A/N: I am so sorry for the long delay! I've just had surgery, and am currently in the process of recovery. But, I'm (hopefully) going to use this opportunity to write as much as I can for Hollywood Management. I've actually taken some time to consider how I want to finish this story off, and I think I've come up with a satisfying ending, don't want to give too much away quite yet, but I'm hoping you readers will like what I have decided. :)

Also, I can't thank each and every one of you enough, for leaving a review, and/or having this story on alert and favourites! We've surpassed the 100 review mark! Wow...just, thank you!

There is one offensive word in this chapter, I apologize in advance for offending anybody.

Disclaimer: Still don't own Big Time Rush, nor do I have any official association with the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes

Katie returned to the mansion and quickly packed her things. She scribbled out a note, explaining to the other house guests that she had a work emergency to resolve. She hoped that her lie was reasonably believable, but left for Los Angeles anyway.

The drive home was hard, everything reminded her about James. She slammed her palm down onto the steering wheel, frustrated with herself, and with him; Katie refused to be the mistress, she strongly believed in fidelity. She couldn't believe that she had let her emotions get the better of her, allowing, even seducing, James to kiss her tonight.

"What is wrong with me?" Katie mused, thinking how her morals seemed to have twisted completely when she thought about her actions this weekend. Even though she knew that James was at fault for stringing both her and Beverly along, she wasn't exactly an innocent bystander. If she was being honest with herself, her new swimsuit was bought specifically to enhance her sexual appeal and how she used it...she had never flirted with a man so blatantly, to the point where it left him blue-balled. Katie wondered when she had become such a seductress, and so dramatic. She remembered vowing to herself that wasn't go to be the type of woman to play devious games, undermining and manipulating people just to be with a man, and now, she was becoming the epitome of what she hated. Katie bit her lip, she couldn't go on with James like this, they had to finalize what they were and stick to it. She stepped on the gas pedal and raced home.

A couple of hours later, Katie roused from her restless sleep by a pounding on her bedroom door.

"Katie! Katie, open up!"

"What the..." Katie got up and opened the door to a very irate brother. Kendall grabbed her arm and pulled her out to the brightly lit living room, causing Katie to squint.

"Kendall, what the heck?"

"You tell me! All of a sudden, you run away from the restaurant, and leave behind some measly note at the mansion and drive off in the middle of the night. What the fuck were you thinking?" Kendall bellowed, stomping back and forth in front of her.

Katie grimaced; Kendall only swore under extreme circumstances and never at her; she knew that he was really upset with her.

"Kendall−"

"Don't 'Kendall,' me. I haven't finished. This whole week, you've been acting so unlike you. First, you stop eating, then you keep secrets from me, and now this? What is going on with you? It's like I don't even know you anymore." Kendall finally slumped down onto the couch, exhausted.

Katie tentatively took a seat next to him. For what seemed to be the millionth time this week, Katie had no idea what to do, her brother had never been this angry with her, ever.

She sighed, and whispered, "I'm sorry, Kendall."

Kendall scoffed, "Sorry? Do you realize what a wreck I've been this whole week? At first, you were okay, almost normal, but as the week progressed, you started...I don't know...distancing yourself from me. I waited for you to tell me what was on your mind, but you never did. When did you stop trusting me with everything?"

Katie grabbed onto her brother when she saw his look of despair, "Kendall, it's not that I don't trust you, never that, you have to believe me. There's just so many things happening, half of which, I'm not even sure what's going on, and quite honestly, I don't know how you'd take it."

"Try me," Kendall said, testily.

Katie sighed, and leaned back on the couch. At this point, she had to start talking to her brother, "Fulton wants to buy me out."

"So? He's been trying to do that for months."

Katie shook her head, "But now, he's got something." Katie sighed again, "The reason that James left FMA was because he slept with his ex-manager's wife. Fulton used that as an excuse for James to come and ask for my help, and he kept mum on the story. And now that James is my client, he's threatening to leak the story to the press, pretty much destroying James' career."

"And if you agree to sell your company, he doesn't say a word," Kendall deduced. Katie nodded. "So what? A lot of celebrities have personal issues that eventual reach the public, and they get over it."

Katie shook her head, "But, none of their stories happen right before award season, and James has the potential to be up for an Oscar and a Golden Globe. If he doesn't get any nominations for this role, well, you get the picture. It was already hard for him to begin with, coming from a boy band, then a solo singing career to this, not very many people were willing to take him seriously as an actor."

"Either way, Fulton wins," Kendall sighed for his sister, apparently getting over his anger. "Can't someone help you stop him? Gustavo, maybe? Or Griffin?"

