The Way You Tempt Me

Book 1: Pure Talent

by Elle Wright

Genres: African American Women's Fiction; African American Romance; Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Brilliant and ambitious, the high-powered team behind the Pure Talent Agency manages the best creatives
in the business. In this sizzling new series, they gamble big on every wild-card, industry-outsider client—and
on delicious, unexpected, crazy-irresistible passion …
The heir-apparent to Pure Talent, ex-playboy Xavier Starks had it all figured out. With an engagement to
Hollywood’s hottest actress and his innovative expansion plans, he can finally prove to his dad, Jax, that he’s responsible
enough to step into a leadership role at their company. Until a jilting-gone-viral puts Xavier back in the relentless
social-media spotlight, out of the running for partner—and in competition with the last person he ever expected: his
very-grown-up childhood friend and girl-next-door …
With her acclaimed sports talent roster and unparalleled instincts, agent Zara Reid knows she can take Pure Talent
to the next level. To make the most of her mentor Jax’s faith in her, she’ll go head-to-head and scheme-to-scheme
with Xavier to prove she’s got what it takes. But suddenly, long days working too close together turn into reckless,
insatiable nights. Now, being co-workers-with-benefits means Zara and Xavier must face their secrets, dare to trust—
and negotiate the toughest game of all—love.

Release date: July 28, 2020

Publisher: Kensington Books

Print pages: 320

Sample

“I’ve been here since day one. I’ve seen the strides made, the battles fought, the victories won, and the losses suffered. As one of this agency’s first clients, I believe in my father’s vision.” Xavier Starks met his father’s eyes and smiled. “And I can’t wait to lead this company into the future.”

“And you’re sure about this?”

Xavier paused, mouth open, thumb on the presentation clicker. He glanced back up at the screen showcasing his hard work, the slide that he’d worked painstakingly on in an effort to garner applause. Or at least a smile. What he didn’t expect was that particular question from his father. Because he was sure. He was definitely confident in his plan to take Pure Talent to the next level by spearheading a new sports division.

Dropping his arms to his sides, he sucked in a deep breath. “Excuse me? Of course, I’m sure. We talked about this. Sports will change the game, improve our bottom line. I envision a huge marketing campaign, the best sports agents, talented players. What’s there not to be sure about?”

Jax arched a brow and glanced down at the small box sitting on the desk. The ring. The vintage marquise-cut diamond sparkled from the box, gleaming at him. His father pointed at it. “This.”

Sighing, Xavier picked it up and closed the top of the box before he stuffed it in his pockets. “Does this mean you didn’t hear a word of my presentation?”

“I heard you.” Jax leaned forward, elbows against the oak desk. “Xavier, you came into my office and showed off this ring you purchased for Naomi. Then you went into your work proposal. Shouldn’t we talk about this? You are my son. This is a big deal.”

Xavier shrugged. “It is. Which is why I wanted to show you the ring first.”

“A ring doesn’t make a marriage, son. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“Yeah, I’m ready. Dad, there is a board meeting in two hours. I need to table the discussion about the ring and focus on the work proposal I have to make.”

Pure Talent Agency was founded by Jax Starks in 1989, after he had made a name for himself as a sharp, dedicated entertainment attorney for several African-American celebrities. He’d spent years building his brand, negotiating unheard-of deals in Hollywood for actors who had floundered under different representation. The first order of business was signing Xavier himself as the first child actor of the boutique agency.

With his father’s vision and connections in the industry, Xavier landed a sought-after role on one of the most influential sitcoms of the 1990s. Every Tuesday evening, families of all backgrounds watched Xavier grow up right before their eyes as the sharp, inquisitive son of a fictional lawyer and his family.

It wasn’t long before Xavier had decided he didn’t want the life of red carpets and photo shoots. He didn’t want to spend his school year with tutors, instead of teachers, and with costars, instead of his friends. Once he realized that acting was not for him, he’d gone to great lengths to distance himself from his squeaky-clean child star image, eventually settling into a career of his own within the agency as one of the best youth-performer agents at Pure Talent. Now he wanted—no, he needed—to take his career to the next level.

“Expanding into sports is huge for this company,” Xavier said. “And I want to be the agent to helm this new venture. I’ve done the work, I’ve studied the market, I’ve made invaluable connections. This is exactly the type of project that I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into.”

Jax leaned back in his chair. “I agree. A sports division is the next logical step. I can definitely foresee us taking this company to a whole new level of success.”

“Exactly.”

“It’s no secret that I’m getting older.”

