her eyes glazed over and that sweet, sultry singer was gone. Now she looked like she wanted to wring his neck.

  Damn, that was sexy.

  Fiery passion simmered below that sweet surface. The woman could switch her emotions so damn fast, he reeled from it.

  He couldn’t help but wonder how passionate she would be in bed.

  Again, he scolded himself for the thought. He’d scolded himself many times for allowing those thoughts to creep into his mind, but everything she did seemed to get under his skin. She affected him in ways no other woman ever had.

  He wasn’t certain what to do about it.

  “How about I play the song first and then you can think about it?” she finally offered.

  “I don’t mind,” Cash muttered.

  Will turned to his brother. “It’s not your decision to make. The whole reason you sold that song to her was for her to release it as her first single with Elite and that’s what we’re going to do.”

  Hannah took a step forward, then another, until she stood within an inch of him. She stared up at him with those doe eyes and bright red lips. He fisted his hands at his sides to keep from reaching for her. But he couldn’t stop wondering how she’d look if he kissed the hell out of her and messed up that lipstick. Suddenly, that’s all he wanted to do.

  Good thing his brother was in the room. Was Will going to need a chaperone each time he was with Hannah?

  “You’re the boss,” she stated with a tone that sounded almost husky, a little threatening and a whole lot sexy.

  Oh, he’d give just about anything to be the boss in more intimate ways. Hannah likely wasn’t one to give up control in the bedroom, either, which for some reason only stirred him up more.

  Will smiled. “Remember that.”

  Her eyes flared and for a split second her gaze darted to his mouth before sliding back up to meet his eyes. The woman would make a saint have erotic thoughts and he’d never been known as a saint.

  Damn it. He was in for a long, painful journey with her—and that had nothing to do with them butting heads over music.

  Cash cleared his throat and pulled Will’s attention from the siren in front of him posing as a sweet li’l country girl.

  When Will glanced to his brother, Cash was wearing a knowing smirk. No doubt Cash would give Will hell later. He could handle his brother. What Will couldn’t handle was these crazy, mixed-up feelings that seemed to come out of nowhere.

  “Let’s get to work,” Will stated, taking a step back. “I want to hear you do that song from start to finish. Then I want to see what it sounds like with Cash doing background vocals on the chorus.”

  Hannah sneered. “Whatever you say.”

  Oh, she was going to be a handful.

  Will didn’t know if he should be eager for the challenge or wary of how aroused he seemed to get when she was angry with him. Either way, Hannah Banks was going to be one unforgettable experience.

  FIVE

  “That was amazing,” Hannah told Cash as she led him to the door. “See you on Thursday.”

  Cash leaned in and kissed her cheek. “See you then.”

  She closed the door behind him. The crowd would go wild over that hunk of country charm. Cash was the entire package—sweet and sexy, broad and built. He had manners and a smile that would make any woman melt.

  Hannah turned her attention toward the staircase. The man who got to her even more was up there waiting in the studio because he wanted a private meeting.

  Was he going to reprimand her for stating her opinion? Was he upset that she’d contradicted what had been put in the contract?

  Whatever it was, he had been clear he would see Cash later, but now he needed to talk to her alone.

  A shiver of excitement ran through her as she headed back up to the studio. She shouldn’t find his arrogance and dominance so attractive. She should hold her ground and tell him exactly what she wanted. Wasn’t finding her own voice and controlling her own career two of the main reasons she’d left Cheating Hearts Records? Mags had governed every aspect of Hannah’s career. So much so that Hannah had kept losing more and more of herself as the years passed by.

  She was done being told what to do.

  Pulling in a deep breath, Hannah stepped back into the studio. Will turned from the system board to face her before he shoved a hand in the pocket of his jeans and met her gaze.

  “You guys sound good together.”

  Hannah rested her hip on the desk near him and laughed. “Good? I sound good in the shower, Will. Cash and I sound like your record label is about to soar into new territory and make you millions.”

  His gaze seemed to darken as his lids lowered in that sexy manner that made the corners of his eyes wrinkle.

  “Do you always sing in the shower?” he asked.

  Had his voice just taken on a huskier tone? Why had she tossed out that reference to singing in the shower? There was no denying what was rolling through his head right now, and it had nothing to do with music and everything to do with her being wet and sudsy.

  “I sing all the time,” she replied. “It’s not just a career for me. I love what I do and it shows because I’m good at it.”

  Will smirked as he took a step closer. “Are you always this sure of yourself?”

