Return (Matt Turner Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

everywhere he goes. Adds to credibility.”
    “Wow, you’re really into this gig, huh? Are you planning to do another?”
    “I’m doing all of them. This is our fourth stop. We’re actually partners in this, he and I, in case you’re still thinking he’s taking advantage of me. After he contacted me and we worked out some details, I reorganized the tour from the mess he’d begun, sourced much of the material … Hell, I wrote half of what he said today. I coach him on gestures and timing and such, too. He listens to me. Are you going to sue?” She slid the question in there without so much as a breath. Not even a shift in facial expression.
    Matt’s gears turned as he studied her. “No … No interest in a lawsuit.” He glanced into the lobby where Cameron continued watching them through his eyebrows, pretending to be engrossed with signing the books. An idea struck Matt.
    “What’s he paying you?”
    Joss frowned. “Well, that’s not really any of your business-”
    “I’ll double it. Plus benefits. I have a health plan in place already, it covers everything. I think there’s a thing like a 401k, too. Come work for me.”
    “Work? You … You don’t even know me. If we’re being honest, we didn’t even know each other twenty years ago. What, you just want to ruin Cam? Punish him for using your name and slinging bullshit to sell-out crowds?”
    Matt softened his face and set his focus on her eyes. No more glances toward the lobby. “No, I don’t care about him.”
    Joss crossed her arms. “I guess I just don’t understand why you would … care … about me. I’m a random stranger. Or worse, even. I shouldn’t be any different to you than him.”
    Matt offered a small smile. “You are, though. You know you are.” Joss’s eyes wavered at this. Matt turned to go back inside. “Well, it was great to see you either way, and if you happen to change your mind-”
    “About working in North Carolina? Thanks, but I don’t think so.”
    Matt stopped just before the door. “In Jersey. I don’t live in Raleigh anymore. I was only there because it’s where my sister went to school. You still around Newark?” He gripped the door handle.
    “Kearny, yeah, right next door.” She strolled after him. “You know, when I first got my license I used to cruise past your parents’ house every now and then. Never saw you, but I spotted your dad taking out the trash one night.” She paused, remembering in a flash all of the news reports about Cuba, and Matt, and how Detective Turner was murdered. “Sorry about your dad, by the way. How’s your mom doing?”
    “She’s good. Thanks.” He left it at that, mentally swatting away the “Dad” thing. He waited, watching her face. She obviously wanted to say yes to his offer. He released the door and slid his hands into his shorts’ pockets.
    Joss pinched at her dress, rolling the material between her fingers. “So … You said you’d double my salary? Like in movies: ‘Whatever they’re payin’ you, I’ll double it!’”
    Amused by the voice, Matt said, “I don’t know if I said it like that …”
    “Which, by the way, you still don’t know. My pay, that is. Guess it’s not a concern. What kind of work are we talking about, exactly?”
    “Assistant type stuff. Organization. What you said you do for him.” Faced with the reality of her about to accept his hasty job offer, Matt became aware of his own poor timing. The coming weeks would require all of his focus. And full independence. “Look, I really do have to take off. It sounds like you’ve got a great thing going here, and I didn’t come to throw a wrench in that. Why don’t I give you my number and if you’re ever looking for a change, just reach out-”
    “Where are you parked?” She grabbed his arm.
    Crap.
    “You’re accepting? I mean, that’s great and everything, but-”
    “Yup!” Joss dragged him onto the path. “So let’s get the hell out of here.”
    There was no