Xavier dropped his gaze. Over the past few months, his father had been talking more and more about retirement, of traveling for pleasure, of enjoying dinner with X’s mother without interruptions from clients and staff. As much as he understood the notion, he hated to think of his father getting older. In Xavier’s mind, Jax Starks was still a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

“I have to admit that seeing you take the initiative on something like this makes me happy,” Jax continued. “You’ve done a good job on the proposal, your presentation is thorough. I’m very interested in exploring this further.”

“Thank you. Your faith in me means a lot, Dad.”

“Have you thought about potential agents?”

Xavier finally took a seat. “I have some ideas. I can get you a list this afternoon, after the presentation.”

“Great. I see no reason not to move on this quickly. I also have a few names.”

Curiosity piqued, Xavier asked, “Care to share?”

“Not particularly.”

Xavier barked out a laugh. “I’m not surprised.” Without another word, Xavier closed his laptop and gathered his hard copy of the presentation.

“Are you sure?”

Glancing at his father, Xavier sighed. He’d been in this position with his father more times than not, hoping to distract from a conversation he didn’t want to have. When he’d mentioned marriage to Naomi, both of his parents had reservations and had made it known in no uncertain terms.

He couldn’t say that he blamed them. Naomi was one of the hottest black actresses in the industry. Going out with her was inviting attention that he’d tried hard to avoid for many years.

“I’m sure,” Xavier said finally.

“Why? Why is she the one?”

“We’ve been together for over a year.”

“That’s not an answer.”

Xavier shrugged. “What do you want me to say?”

“I want you to tell me why you’re proposing to a woman who spends more time on her phone than with you. What is it about her that makes you think marriage is the next logical step?” Jax stood to his full height and strolled over to the mini refrigerator he kept in the office. Pulling out two bottles of water, he offered Xavier one before twisting the cap off of his own. “Being married is much more than a high-profile wedding. I just want to be sure you’re doing this for you—and not for an image you think you need.”

“I don’t need to get married, Dad. I want to. Naomi is talented, funny, adventurous, beautiful. We get along, we have fun together, we enjoy the same food and the same activities. She challenges me to...” Watch reality TV and read fanfiction? He scratched the back of his neck. “She’s amazing.”

His father leaned against the desk and assessed him with eyes that saw too much, way more than Xavier wanted them to see in that moment. “But you didn’t mention love. Do you love her?”

“Love”? Xavier closed his eyes as the chorus to that damn Tina Turner song played in his head. The question in the song taunted him, because love hadn’t been a part of his decision-making process. Of course, he cared for her, and he did love her. But not in a fiery, all-consuming “A Couple of Forevers” way. More like a “We’ve Only Just Begun” way.

Still, he couldn’t bring himself to admit that to his father; he knew it would only make matters worse. Because Jax Starks fell in love with Ana Perry-Starks thirty-eight years ago and had never stopped being in love with his wife. Growing up, Xavier had watched his parents build an empire, all while demonstrating unconditional love to each other, even during the hard times. Marrying for anything other than love was a no-no to his mother and father.

“You know I have feelings for her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing this. I’m a grown man doing grown-man things. I know you think I’m being impulsive, but I don’t take this lightly.”

He’d thought about everything, weighed the possible pros and cons. In the past, Xavier had made very questionable decisions, based on emotions and appearances.

“I’m doing the right thing.” Xavier stood, picked up his laptop. “Tonight is the night I will propose to Naomi. Everything will be fine. You’ll see.”

“Fine. If this is what you want, I’m going to support you.”

“Thanks. I have to run an errand. I’ll be back in an hour.”

Xavier left his father’s office and hurried to his own office to drop off his things. Grabbing his jacket, he told his assistant, Jennifer, to hold his calls; then he rushed to the elevator. He responded to a client while he waited for the car and sent a text to another. When the door opened, he stepped inside. As soon as he exited the elevator, his phone buzzed.

“What’s the word, bruh?” Xavier breezed past a crew in the process of decorating one of the many Christmas trees that would adorn the lobby leading up to the holiday in a few weeks.

“Shit,” Duke answered.

Since they were kids, Duke Young had been a constant in Xavier’s life, since their fathers were best friends. They’d seen each other through stupid decisions, crazy exes, and even an overnight stint in jail.

“Is everything all set?” Xavier’s phone buzzed, indicating another call was coming in. He glanced at the screen and hit IGNORE. His cousin, Skye, would have to wait.

“Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?” his friend asked. “Of course, we’re all set.”

