Page 48 of Not Another Love Song

He was faced away, talking to Nathan as he stepped out as well. Gwen considered ducking into the janitor’s closet just to her left.

Nathan caught sight of her first.

“Gwen, just in time.”

And in slow motion, it seemed, she watched Xander turn and take her in with an open expression—lifted brows and curious eyes.

“What happened to Florida?” she blurted.

He blinked. And before he could answer, Nathan dropped a hand on his shoulder. And Gwen couldn’t help but notice Xander’s jaw tighten.

“Some good news for the Pops,” Nathan said. “Xander has agreed to renew his contract.”

She felt the blood leave her face. “Why?”

The bright smile on Nathan’s face melted away, and he tilted his head. Xander continued to stare at her, despite her resolve not to look back at him.

“Well, we came to an understanding regarding his time commitment to both Thorne and Roses and the Pops—”

“Nathan, can we speak in your office.” She pushed past the two of them and darted through the door without another word.

Plopping into the chair facing Nathan’s desk, she breathed deeply through her spinning thoughts.

Why would Nathan offer his position back after the year of terrible behavior? And why would Xander take a step backward in his career like this?

She listened to them mumble their goodbyes. “Give me a call once you’ve spoken to him. I’m sure he won’t be pleased…” Nathan said.

Xander’s voice was too soft to hear, but the bass rumble of it sparked memories across her skin.

It’s all right. Let’s do it together.

She shivered, her body igniting with the memory. Pushing her libido aside, she focused on Xander and Nathan’s goodbyes. Who won’t be pleased?

Nathan closed the door and took his seat across from her. “Okay. What’s up?”

“Why did you ask him back?”

“I saw how his popularity has risen over the past few days,” Nathan explained calmly. “Xander Thorne—this Xander Thorne, with ten times as many followers—is a simple answer to our financial problems. If the press release goes out tomorrow, just days after his success on SNL, the subscriptions will soar. We might lure the younger demographic back to the Pops.”

Gwen chewed on the inside of her cheek. “So it’s about money.”

He smiled at her. “It’s always about money, Gwen. Music and money.”

“What about Gordon?” Gwen asked. Gordon was the cellist who had taken over first cello for every one of Xander’s missed rehearsals and performances. “I talked to him last week. You promoted him to first cello. He signed a contract.”

“You let me handle Gordon, all right?” He gave her a patronizing smile. “Sometimes difficult decisions need to be made for the best of the entire orchestra.”

Gwen crossed her arms like a sullen teenager. Something wasn’t sitting well with her. Why would Xander accept Nathan’s offer? Was it a significant amount of money? What could Xander have wanted—

Her heart stopped. Her gaze flicked up to Nathan.

“Did you offer him first chair? I know he wanted it.”

Nathan’s brows drew together. “No. Gwen, you are not going anywhere. I believe in you.”

Her chest was still tight. Ava had told her that the only reason he joined the Pops was because he wanted first chair.

“Can I ask you a question about my contract?” She took a deep breath and tried to be bold. She hadn’t looked at it in detail when she signed. But now that Gordon’s contract was going to be torn up…“How long will I be first chair of the Manhattan Pops?”

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