"Did they dislike your music, or just careers in music?"
He nodded his head with a smirk. "You're right: it was a money thing with them. They were poor immigrants from Chile. My dad worked hard on a construction crew, and he wanted me to do better. But my mom loved music-she even gave lessons to make some money. There was a beat-up piano in the basement where we lived, so she occasionally took me down there to teach me."
I'd never seen him play a keyboard in the ten years I'd been following him, so I was curious to know more. "I thought you played guitar. Who taught you that?"
Alejandro's eyes glimmered as a smile grew on his face. "Mom. She had one that she'd brought from Chile. One day, I picked it up and started to strum it like she did. I'd been watching her play, and I'd learned a few chords. Before I knew it, I could play the guitar, too. The piano didn't get much use after that."
He took a long breath. "Look, Deborah, I get that you don't want to go out in public, but I want to see you again, get to know you better. I've got to go now-I'm meeting some people about a tour later this year. But I want you to come to my place tonight for dinner. I promise I won't make you into the next tabloid sensation." He grinned. "It'll just be us. No fans, no reporters, no manager."
I arched an eyebrow. "No personal assistant?"
He laughed at my question. "Karen means well. But no, she won't be there tonight, either. I want you all to myself. I'll send Udo for you at six."
That sounded like a terrible idea. Going there for dinner would only heat things up between us. I could never resist his advances, and I knew he'd make them. Then it would be even harder to con him. This date was completely and utterly wrong.
"Alejandro," I took a deep breath. "We can't. . . I'm not ready."
"Don't worry. This doesn't have to be anything more than dinner. I like that you're not a desperate fan girl, and I enjoy spending time with you. That's enough for tonight. No sex. Although both of us want it, so I'm not sure why you're holding back." He grinned and pulled me into his arms. "Just come over for dinner, then Udo will take you home. I reserve the right to kiss you madly, though." He did that a few times, just to make sure I understood.
It really seemed like Alejandro wanted to see me. And refusing his advances could potentially be worse than accepting them. He was the mark, after all, and needed some attention. Attention that I wanted to give, as well. Also, I couldn't have him showing up randomly at my motel room-he might see something he shouldn't. I wanted to conclude this deal as soon as possible, so I simply had to go there for dinner. There wasn't any choice.