“Don’t call me that,” she groans, but I can hear the smile in her voice. “How’s operation ‘make Sami completely dependent on you’ going?”
I laugh. “That’s not what I’m doing.”
“Please. I’ve known you since you were fifteen. You’ve got that poor girl living in your house after knowing her for a week.”
“She needed a place to stay,” I say, though we both know it’s more than that. “Her apartment is a shithole with no hot water.”
“Uh-huh.” Lainey’s tone is pure skepticism. “And I’m sure you’re being a perfect gentleman about it.”
The memory of Sami naked in my bed this morning flashes through my mind. The way she moaned my name. The way her body responded to mine like we were made for each other.
“I’m taking care of her,” I say simply.
“I bet you are.” Lainey snorts. “Listen, Marcus and I want you two to come over for dinner next Friday night. Ruby and Clay will be there too.”
I think about it for a moment. Sami’s been through a lot this week – moving into my place, dealing with her landlord, adjusting to our relationship. Meeting my family formally might overwhelm her.
Then again, she already knows Lainey from the diner, and Ruby and Clay from The Summit. This would just cement her place in my life, show her she belongs with me and mine.
“Sure,” I decide. “What time?”
“Seven. And tell her not to worry about dressing up. Just casual.”
I snort. “Like you’ve ever done anything casual in your life.”
“I’m pregnant and craving comfort food. Marcus is grilling steaks, and I’m making those potatoes you love so much. You know, the creamy garlic ones.”
“Sold,” I reply, pulling into The Summit’s parking lot. “I’ll bring the beer.”
“Alright, I gotta go. This baby is kicking and nature is calling.”
I hang up and pull into the same spot I’ve claimed all week. Close to the entrance, under a streetlight, where I can watch the door like a hawk. My jaw tightens at the sight of the building.
One more week of her working in this place. That’s my limit. After that, I’m making sure she never steps foot in here again.
Clay spots me as I walk in and nods in greeting. We’ve been coordinating all week, him keeping an extra eye on Sami during her shifts. He gets it. A man with a woman to protect understands another man’s priorities.
“She’s finishing up,” he says, falling into step beside me. “It’s been a slow night.”
“Good.” I scan the bar, immediately locating Sami behind the counter. The sight of her in that low-cut uniform still makes my blood boil, but I keep my face neutral. “Any problems tonight?”
“That businessman was back.” Clay’s voice drops lower. “The one who’s been giving her trouble. I kept him away from her section.”
My hands curl into fists at my sides. “Name?”
“Stephen Warwick. Investment banker from Chicago.” Clay passes me a folded napkin with an address scribbled on it. “Staying at the Mountain View Hotel through the weekend.”
I pocket the information without comment. Clay doesn’t ask what I’ll do with it. He doesn’t need to.
Sami’s face lights up when she spots me, and possessive satisfaction burns through my veins. That smile is mine. All mine.
She says something to her coworker and ducks under the bar, weaving through the crowd toward me. Every man she passes watches her. I want to rip their fucking eyes out.
“You’re early,” she says, reaching up to kiss my cheek. “I was expecting you for another twenty minutes.”
“Finished the studio session sooner than expected.” I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her against my side. Not subtle, but I don’t give a fuck. Every person in this room needs to know she’s claimed. “Ready to go?”
She nods, leaning into me. “Let me grab my purse.”