Voted one of the hottest chefs of his generation, Duke had blazed a trail in the culinary industry, winning multiple awards and turning the food game on its ears. He’d recently won a reality-television contest for best chef and was currently wielding all kinds of offers, from product endorsements to lucrative job offers to cookbook deals. He’d even managed to snag a deal as an underwear model.

“Did the florist come to the house?”

Xavier had spared no expense, hiring one of the top floral artists to decorate his condo for the proposal.

“She just left,” Duke said. “But not before I got her number for tonight.”

“You just make sure the entrée is on point, before you hook up with Samantha.”

“I got you, bruh. You know that.”

“Thanks, man. I need this entire thing to go off without a hitch.”

“At least the food will be good.” Duke laughed. “That is the only thing that I’m sure about.”

“Shut the hell up, man.” He’d heard all of his friend’s reservations about Naomi and the proposal multiple times since he’d asked him to prepare the meal for the occasion. And after the conversation he’d just had with his dad, he didn’t want to hear it again.

“I’m just sayin’... Despite the slammin’ dinner, the whole engagement thing doesn’t sit right with me. But it’s your life.”

“Exactly, so stop talking about it.” The phone buzzed in his ear again. Xavier glanced at the screen. His father. Hitting IGNORE, he said, “Bruh, once you’re finished, you can go ahead and go. I’ll probably be done here a little early today, because I want to take care of some things at the house.”

“I don’t just cook a masterpiece and walk away. Part of my process is the presentation.”

“For someone else, yes. But not for me.”

Another call buzzed in his ear. Skye again. For a second, he wondered if something was wrong. But he quickly brushed that worry off, because she would have sent a text.

Xavier stopped at a coffee kiosk in the lobby, while Duke ticked off all the details for the romantic date he’d planned tonight. He placed his regular order, but paused when the barista simply stared at him. He looked down at his suit to check for a stain or something. “Is something wrong, Rita?”

The petite woman quickly snapped out of her trance. “Uh, no. I’m sorry, X.” She hurried to get his drink.

Frowning, he scanned the area and noticed that Rita wasn’t the only one staring at him. Conspicuous glances from several people in the lobby got his attention. Stares and whispers weren’t new to him. As a former child star with a hit show still running in syndication, being noticed wherever he went was commonplace. But not in the Pure Talent offices. And not the way the various staff members were watching him.

“X, what’s up?” Duke asked, interrupting his thoughts.

“Nothing.” He smiled when Rita slid a cup of coffee toward him. Meeting her gaze, he noticed her chin tremble, almost like she was going to break out in an ugly cry. “Are you okay?”

She dropped her gaze. “I’m okay, X. Are you?”

Tilting his head, he nodded. “I’m fine.” He pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and set it on the counter.

Before he could slide it to her, she placed her hand on top of his. “It’s good. Coffee’s on me today.”

“Okay,” he murmured. “Thanks, Rita.”

“Who the hell is Rita?” Duke asked.

Xavier blinked. Because for a second, he’d forgotten he was on the phone. “No one to you, bruh. Listen, what did you decide for dessert?”

Duke described a strawberry-and-chocolate torte that he was sure Naomi would love. Smiling, Xavier said, “Sounds like you have everything under control.”

“I told you... I got this. This is what I do.”

“X!”

Xavier turned toward the entrance of the building. Skye waved at him and rushed over to where he’d been standing near the small coffee kiosk. He held up a hand, signaling her to wait a second. Speaking to Duke, he told him to call if he had any issues and ended the call.

“What’s up, Skye?”

Breathing heavily, like she’d been running, Skye ran a hand through her hair. “I’ve been trying to call you.”

Xavier opened an e-mail and skimmed a message from one of his client’s parents. “I was in the middle of something.” He quickly typed out a response to the e-mail and hit the SEND button. “What’s going on?” He read another e-mail and pondered the best way to answer the question posed to him.

Skye snatched his phone. “Listen to me.”

Frowning, he wondered if he’d missed something. Has she been talking? “There’s a lot going on. I’m actually on my way out to take care of something for the proposal tonight.”

“X, I...”

He pulled the ring out of his pocket. “I forgot to show you the ring.” He opened the box and smiled, anticipating her reaction.

Skye had been his number one supporter in everything he’d done in life. They’d grown up together, joined at the hip from the time they could walk. Their fathers were brothers and partners in numerous business ventures.

With a hard eye roll, Skye shook her head. “X, stop.”

He paused, confused by Skye’s reaction to the ring. He’d expected her to hype him up, coo over the size and shape of the diamond. “What? You don’t think she’ll like it? We talked about this. You told me marquise-cut was the way to go?”