  “I’m sure of my talent,” she replied. “I’m not trying to be arrogant, but I believe my sales will back up my claims.”

  “Confidence is a big part of this industry,” he agreed. “I take back my statement. You and Cash were amazing together.”

  Hannah smiled. “That’s better. I like your brother. Are your other two brothers just as charming?”

  Will’s eyes narrowed. “Charming? I wouldn’t call Gavin and Luke charming.”

  Intrigued to know more about him and his family, Hannah tipped her head. “Then what would you call them?”

  “Career-oriented, sometimes arrogant, sometimes a pain in my ass, but they always have my back.”

  “They’re pretty easy on the eyes, as well,” she added. “Yet none of you have girlfriends.”

  The muscle in Will’s jaw ticked. “How do you know that?”

  Hannah laughed and rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. This is Beaumont Bay. Nashville has nothing on us. The only thing hotter than the country music is the gossip mill.”

  “Maybe they’re discreet.” He crossed his arms over his chest and shifted his stance, clearly getting uncomfortable. “Why the sudden personal interest in my brothers?”

  Hannah shrugged. “You know all about my family. Maybe I wanted to know more about yours.”

  “Your family has been in the spotlight since before you were born.”

  “Fair enough,” she agreed. “All the more reason for me to know about yours. After all, Cash is in the spotlight now. I want to learn more about Luke and Gavin, but let’s start with you.”

  The way he stared at her, like he could read her every thought, had Hannah backing up until she bumped into the stool. She eased onto it and continued to wait for Will to say something.

  The silence surrounding them was too much. Her heart beat faster than it should have and her stomach twisted into knots. His intense stare made her thoughts simply vanish. She found herself focusing on his face—those striking eyes that were boring into her, that square jawline, the stubble that he hadn’t shaved for probably the past three days.

  And then there were his lips. Those lips that had her staring far too long and fantasizing far too much. A man like Will, who was so dominant in everything he did, would surely kiss a woman with just as much power and passion.

  And what about in the bedroom? Oh, she knew without a doubt that the man would be dominant and demanding.

  Hannah shivered and closed her eyes, trying to compose herself.

  “What do you want to know about me?”

  Hannah opened her eyes, startled that Will had moved closer and was now standing within touching distance...and she so wanted to touch.

  So she did.

  Hannah reached up, sliding her fingertip between his eyebrows.

  “I want to know why those worry lines never seem to go away.”

  Will gripped her wrist and slowly eased her hand away, but he didn’t release her. Instead, he took a step closer, so close she had to spread her legs to give him standing room.

  “Concerned for me?” he murmured.

  Hannah swallowed. “More concerned for my career,” she amended. “I can’t have you stressed when you’re around me.”

  Her eyes dropped to his lips, then back up. She didn’t mean to. She just couldn’t stop staring at that mouth.

  “And you think looking at me like you want to kiss me is keeping me calm?”

  Hannah’s breath caught in her throat.

  She hadn’t anticipated him being so bold, but she shouldn’t have been surprised. A man in Will’s position wouldn’t back down from a challenge or avoid confrontation. And why should he? His confidence was just another turn-on.

  But this was dangerous territory, so she reined her emotions back in.

  “Your ego is clouding your judgment,” she replied. “I don’t want to kiss you.”

  He quirked an eyebrow as his mouth curved into a smile. “No?”

  Hannah tipped her chin and opened her mouth—

  Then he covered her lips with his, cutting off anything she’d been about to say.

  Hannah had to brace her hands on Will’s shoulders to keep from falling backward off the stool. He didn’t touch her anywhere but her mouth as he coaxed her lips wider and claimed her with only a kiss.

  Her entire body tightened as she curled her fingers into him. The warmth from his touch did something to her she couldn’t even describe. Her head spun. She didn’t know the last time anyone had caught her off guard the way this man just had.

  Will pulled back just as quickly as he’d come in. Hannah blinked, trying to catch her breath and figure out what the hell just happened. Other than the fact that she’d just kissed her new record producer—and only wanted more—she had no idea what to do next.

  Was stripping and begging too forward?

  Clearly battling his own inner turmoil, Will paced the studio, cursing beneath his breath. With his back to her, he placed his hands on his hips and dropped his head between his shoulders.

  Hannah stared across the space, barely resisting the urge to touch her fingertips to her still tingling lips. The kiss had lasted only a moment, but the effect of his touch was far more potent than she could have imagined.

  Will raked a hand over the back of his head and turned around. His eyes focused on her and seemed darker, as if some inner storm brewed within him.

