Pirate's Gold by Lisa Jackson Read Free Book Online Page A

“That’s a tall order.”
    â€œI’d pay you for your trouble.”
    She considered his proposal as she ate the tangy seafood. Though the meal was excellently prepared, Maren had little appetite. She remembered the cassette in her purse. It represented a fortune, and she needed money badly. It was a tempting offer, one that she hated to turn down. Though she tried desperately to mentally allot the time needed for the project into her schedule, it was impossible. The next six weeks were already crammed with appointments and deadlines.
    All the while she was lost in thought, Kyle watched her. He witnessed the silent play of emotions clouding the elegant lines of her face. Something was bothering her, he was sure of it. But what? He hadn’t even broached the subject of buying out Festival Productions, and he was sure that she was being honest when she stated that the pirating of videotapes was a problem that no longer existed.
    Shadowy light from the candle played upon her hair, streaking the rich auburn color with bursts of fiery red. The silken strands framed her face in thick curls that were cut in several fashionable layers and finally rested just below her shoulders. Though she was dressed in a smartly tailored business suit of cream-colored linen and the collar of her turquoise blouse tied over her throat, Kyle knew that she was the most seductive woman in the restaurant. It wasn’t what she was wearing that added to her attraction, it was the sophisticated manner in which she carried herself.
    â€œIt’s a tempting offer, Kyle, and I really do wish that I could take you up on it, but I just don’t see where I’ll be able to find the time to do everything you want by the end of May. I’m already behind in the production of several tapes—some of which are Sterling Recording Company’s releases.”
    â€œYou’re turning me down?” His jaw tightened and he couldn’t hide the sarcastic bite to his words. After reading the financial statements of Festival Productions, he had been sure that she would gladly accept his offer…along with any others he might make concerning the business at hand.
    â€œI’m not turning you down, Kyle, I’m being honest with you.” She smiled slightly, displaying just the hint of white teeth. “My first instinct is to say yes and agree to anything you want, but that would be unfair, not only to Sterling Recording Company, but also to some of your artists who are expecting my services.”
    Kyle rubbed his thumb under his chin and his dark brows drew together in a deep scowl. “Whom?”
    â€œThere are several,” Maren admitted. “The first one who comes to mind is Joey Righteous. I’d hoped, in fact I’d almost promised him that his videotape would be completed before he started his tour of Japan. I don’t think I can just push him aside for a special project, and I’m not sure that I’d want to.”
    Kyle felt the muscles in the back of his neck begin to tighten. “Have you already started working on his tape?”
    Maren let out a long breath. “I’ve got the idea on paper, pending Joey’s and Sterling Recording Company’s approval.” She pushed her plate aside and ignored the rest of the meal. “We could start shooting as early as next week, except for one major hang-up.”
    â€œAnd what’s that?”
    She was suddenly dead serious, her blue eyes arctic. “The fact that I can’t get anyone at Sterling Recording Company to help me. Joey’s contract, along with about seven others, hasn’t been signed by anyone of authority at your firm.”
    Kyle’s mouth tightened into a firm hard line. “I’m prepared to correct that.”
    â€œFine. I happen to have to the contracts with me.” His eyebrows arched in interest and she forced herself to continue. “But that doesn’t help my production