Olivia adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped into the grand lobby of The Mercer Hotel, where Adrian Hayes was staying for the next few weeks. The place oozed luxury—marble floors gleamed under golden chandeliers, and the scent of fresh roses lingered in the air.
She exhaled sharply. This was his world. Expensive, extravagant, and completely foreign to her.
A man in a sleek black suit approached. "Miss Carter?"
"Yes."
"The team is expecting you. This way."
She followed him through a private elevator, her pulse ticking higher with each floor they ascended. When the doors opened to a penthouse suite, she barely masked her surprise. The space was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, and the decor was modern yet inviting.
And then she saw him.
Adrian Hayes stood near the grand piano, casually strumming an acoustic guitar. Dressed in a fitted black T-shirt and dark jeans, he looked every bit the rockstar he was. His tousled dark hair framed sharp cheekbones, and when he turned toward her, his piercing blue eyes held a flicker of amusement.
"So, you're the journalist who's going to be stalking me for a week," he said, setting the guitar down.
Olivia straightened her shoulders. "I wouldn't call it stalking. More like observing."
"Ah, so you'll just be silently judging me instead." His lips curved into a smirk.
She refused to let him get under her skin. "I'll be writing the truth. Whether you like it or not."
Adrian chuckled, moving closer. "Truth is subjective, sweetheart. Especially when it comes to the press."
Sweetheart? Olivia gritted her teeth. This was going to be a long week.
A woman with a headset appeared. "Adrian, you have soundcheck in an hour."
"Guess that means you're coming with me," he said, flashing Olivia a cocky grin.
She forced a polite smile. "Lucky me."
As they walked toward the private exit, Olivia reminded herself why she was here. This wasn't about Adrian Hayes or his infuriating charm.
It was about the story.
And no matter how much he tried to unsettle her, she wouldn't forget that.