No Strings Attached

Chapter Six

I blink, looking down at my drink. "But other than that, he's just a hard-working celebrity who wants to get his work out there."

"Please tell me you didn't wear the purple suit. Just tell me that, reassure me."

"I happen to love that suit," I growl, glaring at him as he begins to shake his head, throwing out the sugar packets.

"When are you going to let me dress you? Take you shopping? It would take a day, tops, and you'd have every guy here turning their heads."

"Well, first off, that's the last thing I need here. And second, I don't have the time. And third, maybe this is my style."

"There's no style here, baby."

I roll my eyes, walking away. "Man, it's been a bad week for me and clothes."

"Drinks later?"

"If I've forgiven you by then!"

***

By Wednesday, halfway through the week and a mere couple days from Norman's anniversary party, I'm checking my emails on the half hour. My thoughts between call conferences and lunch meetings seem to revolve around what occurred in that hotel room and, more importantly, that I will be seeing Giovanni in 48 hours.

As much as I try to deter myself, I always seem to lose. Giovanni's mouth has me hypnotized. Even sitting upright, endless work laid out before me, a glimpse of a photo of him or even simply his name printed out on flyers can make my thighs tremble, my fingers entwine in remembrance.

I find it hard to stay focused, which is unusual. Maybe he's cursed me.

My throat clears. "What do you mean he has no manager?"

Sasha chuckles. "Giovanni has always refused to get one."

"Then who schedules his events? Who finds locations? Who follows him everywhere?"

"He does, and then I book them. You would have input as well, of course."

"He owns a successful business. He should have a manager. All of that work shouldn't fall on you."

"I'm used to it at this point, honestly. I don't remember the last time I left work on time. I'd be grateful for your insight, though."

"I have zero experience in managing."

"So did I."

I hum. "Yes, well, Giovanni isn't my only client."

"He is your most important one, though."

Well. "I will speak to my group, but I cannot take this on solely."

I will need to speak to Giovanni about this. His former publicist should have already.

"He won't like bringing in another new person."

I want to scoff. "Well—"

"Yes... no, it's Scarlett," Sasha suddenly says, muffled. "Oh, Scarlett? You still there?"

Fuck. "Yes?"

"Giovanni just came up. He wants to speak with you."

Before I can attempt to answer, he's there. "Scarlett."

"Giovanni." Stay cool. Stay cool.

"What is this about you bringing in another person? I thought we had agreed—"

"I'm not bringing in anyone. I need you to get a manager."

"A manager? Why?"

"Because you are an important person who has a company that needs quite a lot. A manager will—"