Pirate's Gold by Lisa Jackson

of them, and from what I understand Sterling Recording Company is your major source of income.”
    His last statement was the final nail in the coffin. He knew how desperately she needed his business. He knew it was a matter of life and death for her small company. If she could only hang on a few more months, business was beginning to turn around and come from other sources than Sterling Records. But right now, she needed the contracts from Sterling desperately.
    â€œI’ll be honest with you, Kyle, I’ve never really considered selling Festival Productions, and I’m not sure I’m comfortable with the idea. I like working for myself and being my own boss.”
    â€œDo you like the headaches of keeping Festival afloat?”
    She smiled distantly. “It’s all part of the game, I guess. A challenge. I don’t know if I’m willing to give it up.”
    â€œYou don’t have to…. We can even use the location of your offices until your lease is up and we’ve made room for you downtown.”
    â€œWhat about my staff?” she asked, her blue eyes trying to read the gray depths of his.
    â€œThe staff is up to you…within a reasonable budget.”
    â€œAnd you’re the one who decides what is ‘reasonable.’”
    He settled back in the chair and returned her inquiring gaze. “Ultimately, yes.”
    â€œIf I decide against this…what happens to the unsigned contracts?” she asked.
    â€œThey’ll probably remain unsigned. This is important to me, and if we can’t get your cooperation, then I’ll have to find someone else. I’m giving you first opportunity.”
    â€œBecause J. D. Price and a few other artists will insist upon it.”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œI’m not crazy about the idea,” she conceded.
    â€œAnd you feel forced into it?”
    â€œI think ‘coerced’ is the term I would use,” she replied thoughtfully. “I suppose you want an answer tonight.”
    â€œIt would make things easier for me.”
    Maren felt as if her world were falling apart. Festival Productions was little security, but it was all she had in the world. It would be hard to give up. “I’ll have to think about it,” she whispered. “And of course I’d want to see a firm offer with an employment agreement attached to it in writing.” He waited, expecting other demands, but there was only the one. She stared at him evenly, without the slightest evidence of anxiety. “The only way I would consider your offer is if in the purchase price you included shares of Sterling Recording Company stock.”
    His eyebrows raised in surprise and the corners of his mouth pulled into a tight frown.
    â€œIt’s not unrealistic,” she pointed out. “I want to make sure that I have some say in what goes on.”
    â€œAnd you think by owning stock in my company, you will?”
    â€œWe’ll find out, won’t we?” she countered, hoping that her bluff would remain uncovered. What did she have to bargain with?
    He noticed the deadly gleam in her eye and couldn’t help but smile. After running his fingers through his sun-streaked hair, he shook his head and smiled. His laughter was low, rich and infectious. It seemed to relieve the tension in the air. “Lady,” he said with his amused grin familiarly in place, “I have the distinct feeling that I’ve been had.” He refilled his glass and chuckled.
    â€œThat makes two of us,” she confided with less enthusiasm. If the situation weren’t so serious, she, too, might be inclined to laugh. As it was, she could barely manage a smile.
    The cool wine slid down her throat and Kyle winked at her. “Lighten up,” he instructed with a sly smile. “Things can only get better. You may as well enjoy yourself.”
    â€œI suppose you’re right,” she replied and a spark of interest danced