“Relax. I got the memory card and we came to an agreement that he’ll leave us alone today.”
I turn to look at him, my mouth hanging open. “You’d do that for me?”
“Yes. I protect what’s mine. I can’t do much about the others and their phones though.”
I hear him finish talking, but my mind is still stuck on one word.Mine.My heart is beating like a drum in my chest as I think about that. The man who never wants a relationship wants one.With me!
“What do you mean, you protect what’syours?”
His smile is blinding. His features soften and his eyes sparkle. “I told you. I want to try this with you.”
I bite my lip.Yes. Tell him yes!“I don’t think it’s such a good idea, Tait.” His face falls, and I feel like the biggest asshole around. I place my hand on his forearm, and he looks into my eyes again. “You are so much more than I thought you would be. My expectations of you the first night weren’t that high, and I’m happy to tell you, you’ve surprised me. I work for you though. This thing with the paparazzi is a real eye-opener. If we’re seen in public together, I’ll be followed around. I’m not sure I’m ready for that in my life.”
He digs his fingers through his hair, tugging the ends in frustration. “You know I’m going to be hooking you up with the best in the business, right? When you make it big, this is what you’ll experience. Might as well get used to it now.” He looks away and then back at me. “Let me ask you something. Is it me or is it because youworkfor me?” He scoffs. “At least be honest. I deserve that.”
“Honestly, I’m terrified. I like you way more than I should, and I need to separate my work life from my personal life. With our arrangement, that’s not happening, and I’m not sure how to move forward.”
He leans in close, his lips brushing my ear. “Why fight it then? You and I fit perfectly together. You’re sexy, funny, and amazing in bed.” I push a laugh through my nose, making an almost snorting sound. “Please let me prove that I can be more than the playboy everyone makes me out to be. Give me the chance to wine and dine you.”
I pull back from him, wanting to look him in the eyes. “Let me make a decision after today, please. I need some time to decide if this is what I want.”
The ferry pulls up to the dock, and everyone starts filing off. I take his hand, then remembering the earlier incident with the paparazzi, drop it.
“I’m going to prove to you that I’m the one you want. I always get what I want, Sam, and right now, my mind is set on you.”
I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and bite at the flesh. I’m not sure what to do with that information. I think I need to talk to Emily. She knows him the best, and she would be able to tell me if he’s pulling my leg or is serious. I want to believe him. Hell, I want nothing more than to date him, but I can’t do that. The contract has put me in a difficult situation as it is. My mind is going a mile a minute. I realize we have disembarked, but I’m not paying attention as we walk toward the Public Market.
He waves his hand in front of my face. “Earth to Sam. Are you still with me?”
I look over at him. “Huh?” His smile is wide, and I can’t help the shy smile and blush that spread across my face. “Yes. Sorry, just thinking.”
“Ah. Yes, well, if you would prefer, I can leave you to your thoughts.”
“No. We’re seeing the town together. I want to have this experience with you. Just give me a little time to think about your proposal, okay?” I pull his hat off and reach up, placing it back on his head. “Also, keep this on you, huh?”
* * *
The Public Market is huge!All sorts of food to choose from—cheeses, pastries, burgers, sandwiches, deli meats, and ice cream are among a small sampling. Everything looks amazing, and I sample each item that’s put in front of me. We stop at several of the stands to look at the goodies and talk with the sellers.
There are a few people who seem to recognize Tait, but they are courteous enough to not make a scene. A few people ask for autographs and pictures. I gladly take the photos so I don’t appear in any more of them.
“Can I put up one picture on Instagram of us? I promise I won’t tag you. I just want people to know I’m having a great time filming, and fans like when I’m accessible through social media.”
“How about I take a picture of you eating your delicious looking sandwich instead? I’m your assistant. I’m supposed to lurk in the shadows, not be in the public eye.”
“Fine.” He hands me his phone and poses holding the sandwich up to his mouth. I snap the picture and hand it back to him so he can upload it.
As he’s typing on his phone, he says what he’s writing out loud. “Day off from filming. Seeing this beautiful city with someone equally as beautiful.”
“No! You can’t post that!” I reach for his phone to keep him from sending that, and he hits submit before I can stop him.
I want to crawl into a hole. “Your fans are going to find out who I am and destroy me.”
“I won’t let them. I promise.”
I nod and take a bite of my sandwich.I hope he knows what he’s doing.
* * *