  “That can’t happen again,” he growled.

  “Um...okay.” Confused, Hannah came to her feet, but remained near the stool. “You kissed me, so are you reminding yourself?”

  Something dark flashed through his eyes and she couldn’t help but be drawn to that simple reaction that showed so much frustration.

  Who the hell was he upset with? She certainly hadn’t initiated anything. Well, in her mind she had already undressed him and explored every inch of that broad, built body, finding out firsthand if he was as rock-hard as he appeared.

  But she’d refrained from tearing off his clothes in actuality...barely.

  That wouldn’t exactly be the best way to start a working relationship.

  Both of their phones chimed at the same time.

  They continued to stare at each other and Hannah had to break eye contact. She couldn’t keep looking at him, not now that she’d tasted him and knew how easily his facade could disappear.

  Which made her wonder how long he’d wanted to kiss her and when he would kiss her again. Because there would most certainly be a next time...despite that little speech he’d just given to himself.

  Hannah went to the counter and pulled up her phone, groaning when she saw the text from Mags.

  “She’s insufferable,” Hannah mumbled.

  “I have one from her, too.”

  Hannah glanced over her shoulder to see Will opening his message. What was Mags up to now? Group texting like a jealous teen who wanted to keep everyone together?

  When Hannah opened the text, she saw an image and realized it was an invitation. Apparently, Margaret Dumond wanted to throw an elaborate fundraiser to help rebuild the parts of town hurt by the recent storm. Mags would do anything for the spotlight, even pose as a caring citizen.

  Mags did all she could to stay in the know when it came to this lakeside community. The woman knew everything from when someone found out they were pregnant to when someone was cheating. There wasn’t a whisper of gossip that didn’t pass through her lips or ears.

  The FBI had nothing on Mags.

  The invitation indicated there would be various auctions with donations taken at the door and Mags would have all the necessary press there for publicity, which was how she would sucker everyone who was anyone into coming.

  Mags wasn’t an evil woman, though she was known to be ruthless and conniving to get what she wanted. But the majority of the time she was just bossy, nosy and believed herself to be on a higher pedestal than anyone else. That wasn’t the type of woman Hannah wanted to be in charge of her career, but the party would help raise funds for the town and there would be speculation if all of Beaumont Bay’s elite crowd wasn’t in attendance.

  Even with her manipulative ways, Hannah couldn’t completely despise Mags. The woman had given Hannah her first record deal and several years in a dream profession. But their outlooks were different at this point and that’s why Hannah had to step away and protect herself.

  “Looks like we’re going to a party,” Will stated as he slid his cell back into his pocket.

  “Oh, not just any party,” Hannah corrected. “A black-and-white charity ball.”

  Will snorted. “It can’t just be a regular fundraiser with that woman. You know, like an afternoon barbecue or a festival around the lake to involve kids and families. This is Beaumont Bay, first of all. Second of all, Mags always goes over the top. Stars, power brokers, moguls—she invites all the names. She has to provide top entertainment when they get there.”

  The woman thrived on being extra. Good, bad, she didn’t care. She could spin anything to shine light on herself.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

  Hannah set down her phone and smiled. “Sure. I’m thinking of wearing white because probably most people will wear black—”

  “You know what I mean.”

  Oh, she knew what he meant, but no, she didn’t want to talk about the kiss. She wouldn’t mind having a do-over, though. Maybe she’d just imagined how amazing and toe-curling he had been. Maybe that tingling stemmed from something else and not Will’s lips on hers for the briefest of moments.

  He hadn’t touched her anywhere else. That fact kept shoving to the forefront of her mind, as if to ask her why just a kiss should have given her such a strong reaction. And she hadn’t even attempted to stop him...not that she’d wanted to.

  Mercy, she’d wanted him to.

  All those wants and needs were becoming a wedge she didn’t need landing between them. She had to form a bond with her producer so they could crank out the best music of her career and keep making those chart toppers.

  Instead, she was having naive fantasies and couldn’t even concentrate on work unless Cash was in the room as a buffer.

  “I don’t think talking about the kiss is necessary,” she replied. “It was good, but we’re done.”

  His eyebrows drew in. “Good? You call that kiss just good?”

  Oh, she’d offended him now. That was an interesting kernel of information to save for later.

  “Yeah, good,” she repeated. “You know...like my singing.”

  Will narrowed his eyes before taking a step forward, then another, until he came to stand within an inch of her.

  Hannah’s heart started beating faster and anticipation had her licking her lips.