by Kaylee Ryan
“Thank you.” He nods, going through the other messages I handed him. “You like that ogre of mine best friend?” he inquires.
“Yeah, Royce, I really do.” He mumbles something under his breath and walks off to his office. Not that I expected anything less from Royce Riggins. He’s broody pretty much all the time. When I first started at Riggins Enterprises, he was different. Still broody at the office, but not so serious, or sad. His ex-wife really did a number on him. He needs to put himself out there and find love again, but he’s stubborn as hell and convinced himself that a woman in his life is the last thing he needs.
“Hey, Sammy.” Marshall grins, leaning against my desk. “I sent you an email with the marketing campaign for Idaho. Do you mind printing and binding ten copies?” he asks.
“Not at all. I’ll get it done for you today.”
“I don’t need it until later in the week, so there’s no rush.” He stands to his full height. “Thank you.” He waves as he walks toward the elevator. No doubt he’s headed downstairs to the marketing department to touch base with his staff. That’s one thing I will say about the Riggins brothers. None of them have to work, but they do, and they give it one hundred and ten percent.
I’ve worked all morning on a staffing report for Grant. Finally, it’s finished, so I print it out and take it to his office. “Here you go,” I say, stepping inside and placing it in his inbox. “Numbers look good this month.” I smile at him.
“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 li
ke 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.”
I take a minute to process his words. “This is how this is going to go,” I tell him. He raises his eyebrows but doesn’t speak, waiting to see what I’m going to say next. “I want exclusivity. No other women. Just me.”
“Done.”
“I want lots of your hugs and all of your kisses.”
“Done and done.” A slow smile crosses his face.
“I want communication. We can’t do this… I can’t do this, live in your world of fame without it. No matter what it is, if it happens, I need to know about it. I don’t care if you think it’s going to hurt me or upset me. I need to know about it.”
“Done.”
“Good. Now, eat up. I have to get back to work.” I remove my hands from his and pick up my sandwich. I take a bite but can feel his eyes on mine. “What?” I ask once I’ve swallowed.
“You’re mine, Samantha Wilson.”
I’m not much for the caveman mantra of “you’re mine.” I am my own person, but when he says it, I want the words to be true. “You’re mine, Jase Andrews,” I give his words right back to him.
“Damn right,” he says, picking up his sandwich and taking a huge bite.
We finish lunch in record time, and precisely fifty-five minutes later, I’m back at my desk. “Thanks for lunch,” I tell him, setting my purse on my desk.
“Can I see you tonight?”
“Yes.”
His shoulders relax. “After so long of hearing no, that one simple word is music to my ears.”
“I get off at five. I can have dinner ready by six.”
“I can bring dinner.”
“You need more home-cooked meals. I’ll see you at my place at six.”
“Can’t wait.” He leans in for a kiss.
“Get a room,” Conrad says, interrupting our moment.
“See you tonight, baby.” Jase kisses me one more time. He slaps Conrad on the shoulder and walks away.
“You’ve bewitched him.” Conrad laughs.
“Maybe. I’m not so sure he hasn’t bewitched me,” I say honestly.
“As long as you’re happy, Sam. Jase is a good guy. We all know Royce doesn’t like change. He’ll get used to the idea. Just give him some time.”
“I hope so,” I tell him. What I don’t say is that Royce needs to be on board because today, at a small deli in Downtown Nashville, I gave Jase Andrews my heart.
Chapter 5
Jase
“Spend the weekend with me,” I blurt, just as she’s taking a drink of her sweet tea. It’s Friday, and we’re having lunch together. This time at the pizza place around the corner. I’ve shown up at her office every day this week to take her to lunch. Royce has grumbled about me stealing his assistant every day, and if it were not for the fact that I crave time with her, I would probably be taking her to lunch just to get a rise out of him.
Tapping her chest, she coughs. “I don’t know. I’d have to cancel my plans with Javier.”
“Who the fuck is Javier?” I ask, louder than necessary. My outburst gains me a few stares, but I ignore them.
“He’s my hairdresser. I have an appointment tomorrow at ten.”
I take in a slow breath and exhale just as slow. “You did that on purpose.”
“Maybe.” She shrugs.
“I’ll drive you to see Javier. Any other plans with any other men I should know about?” I’m only half teasing. My heart dropped when she’d uttered his name.
“No, player. Just you.”
“Damn right.” I stand and lean over the booth we’re sitting in and press my lips to hers—only me.
“I’m off at five,” she tells me, which is the only confirmation that I need.
“I’ll be at your place when you get there. Pack a bag, and we can go to dinner.”
