Her desire for him was real, but so was the knowledge that nothing could come of it … for so many reasons. Pushing those negative thoughts aside, she’d taken her bows, performed an encore, and now stood in her dressing room, flowers from her mom on her makeup counter. Her mom and Ellie were chatting on one side of her, and Owen was taking bows and congratulations from people coming backstage, as if he’d been the one to succeed.
So far none of the club owners had come to see her, Landon included, and she tried not to let her disappointment dampen her spirits about an otherwise fabulous night.
“I’m so proud of you,” her mother said, pulling her into a hug. “I cannot believe that was my baby girl up on that stage.”
Vivi grinned. “Thanks.”
“You and I needed something wonderful this week,” her mom said. “Thank you for providing it. Now if you two don’t mind, I’ll get going.”
Ellie glanced at her. “Can I share a ride? I’m on your way,” she said.
“Of course.”
Vivi hugged them both goodbye. “Thanks for your support. Love you both.”
“Love you, too.” Her mother waved and Ellie did the same before they headed out.
“Vivienne, can I talk to you?” Owen waved her over, and she joined him, noticing he was talking to a good-looking man in a pair of black jeans and a sport jacket. His pale blond hair was carefully styled, and his high cheekbones and chiseled features definitely spoke of his Nordic heritage.
“Vivienne, this is Axel Matsen, a–”
“Promoter! Oh my God, I know your name.” Axel had put many a pop star on the map. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She shook his hand, and when she began to pull back, he kept her palm against his.
“Fabulous performance, Vivienne,” he said.
“Vivi. I go by Vivi Z as my stage name. Owen just has a thing for my full name.” He thought it was elegant and gave her credibility, or some such nonsense.
He smiled and stepped into her personal space, her hand still in his. “Well, Vivi Z, I have big ideas for you if you and your agent want to hear them.”
Owen cleared his throat. “I’m sure the offers are going to come flying in,” he said, just as Vivi spoke, too. “I’d be very interested in hearing what you have to say.” She might not like his mannerisms, but she understood how important he was in the business.
She glanced down at their intertwined hands, uncomfortable with both how close he stood and the fact that he hadn’t let her go. No matter how much she wanted more from singing, she wasn’t going to let any man take advantage of her, and this was just his initial step. With a hard wrench of her wrist, she finally managed to twist her hand away.
He grinned, his leering gaze on hers. “Good to know. I’ll be in touch with your agent and perhaps we can get together for lunch. You’re going places,” he assured her.
Her stomach twisted in a mixture of pleasure, excitement, and nerves.
“She has a contract through the end of the summer,” a familiar voice said from behind her in a firm … and arousing tone. Landon stepped up beside Vivi.
“Landon Bennett, owner of this club.” He extended his hand, and if she wasn’t mistaken, he and Axel had a pissing contest over their firm handshake before each man released his grip.
“She’s yours … for now,” Axel said and, without sparing Landon another glance, looked to Owen. “I’ll be in touch,” he said. “Vivi, it was a pleasure.”
He walked away and Landon immediately glared at Owen. “When she’s with you, she’s your responsibility. I saw her trying to extricate herself from his grip from across the room. If you’re going to let slimy promoters hang on to her hand too long, who’s to say you won’t let them push her for other things?”
Vivi blinked in shock at his protective accusations because he was right. Owen hadn’t stepped in to help. Though she’d freed herself from Axel’s grip, she needed to be more aware and not put herself in positions where she was alone with people who made her uncomfortable.
“If you can’t handle the job of protecting your client, she should find someone who can,” Landon said, stepping into Owen’s space.
“You’re right,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. “That was my mistake. I’ll be more careful in the future.”
“Okay, I can take care of myself, both of you. Landon, I appreciate you looking out for me. Owen, yes, just be more aware. Now can we move on?”
Owen inclined his head. “I’ll be going. Just a reminder, I’ll be vetting offers throughout the week. Good job, Vivienne.”
She smiled, and as he walked out, she realized she was alone with Landon, a man she truly desired but didn’t think she had a chance of ever having. But if given the opportunity, she’d make the most of every second they had together, knowing whatever they shared could never last.