Free Reckless by Cheryl Douglas Page A

other songs in mind that I think would be perfect for you. I just need you to have a listen and let me know what you think of them.”
    Ty glanced across the restaurant to see the hostess seat an attractive, middle-aged man at a romantic, candle-lit table for two. “Yeah sure, I’m looking forward to it,” Ty said, forcing his attention back to Luc. He couldn’t afford to get distracted. His career had to be his top priority, but he knew Avery’s presence would make it damn near impossible to concentrate on anything Luc said tonight. Coming here may not have been one of his better ideas.
    Luc waved his hand in greeting and Ty turned to see Avery walk in wearing a sexy blue dress that fell well above her knee and was cut low in the front and back. Definitely the kind of dress a woman would wear if she were trying to seduce a man. Ty turned away, unwilling to contemplate what that might mean for him.
    Avery said a few words to the hostess before walking over to their table. “Gentlemen, it’s nice to see you.”
    Both men rose to greet her, offering her a polite kiss on the cheek.
    Ty felt her tense when he settled his arm around her waist to draw her closer instead of merely accepting the hand she offered. “Always a pleasure to see you, darlin’,” he whispered.
    She looked at Luc. “Has Trey left yet?”
    Luc scanned the messages on his phone. “Yeah, he left this morning. So Ty tells me you made some progress with the press kit today?”
    Before she could respond, the gentleman the hostess had seated earlier walked up behind Avery, slipping his arm around her waist as he kissed her cheek. “Hello, my love. It’s so good to see you again. I’ve missed you.”
    Avery blushed as she evaded Ty’s scrutiny. “It’s good to see you too, Jeff. I was just making my way over to our table when I ran into—”
    Luc stood and extended his hand. “I think we met at Trey’s house once. Luc Spencer.”
    Jeff smiled and accepted Luc’s hand. “That’s right, we did. Good to see you again.”
    Avery gestured toward Ty. “And this is Ty McCall. He’s a client of mine. Ty, this is Jeff Cabot.”
    Ty stood to shake the other man’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” He bristled at the term Avery used to describe him. If he had his way, he would be more than just her client. He wanted to be her man.
    “You’re a singer?” Jeff asked as Ty reclaimed his seat.
    “I am.”
    “I’ve always admired you artistic types,” he said with a laugh. “I’m afraid I only did well in the math and science-based subjects in school. I guess it’s that whole left/right brain thing.”
    Ty didn’t miss the implication that because he was a musician he must suffer from the plight of inferior intelligence. “I don’t know about that,” Ty said. “I was a pretty well-rounded student in school, straight As,” he said, replacing the linen napkin in his lap.
    “Huh,” he said, sounding unimpressed. “Well, let me know if you need someone to look at your contract, Ty.” He reached into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out an embossed business card. “They can get pretty complicated and you really need someone to look out for your best interests.”
    Ty looked at the card but didn’t make a move to accept it. “I’ve already got a lawyer, thanks.”
    Luc laughed. “And he’s already signed the contract so I’m afraid you’re a day late and a dollar short, Jeff.”
    Jeff’s grip around Avery tightened. “I thought I could count on you to keep me in the loop, sweetheart.”
    She smiled at him. “Sorry. I guess I’ve been a little distracted lately.” Avery glanced at the table where Jeff had been seated. “We should probably get back to our table. It was nice seeing you both. Oh, Ty, I almost forgot. My friend Andrew is available to do that photo shoot in the morning. He had a cancellation so he was able to squeeze us in as a personal favor to me.” Her eyes finally rested on him. “I’ll text you the