Free HH02 - A Reclusive Heart by R.L. Mathewson Page A

bottom lip as she shifted nervously in front of him, but she didn't say anything because they both knew the
    truth. Without him she wouldn't have the balls to do anything on her list. There was a reason why she was a little recluse after
    all. She was too damn afraid to get out there and grab life by the balls. Without him she'd only be able to write about life
    instead of living it.
    He shook his head as he walked over to the hotel phone. "Face it, Miss. Harris, you need me more than I need you."
    "No, I don't," she said weakly, probably some half ass attempt to stand up for herself, but he barely paid attention as he
    picked up the phone and ordered room service.
    When he was done he sat down on the small love seat and relaxed as he watched the little recluse struggle to come up
    with a decent argument. When a minute passed and she still hadn't been able to say anything more than a mumble he decided to
    take pity on her.
    "Why don't the two of us come to an understanding on the matter?" he suggested casually. "During this tour I will go with
    you and do anything that you would like to try. In return you will show up to book signings, interviews, conventions and
    anything that I need you to do on time and say more than two words to your fans. You will also make yourself available when I
    need you."
    She licked her lips nervously and he knew he had her by that little calculating expression on her face. She wanted this,
    badly. Not that he could blame her, he thought with a tiny ounce of pity. One look at that list and it was more than obvious that
    the woman hadn't truly lived. It was actually pathetic to think that last night had been her first visit to a nightclub or a bar for
    that matter since that was also on her list.
    He should probably feel bad for her and if he didn't need her so damn badly he probably would. But the truth of the matter
    was this made his life easy. She would do exactly what he wanted and in return he'd help her with her little list. The only
    downside that he could see of course was that he would have to give up what little spare time he would have during this tour to
    see to this ridiculous list of hers.
    Then again if it worked to keep her in line and smiling on cue then he would suck it up and deal with it. Besides, her list
    was pretty simple and wouldn't take long to go through. They'd finish it in two weeks, three tops, and then he'd have her
    undivided attention for the next several months. Actually, this could actually help him out in the long run as well. She'd learn to
    listen to him and trust his judgment and he could plan future events with J.L. Lewis without fear that she'd cause him any
    problems.
    "You're willing to go with me and do whatever's on my list?" she asked slowly as if she didn't trust him.
    Smart girl.
    But as long as she did what she was asked he would fulfill his side of the bargain. It was a simple enough agreement.
    "Yes, but you have to do what I ask if you want me to go with you," he clarified. Work came first and he needed to make
    sure that she understood that.
    She nodded slowly. "That sounds fair."
    "But I'm warning you, Miss. Harris, the moment you stop doing as you're asked you're on your own with that little list of
    yours."
    Another nod.
    "Okay then," he said, getting to his feet and gesturing towards the door. "Let's get some work done."

    *********
"I don't remember this being on your list," Nick said accusingly as he glared down at her.
    It took everything Jamie had not to cower beneath that glare, but somehow she managed it. Actually, she was quite proud
    of herself for that little move, but that didn't exactly help with the man scowling down at her.
    She cleared her throat nervously. "Yes, it was," she lied.
    His eyes practically narrowed to slits. "I don't remember seeing going with you to a chocolate convention on the list."
    "Well, it was a really long list. You probably just missed it," she lamely explained as the man standing in front of her
    stepped