Katie stood up, and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water, "Trust me, I've thought about it, but, it's my business, Kendall. I don't want to rely on other people to get me out of complicated situations."

"I get it, but−"

"No, I want to do this on my own," Katie stated, firmly.

Kendall stood up and went over to the kitchen bar, "So, that's it? That's what's been bothering you all week?"

Katie took a sip from her glass, set it down and stared at it, before looking up at her brother. She didn't know how to tell him about her confusing situation with James, and if she did figure out what to say, she didn't want to deal with how Kendall would react, because if she knew her brother, he wasn't going to take it well. Kendall waited patiently for his sister to speak.

"You have to promise not to freak out," Katie finally spoke up. Kendall quirked an eyebrow, but nodded slowly. "James and I...kissed."

Kendall jumped out of his seat, "What?" He yelled, then started for the door, all the while, mumbling, "I'm going to kill him! I'm going to kill him!"

Katie chased after him, blocking his way to the door. "Kendall! Stop!" She grabbed onto his arms, "Kendall, you promised you wouldn't freak out."

"That was before I knew that my supposed 'friend' put his lips all over my baby sister!" He screeched, eyes blazing.

"It was a mutual kiss!" Katie screamed, trying to calm him down, not realizing that she wasn't helping the situation. "Would you please, just sit, so I can explain?" Katie said, trying to turn him around.

Kendall furiously shook out of her grasp, but made his way to a kitchen stool. Katie sighed and went to sit next to him. She did not want to deal with this at five in the morning, but knew that she had no choice but to start telling her brother everything.

"I thought you told me that you didn't like James." Kendall growled.

Katie nodded slowly, "Right, when I told you that, it was true, but as the week went on, it became less so."

"Are you in love with him?"

Katie answered him honestly, "I don't think so." Kendall gave her a look of disbelief, causing Katie to explain herself, "Kendall, it's been a week, there is no way that I can possibly fall in love that quickly."

Kendall continued glaring at his sister, "I thought he was dating that vet?"

"He is," Katie answered.

"So what? Are you one of his notches, now?" Kendall spat.

Katie angrily pushed herself away from the bar, unable to believe that her beloved brother just said that to her.

"What am I supposed to think, Katie? James is a womanizer, he sleeps around. A lot," Kendall shouted, standing up.

Katie stomped back and stood right up to her brother, "You think I don't know that? It's not like I woke up one morning and decided, 'hey, today is a good day to start liking James Diamond. He's a man-whore, but who cares!' I have more integrity than to fall into bed with James, immediately. I didn't even want a relationship with him, I've thought of every possible negative outcome that could come of it, which is why I've been trying to suppress my feelings, all week! And now that he has a girlfriend? That's just gravy!" Katie fumed. She poked her finger at Kendall's chest, "Do you think I want to be the third person in a relationship? I never...I never..." Katie's eyes welled-up, "How could you think that I want to be that person, that I am that person." Katie turned away, not wanting her brother to see her cry.

Kendall slumped his shoulders and gently turned Katie into his arms, "Katie, don't cry," he whispered, rubbing her back, "I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have said that you slept with James."

Katie mumbled incoherently into his shirt. "What?"

Katie stepped back, sniffling, "I said, no, you shouldn't have. You should have more faith in me."

Kendall sighed, scratching the back of his head, "It's not that I don't have faith in you, Katie. But you have to realize how upsetting it is for me to hear that my sister lo−likes, one of my friends. And dammit, Katie, it's James. He doesn't do commitments, or relationships, I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know, Kendall," Katie replied quietly, making her way back to the couch. She placed her head in her arms. "I've been fighting my feelings, all week, thinking about the kind of person he is, but when we kissed," Katie ignored her brother's snort of disgust, "it just felt," she smiled sadly before whispering, "perfect."

"So, what now?" Kendall asked, taking a seat next to her. "Are you guys...going to date?"

"No," Katie said suddenly, "no, we have to maintain a professional relationship."

"But, you just said that−"

"I know what I said, Kendall," Katie interrupted. "But, I just realized that being with James is poisonous. I turned into someone I never wanted to be, just to get his attention, and you're right, he doesn't commit, I mean, he kissed me when he was with Beverly. Besides, your reaction proves me right, if James and I got together, we would be ruining so many relationships." Katie stood up, unaware of her brother's frown at her comment. "We can never be together," she stated finally. "Now, what I need to focus on, is my business, it's the only thing I have going for me." She looked down at her brother, "And, I'm sorry for running out on you, tonight. I had to get out."