“What if we got takeout instead? Maybe Chinese?” she suggests.
“Done.”
“It’s been a long week. I’m just ready to chill. Oh, and I have to go grocery shopping and do laundry for next week, so I’ll have to head home early Sunday afternoon.”
“I’ll take you shopping, and we can hang out at your place, and I’ll help with laundry and whatever else you need to do. You agreed to all weekend, and I plan to collect.”
“Sunday is the end of the weekend.”
“No, Monday ends the weekend. We can stay at your place Sunday night if you want.” She’s stunned if the look on her face is any indication, but that’s fine. She’ll get used to my need for her soon enough.
“You continue to surprise me.”
“How so?” I ask, adding another slice of pizza to my plate.
“I didn’t expect you to be so… attentive, among other things.”
“Because I’m not. Not usually. I’ve only ever been this way with you. I never cared enough before to try to put in any effort.” It sounds harsh, but it’s the facts, and I promised her communication and honesty.
“I always thought you were just being a flirt. All those times you would ask me out, I thought it was a game. I turn you down, and you chase me. You catch me, seduce me, and kick me to the curb.”
“I was flirting, I wanted to catch you, and I plan to seduce you.” Her eyes smolder at my words. “However, there will be no kicking to the curb. More like tying you to my bed to keep you with me.”
Her eyes widen. “You tie a lot of women to your bed?”
“Not to keep them, and never in my bed. Never. The only person who has ever slept in my bed is me. In fact, the only women who have been in my house are my family and extended family. My sister’s best friends, Stacy, Lauren, and Cassidy are like sisters to me.”
“I bet family functions are full of chaos and good music.” She laughs.
“You have no idea. They all keep having kids, and our brood just keeps growing. My mom has adopted all of them. Her list of kids and grandkids is long as hell,” I say fondly.
“I always wanted a big family.”
“Yeah? How many kids?” I ask her. I’ll give her as many as she wants. I’m hoping for a high number. My nieces and nephews have been good training for when I have my own.
“At least two, maybe more. Kids are expensive, so I want to be able to provide for them.” She shrugs.
I’ve got that covered, baby. “We can start with two.” For the second time today, she chokes when taking a drink.
“We?”
“You heard me, Samantha.” I wink at her.
She tilts her head to the side, studying me. I don’t know what she’s looking for, but she must find it because a slow smile pulls at her lips. “We can start with two,” she agrees.
I want to beat on my chest and shout to the world that this beautiful woman is mine and agreed to give me two babies, but I refrain. Instead, I slide a slice of pizza on her plate. “Eat up, baby. Royce will be shitting bricks if I bring you back late again.” I say again because we were two minutes late yesterday. Even though my girl came to work an hour early to work on a project, his broody CEO self was sti
ll standing next to her desk, arms crossed over his chest, toe tapping against the tile floor when we got back. I took my time kissing my girl goodbye before blowing a kiss to my best friend. He thinks he’s the master of hiding his emotions, but no way could he hide the humor in his eyes.
Royce was crushed by his ex-wife, and now he’s suspicious of all women, and all relationships. I hate that bitch for what she did to him. I can only hope that one day a woman will come into his life and change him back to the best friend I lost when his ex tore his world apart. I miss my best friend. He’s still here, but he’s a shell of the person he used to be. She took away his light.
Maybe when he finds the true love of his life, then he’ll understand why I am the way I am with Sam. His marriage was a sham from the start. We all saw it, but he didn’t. He had to learn on his own. Sure, we didn’t know the extent, but we knew that she wasn’t the one for him. Without a doubt, they never should have made it to the altar.
“I’m stuffed,” Sam says, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“I guess we need to start heading back,” I say, glancing at my watch. “I don’t want you getting into trouble.”
“Royce is harmless, but yes, I need to get back. I have a busy afternoon. I need to be done at quitting time today. I have big plans this weekend.”
“Oh, yeah?”
She nods. “There’s this guy. He has these intense, sexy, blue eyes. He asked me to spend the weekend with him.”
I stand and offer her my hand, helping her stand. Once she’s on her feet, I pull her into my chest. “Damn right, he did.” I kiss her lips. “Let me pay, and I’ll walk you back to the office.”
Chapter 6
Samantha
As promised, Jase is sitting in my driveway. I pull my car beside his and grab my purse. “Hey, player.” I greet him with a kiss.
“Beautiful,” he whispers against my lips. “They’re calling for more snow this weekend.”
“Okay,” I say, not really knowing where he’s going with that sliver of information.