“Will you just shut up about the ring?” Skye scanned the immediate area. “Too many people, too many ears,” she mumbled, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward an empty conference room.

Once inside the room, she closed the door and the blinds and turned to him. “X, we need to talk.”

Skye worked for Pure Talent in the public relations department. She knew how to handle all types of situations—good, bad, or catastrophic. Her specialty was putting a positive spin on everything, whether she was writing press releases, fine-tuning images, or managing crises. Right now, she was giving him “bad news” vibes. Soft voice, direct eye contact, and straight back.

He eyed her, waited for her to speak. Then he saw it. The slightest tremble in her chin. This was personal, not client related. “What’s wrong?” he asked. “Did someone die?”

She shook her head.

“Accident?”

“Okay, I’m going to talk now.” She sighed heavily. “And I need you to remain calm, no matter what.”

Dread knotted in his stomach. The last time Skye had told him to remain calm, she’d informed him that their uncle had passed away suddenly. “I’m good.”

Finally her shoulders relaxed. “You obviously haven’t seen Page Six.”

“No. Like I said, I’ve been busy. Why?”

She pulled out her phone. “There’s something you need to see.” Xavier took the offered device from his cousin and peered at the Page Six headline. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

The title of the article was the punch to the gut, the huge picture under the article served as the uppercut. The combination of both knocked the wind out of his lungs. He sat down on one of the empty chairs. Muttering a curse, he glared at the screen. He didn’t need to read the article to know that he was screwed, that he had been screwed.

Still, he forced himself to look at the “happy couple” on the page. The woman smiled as if she’d recently descended from cloud nine, while the man held on to her waist as if he’d never let her go. It wasn’t the type of picture taken without permission. The man and woman had posed for it, made sure the photographer caught her good side. The only problem? He was an asshole and she had recently been voted one of the “30 Hottest Women under 30” in People magazine. His woman, the woman he had planned to propose to that night. The title taunted him, and he re-read it three times in a row, just to be sure and maybe to will it away. He closed his eyes and reopened them. Shit. It was still there, still pissing him off, still taunting him: NAOMI MURPHY DUMPS XAVIER STARKS FOR PRO-BASKETBALL PLAYER ETHAN PORTER.

“Damn, X. What number is this?”

Xavier glanced over at his friend Garrett Steele and watched as he ordered a cognac neat. Without answering, he turned his attention back to his own glass, half filled with the same amber liquor his friend had just requested.

“X?” Garrett called.

It wasn’t Garrett’s fault. He’d been sitting next to him for a good fifteen minutes, trying to engage. But Xavier wasn’t ready to converse with anyone. Christmas music blared through the surround-sound speakers, laughter permeated the air around him, and his parents worked the room, as they did every year at this time. The annual Starks holiday party was in full swing.

It had been two weeks since he’d been dumped via tabloid, and Xavier had finally emerged from his cocoon of work, home, and takeout. But only because his father had sent reinforcements to force him to shower and put on his best suit for the occasion. His mother and Skye had appeared on his doorstep with a brand-new suit, shoes, and a veiled threat to “get your shit together, because that woman will not get another ounce of your energy.”

Xavier finished his drink and tapped the bar counter, signaling to the bartender to refill his glass. “I’ll drink until people stop staring at me.”

Garrett snickered. “Man, this is not your first scandal, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

“If that’s your attempt at helping the situation, you failed miserably.”

“Shit, I’m done. I can’t even muster the obligatory ‘you’re better off’ speech. Because the whole thing is fucked-up.”

“Exactly.” Xavier picked up his glass and tipped it in his friend’s direction. “The silver lining will reveal itself when I get over forking over twenty thousand dollars on that damn ugly-ass ring, ordering exotic flowers, and flying Duke here for a gourmet meal, only to find out that the woman I was supposed to propose to...” He shook his head. He couldn’t say it out loud anymore.

After some prodding from Skye, he’d tossed a few glasses against his living-room wall. That shit didn’t help. The only thing it did was shine a light on how incredibly oblivious he’d been. Naomi didn’t love him, or even care that much about him. She’d used him from the beginning, and he’d helped her. His connections in the business, his father’s name... everything about him fit into her plan for her career. He’d just been so preoccupied with his own career track that he’d failed to see she was playing him all along.

Now he was embarrassed, humiliated, tormented by the gossip and vlogs devoted to his pitifulness. His saving grace was that the downfall of his relationship only cost him money, and not his heart. Oh, and a little bit of his dignity and a possible client in Ethan Porter. Because at . . .