Kendall nodded, slowly, still frowning. Katie gave him a small smile and retired to her room, knowing that she left their conversation unfinished. She plucked her phone off the nightstand and quickly sent a text to James, uncaring if she woke him up.

We need to talk. Meet me at my office, tomorrow morning. -K

Katie tiredly got up the next morning, to head to her office. She remembered to scratch down what she had for breakfast, so that Logan would be updated. She slipped into her favourite pant suit and tied up her hair. She rolled her eyes at her reflection; she was not looking forward to meeting up with James, not only did she have to tell him about Fulton's plan, but she also had to confront him about the status of their relationship.

She attempted a smile, still looking at her reflection, "Okay, Katie, you can do this, nothing to it." She groaned, dropping her smile, not convincing herself in the slightest.

"Hey, Kate, how was your weekend?" Mags asked, as soon as Katie stepped into the office suite.

Katie groaned, "You really don't want to know."

"Oh, I do, but I get the feeling that it's a long story, which you can tell me over lunch. Also, you're interviewing Jack Schooler at eleven," Mags reminded Katie from her desk.

"Oh, right. Hey, I told James to drop by today, so...expect him," Katie ended awkwardly, circling one of her fingers in the general area of the lobby.

Magdalene chuckled, "Sure, do you want a coffee?"

"Yes, please!" Katie answered, as she stepped back into her office.

Katie made a call to Camille's publicist to check up on any paparazzi action. Luckily, they had not caught wind of her new relationship with Logan, and Caleb was starting to appear more and more in the tabloids, with his co-star along side.

When she was reviewing Jack's CV, she mulled over what to do about Fulton. She only had four days to come up with a possible tactic to stop him from destroying her business. She was reading up on Jack's education when the answer came to her. She paged Magdalene immediately.

"Mags, get Fulton on the line ASAP, please."

"Will do."

Katie but her lip, nervous about her plan, while she listened to the phone ring.

"Ms. Knight, good to hear from you, and so soon. I expect that you have to a decision about my offer," Fulton said over the phone.

"Yes, about that Mr. Fulton," Katie replied firmly. "What you're asking me to do, is quite a monumental decision for me, and you've only given me a week's duration to come up with an answer. As a favour to me, would you be willing to extend this period of consideration by a month? I know that for a corporation as large and important as yours, there really shouldn't be any problems to allow a smaller fish, such as myself, time to evaluate everything before making my decision."

"Ms. Knight, you can't possibly think that giving you extra time will alter the outcome," Fulton replied, unabashed.

"Consider it charity, just allow me some time to explain everything to my clients," Katie remarked, quietly seething.

A full minute passed before Fulton answered, "I'll give you to the end of the month, Ms. Knight, and not a day more."

Katie could hear the finality in Fulton's voice. "That's all I need."

Katie hung up the phone and sighed, partially in triumph and partially because she was simply exhausted with all the drama that sprung into her life in the last week. She strummed her fingers across her desk while she thought of everything that recently happened, particularly focusing on James. Weeks ago, the two of them had barely been speaking to each other, apart from what she picked up from tabloid blogs and magazines, and conversations with mutual friends, she couldn't say that he was really a part of her life. But, it was as if the world had come full circle and the co-habitants of apartment 2J were reunited, and she and James were once again something. Katie sighed, hating the fact that she couldn't label exactly what their relationship was; yes, they grew up together, yes, they now worked professionally together, and yes, they did have sexual chemistry. There was no clean definition as to what they were and the inability to label them was causing them the deterioration of relationships with other people. Katie could wager that Kendall was still upset at her and probably more so at his lifelong friend.

She hung her head back against her seat, think of how it wasn't only the friendships that were decaying, but their integrities too; she felt disgusted at what they did to Beverly, while Katie didn't know the woman very well, she could tell that Beverly was a good person, and she didn't deserve to be dragged into the mess of what James and Katie were. What she told Kendall last night, came springing back to mind; James was poisonous, even though she had feelings for him, he wasn't good for her.

"Why can't we label what we are and just get it over with?" Katie muttered to herself. But, she quickly remembered how after the photo shoot for 'Cuda, the pair had decided to be friends. Katie snorted, apparently, both were dissatisfied with that distinction, however, Katie still believed that the discussion that day still rang true; neither of them were ready to be committed to each other.

Magdalene paged through, snapping Katie out of her revere. "Ms. Knight? Mr. Schooler is here for the interview."

Katie shook her head before answering, "Thanks, Mags. Please let him in." Katie pulled out Jack Schooler's CV again, as Mags opened the door for him to come through. Katie gave the well-suited man a quick look-over, as much as people denied it, the fact was, appearances do mean a lot. Jack was tall and blond, with startling blue eyes; nothing at all what Katie imagined, the handsome man before her looked like he belonged on the beach.

