“Thanks for doing that, Sam. I’ve been a little nuts with Idaho opening.”
“That’s my job, Grant. You don’t have to thank me.”
“Yes, I do.” He grabs the report and thumbs through it. “You saved me some late nights. I appreciate you so much.”
“Just remember that when it comes time for the broody one to give me my annual evaluation,” I joke.
“I got your back, Wilson.” His laughter follows me out of his office.
“There she is,” a voice I would now recognize anywhere says as I come around the corner approaching my desk.
“Jase.” I can hear the smile in my voice. “What are you doing here?”
He snakes an arm around my waist and kisses my cheek. “I came to take my girl to lunch.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” Royce grumbles, stepping out of his office. “Sam, I’m heading out for lunch then going to my meeting across town. I’ll be back later this afternoon.”
“Sure thing.”
He glares at Jase. “Remember what I said,” he warns, stepping past us.
“Good to see you too, sweetheart,” Jase calls after him.
“Stop.” I laugh, smacking lightly at his chest.
He shrugs. “You ready to go grab something to eat?”
“I packed my lunch today.”
“It’ll keep. We’re going out.”
“I only have an hour.”
“I have an in with the boss man.” He winks.
“Oh, no. He’s pissy enough as it is. I’m not taking advantage of the fact that you’re his best friend. If we can’t go and be back in an hour, I’m not going.” I step out of his hold and cross my arms over my chest.
“Fine, ball buster.” He grins. “I’ll have you back in an hour.”
“Thank you, player.” I smile sweetly at him before setting the alarm that won’t allow anyone on the floor unless they have the code until I get back. There are only a handful of people who have the code, and the majority of them have the last name Riggins.
“So, where are we going?” I ask as we step outside of the building onto the busy sidewalk.
“Well, since my girl has given me strict instructions that she needs to be back at her desk in an hour, how about the deli?” He points to a small deli across the street.
“You’re in luck. That’s one of my favorites.”
“Chicken salad?” he asks once we’re inside the deli.
“Turkey, swiss, spicy brown mustard, wheat,” I rattle off my order.
“Got it. Grab us a seat, beautiful.” He kisses me softly before heading toward the counter.
I can feel eyes on us, but I ignore them. I knew going in that being with Jase would garner stares that his fame warrants. I’m not sure if I can deal with the attention, but there is only one way for me to find out. Live it. So, eyes ignored, I grab us a table in the back corner that will hopefully give us a semblance of privacy.
“That was fast,” I say when Jase sets our tray filled with our lunch on the table between us.
“Would have been faster had I not had to sign a handful of autographs,” he mutters.
“Comes with the job,” I remind him.
“I’m retired.”
“Maybe, but the damage is done. Besides, I’ve never known you to not enjoy interacting with your fans.”
“Keeping tabs on me, beautiful?”
I shrug. “I’ve heard you talk about giving back to your fans a few times. It didn’t seem as though it bothered you.”
“It never used to, but today is different. I’m here with you, and I only get you for an hour. I don’t have time for interruptions.”
“Yeah, but it’s just me. I mean, I knew going into this… whatever we’re doing… that you were the infamous Jase Andrews. I know that you come with not only your handsome self but your adoring fans.” A look crosses his face, one I can’t name, but it disappears when a shadow falls over our table.
“Hi, you’re Jase Andrews,” a blonde bombshell with her tits on full display says in a husky voice.
“I am,” Jase grits.
“I’m Connie.” She sways from side to side, waiting for Jase to engage, but he doesn’t. “I’m a huge fan. I thought maybe we could get together sometime.” She hands him a slip of paper, which I’m certain has her phone number on it, but he just stares at her offered hand.
“I’m in a loving, committed relationship.” He points across the table at me. “If you were such an adoring fan, you would respect the fact that the love of my life is sitting across the table from me. Instead, you’ve disrespected her. I’d appreciate it if you would leave us to enjoy our lunch together.”
Her eyes glance my way, and I catch the look of disbelief written on her face. “I could—” she starts but shuts her mouth when Jase stands. Like a train wreck, I can’t look away. Her expression changes, and she thinks he’s going to leave with her, and I see it written all over her face. My eyes move to Jase, and without a doubt, that’s not what’s about to happen.
“I’ve asked you nicely. I won’t ask again. Leave us alone.” There is fury in his tone, and I know he’s about to lose his shit.
I open my mouth to try and calm him down, when Sally, the manager, steps next to the blonde. “Miss, I’m going to have to ask you to order or leave.” It looks like Sally has been observing the situation. Not that I’m really all that surprised. She runs a tightly oiled ship, which is part of what makes this place so great.
“Whatever. You're washed up anyway,” the blonde hisses at Jase before storming out of the deli.
“I’m sorry,” Sally tells us.
“It’s not your fault, but we appreciate you intervening,” I tell her. She nods and walks away. I glance up at Jase, who looks mad as hell. “Jase,” I say his name softly. His eyes snap to mine. “Please sit.” He does as I ask, taking his seat across from me. His fisted hands rest on the table. I cover them with my own. “Hey,” I say, making sure I have his attention. “Why so angry?”
“It’s dumb shit like that, that’s going to make me lose you.”
His words floor me. “That’s why you’re so upset?” I ask, needing clarification.
“Jesus, Sam. I just got you. I know my fame is part of why you’ve kept me at arm's length. If that’s what causes me to lose you…” He shakes his head.
“Jase.” His eyes snap to mine. “I’m right here.”
“For now. How many more times are you willing to deal with that shit?” The anger is replaced by something that looks a lot like worry.
“You told her I was the love of your life,” I say stupidly. Not the best time to bring that up, but it’s been playing in the back of my mind since the words left his mouth.
He nods.
“I’m going to need more than a nod, player.” I use his nickname I’ve called him for as long as I’ve known him, hoping to lighten the mood a little.
“I’ve never been in love before, Samantha. I don’t know what it’s supposed to feel like. What I do know is that you are all I think about. Something good happens, I want to call you and tell you. If I’m having a shitty day, I think about how it would be to have you coming home to me to share that with. That was all before Friday night. Now…” He shakes his head. “I can’t stand to not be near you. I missed you something fierce, and it was with great effort I waited until your lunchtime for me to show up at your office. I can’t explain it, and I don’t know what it all means.” His blue eyes find mine. “It might be love. Whatever it is, I never want it to end.”