He gave Katie a hundred-watt smile as he reached out a hand. "Ms. Knight, thank you for meeting with me."

Katie shook his hand and smiled back. She gestured to the guest seats, "Please sit down, Mr. Schooler." Jack did as he was told, staring at Katie the whole time. Usually, men's blatant gawking unnerved her, but, Jack's stare didn't bother Katie. The expression in his eyes didn't convey the notion that he wanted to undress her, but rather, his piercing gaze seemed to exude the idea that he wanted to know her as a person.

Katie cleared her throat, "Well, Mr. Schooler, I have to say, your résumé was quite impressive. Please though, tell me more about yourself."

"Well, as you know, I studied abroad, I had a deep fascination with literature, not only in text form, but in film adaptations as well."

Katie nodded, "So, how is it that you got involved in talent management?"

Jack chuckled, "Yes, I know, the two fields seem completely disconnected, but, as I studied film adaptations, I realized that some of them were rather disappointing because the casting of the characters was all wrong. I believed that if I can lend a hand to steer actors and actresses to the right films, then the adaptations would be an incredible experience for the audience. Also, as a talent manager, I'm hoping to eventually have the opportunity to produce noteworthy literary adaptations myself."

Katie nodded, agreeing to his conclusion, she had seen some pretty terrible films because the casting was wrong. "While that is great, are you only planning to steer clients to film adaptations? The market is expanding, but there are plenty of original screenplays out there. I do expect you to be an, equal opportunist, so to speak."

"Oh, of course. No offence to the majority of the movie industry, the story-lines for the films are getting too repetitive, I would love to find something that hasn't been done before."

Katie giggled, "That's very true. But, as a small management company, I can't promise that we'll have dibs on the best scripts."

"On the contrary, Ms. Knight," Jack started to point out, "I think that we would find more original scripts, because writers will feel that they have a better opportunity with us. Take for instance−"

"Independent films," Katie finished off.

"Exactly," Jack proclaimed excitedly. "There are so many brilliant indie films out there that are very under-appreciated, it's quite disappointing actually."

Katie chuckled, "Well, Mr. Schooler−"

"Please, call me Jack."

"Okay, Jack, I do think that we do have a lot in common and I think that your perspective is well-suited for the company, but, I do have to interview more people before I make a decision, you can expect a call by the end of the week." Katie said standing up.

"Great, I'll be looking forward to it," Jack replied, happily. They walked over to the door, where Katie opened it, but, Jack hesitated before leaving. He stared purposefully at Katie, "I know that this is completely inappropriate, but, would you like to have dinner with me sometime?"

Katie dropped her jaw slightly, completely taken aback by the question, but before she could answer, they heard someone clear their throat in the lobby. Jack and Katie looked out the office door to see Mags smirking, and James, who was glaring evilly at Jack. His hands clenched around the bouquet of flowers he was holding in front of him. He stomped over the pair, all the while, keeping his eyes on Jack. He slipped an arm possessively around Katie's waist and pulled her close to him.

"James," Katie hissed, through clenched teeth, "what are you doing?"

"Oh, nothing, honey, just wanted to stop by and take you out for lunch."

Jack took a step back, holding his hands up innocently, "Whoa, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize−"

"Well, now you do," James stated sharply, maintaining his intimidating stature, hand clasped tightly around Katie. Katie huffed, wanting to set the record straight, but Jack replied before she could even speak.

"Ms. Knight, I apologize for overstepping any boundaries."

"No, Jack−" Katie tried to explain, before she was interrupted by James.

"We accept your apology, now if you will please excuse us," James motioned out the door.

"Oh, right, please, again, I'm so sorry," Jack paused, before adding an afterthought. "If I don't get the job, Ms. Knight, I'll completely understand." He turned around and walked out of the office after sheepishly waving goodbye.

Katie caught a glimpse of Mags, who was milking in the entertainment. Katie rolled her eyes, before closing the door to her office. She angrily spun on her heels to glare at James. He cleared his throat before offering her the flowers with a toothy smile.

"Hi, Katie. These are for you."

Katie rolled her eyes and growled, before ignoring the proffered bouquet and walked over to sit on her desk to face him. "What was that?" She asked, dangerously calm.

James pointed the door, "He asked you out, I couldn't just let him take you to dinner."

"You have no right...he could very well be my new business partner."

James sputtered out, "You're going to work with that guy?"

"Jack," Katie emphasized, "is a perfectly normal guy, who happens to be exactly what I'm looking for."

"What?" James bellowed.

"I meant, what I'm looking for in a business partner. And even if I did mean it the other way, it really shouldn't matter to you," Katie replied, crossing her legs.

"Katie, we kissed."

"Yes, we did. And you're dating Beverly. Don't you even feel guilty?"

"Of course I felt guilty, which is why I broke up with her."

Katie groaned, "Why? Beverly is so nice, she doesn't deserve this. How did she take it?"

"It doesn't matter, because I want to be with you, Katie."

Katie sighed, "James, we talked about this, we're just friends."

James walked up to Katie and placed his hands on the desk, trapping Katie within them. He moved closer, so that Katie was forced to allow him to step in between her legs. She could feel his breath across her face.

"You know that's absolutely not true. All I think about is you, Katie," James whispered, his hazel eyes dilated.

"James...we can't," Katie tried in vain. Her arms wrapped around his neck on their own accord.

James hushed her, before closing the distance between them. Katie enthusiastically responded, opening her mouth to his probing tongue. She shifted herself so that she was perched precariously on the desk. James ran his hands along Katie's sides before grabbing onto her thighs to wrap them around his waist.

Katie moaned as he lifted her up and quickly pushed her against a wall, never once breaking their kiss. He pushed himself closer to her so that every inch of their bodies touched, causing Katie's senses to buzz continuously. She pulled his head closer to hers, mussing his hair in the process. James groaned, shifting his weight around, trying to hide his reaction to her aggression, but Katie felt his growing excitement underneath her. When they pulled apart for some air, Katie opened her eyes, both literally and figuratively; her breathing, heavy. James leaned in again, but Katie turned her head. She untangled her legs from his waist, and squirmed her way out of his arms.

"Katie, what now?" James asked, throwing up his arms in frustration. "Why won't you just give us a chance?"

"Because we can't commit to each other! And, we're destroying relationships."

"We're not hurting anyone, Katie," James snapped.

"You just dumped Bev, and have you even spoken to Kendall, yet? He wanted to kill you when he found out we kissed."

"You told him about the kiss?" James asked, his frustration ebbing away.

"Yes, and he...he...it wasn't pretty," Katie hesitated, "and there's something else I have to tell you." Feeling like she needed to confess everything to James at this moment, Katie told him about the situation with Fulton and his impeding threat.

By the end of her account, James had moved away from the desk, and stared at her pensively from the couch.

"You're going to lose your company because of me?" He asked.

"I'm still thinking of ways to prevent it from happening," Katie replied honestly.

"Let me help you, I mean, it's my fault that you're in this situation anyway," he offered, placing his hands gently on her shoulders.

Katie shrugged him off and stepped away, "No, James. I have to figure this out on my own."

Katie's last rejection sent James into a fury. "Why won't you let me in, Katie? Everything you've been saying to me, it just sounds like you don't want to be with me. If that's the case, then just come out and say it."

"I have been saying it, but you're just not listening," Katie responded, equally angry. "I don't want anything but a professional relationship with you. You're not the person I want to be with. We're just not commit−"

"Don't give me that, again."

"Well, if it weren't true, then I wouldn't mention it," Katie huffed. "This past week alone, you've been with how many girls? Just face the facts, James, we can never be together."

James gave a derisive laugh, as if finally coming to a realization, "So that's it, isn't it? You just can't trust me. Even after all these years, you still think that I'm some sleazy man-slut."

Katie dropped her shoulders, and looked away from him, guiltily. "I never said that."

"You didn't have to," James walked to the door. "It's nice to know that your opinion of me hasn't changed in the slightest," he stopped at the door and turned to look at her. "And, you know, it's not like you're exactly innocent, you keep playing these games with me, Katie. One second, we're right there and then, you push me away. You left me standing, last night. Do you even realize how much that hurt? Just," he ran his hand through his hair, "just, make up your mind about me." He opened the door.

"James, where are you going?" Katie sighed wearily.

"I need to get away, I just need time to think. Don't try to get in contact, I'll have Kelly call you to set up anything."

"James..."

"Goodbye, Katherine," James said, voice empty of emotion.

With his departure, Katie was left standing, staring at the closed door. She picked up the discarded bouquet of flowers and sniffed them. "Thanks for the flower, James," she whispered to the empty room, with a heavy heart.

A/N: Oh, Katie...

I realize that I kind of jump all over the place with this chapter, it was actually intended to be two, but because I wanted the story to move a bit faster (and to make up for my long absence), I shoved everything together.

Again, thanks so much for all the positive reviews, words can't express the gratitude.

Love,

D