“There would be times when you’d have to be, but for the most part, I’d want you out of the spotlight. Trust me, being famous isn’t what it’s cracked up to be,” I answer her as honestly as I can while glancing over to the security team standing by the wall.
She looks up, following my gaze, and takes them in, letting out a stifled laugh. “Those men, they’re with you?” she asks, and I nod. She sits up taller. “I think that’s cool. Your own personal bodyguards wherever you go. Being in the spotlight? I’d love this life, Matt. I think you’d be great for me.”
Strike two!
And we haven’t even ordered our meals yet, for fuck’s sake.
The waiter comes over. “Your menus for tonight. Just wave your hand when you’re ready, and I’ll take your orders.”
“Thanks,” I say, and Jaci opens her menu with a grin that hasn’t left her face since we met.
“Wow! This place is fancy. Is this what it’ll be like for us, going to fancy places? Driving fast cars? Living a life of luxury?” Her smile is so wide now it’s ridiculous.
I scratch the top of my head and don’t answer because I simply don’t know how to reply.
She runs her finger down the menu, humming, then gasps. “Matt, is there a set budget for tonight? Oh, what am I saying? Of course, there’s none. You’re a massive rock star. You can afford anything on the menu, right?” she asks.
I slump my shoulders. I mean, of course, I was going to pay for her dinner, but the way she’s talking? I mean fuck! Really?
“Ah, yeah, sure, anything you want,” I answer as I glance over at Alex and her still-empty table. My chest aches for her as she looks completely lost. I want to go over there or gain her attention somehow, but Jaci throws up her hand, calling over the waiter, interrupting my thoughts.
The waiter approaches, notepad in hand, offering a polite smile. I glance up, realizing I haven’t even opened the menu yet. Before I can say a word, Jaci dives in, rattling off her order with confidence, like she’s been here a hundred times before. “We’ll have a dozen oysters for appetizer…” She pauses with a giggle. “Aphrodisiac and all.”
I grimace, glancing back at Alex when I see her stand up and start to walk out. My entire body tenses, and I fight my feelings of wanting to go to her. She must feel like crap. Her date hasn’t shown, and I’m here with Jaci orderingaphrodisiacswhile Alex walks out.
I feel terrible and start to stand. “Jaci, I—”
But as I talk, the waiter walks in with someone I’m guessing is Logan, so I stall my actions.
Jaci looks at me and raises her eyebrow. “Yes?”
I clear my throat, feeling relief flood through me. “Sorry. I, ah… don’t know what I’m ordering,” I say, and she waves her hand through the air.
“Oh, never mind, I’ll order for you. I’ll have the lobster and prawn linguini, and Matt will have the steak tartare.”
“Very well,” the waiter says and walks off with the menus.
I shrug, not knowing what steak tartare is, but it has steak in the name, so that’s good enough for me.
I watch Logan walk in, ignoring Alex. He heads straight for the table and pours himself a glass of champagne. He doesn’t even offer her a glass.What a fucking asshole.
“Matt… Earth to Matt,” Jaci says, clicking her fingers in front of my face.
I blink rapidly and look back at Jaci, giving her my full attention. “Sorry, what?”
“You were a million miles away. Where did you go?”
I glance back over to their table—wishing I hadn’t—only to see Logan kissing his bicep. I gawk at him, the guy’s obviously a serious dick. Shehasto see that.
“Matt!”
“Shit! Yeah, I’m here.” My eyes zip back to Jaci, and I take a sip of my champagne. “How was your morning?”
“Oh, it was amazing. I spent my time being pampered and prepped for tonight. I went to the salon and got my hair and nails done. See…” Jaci thrusts her hands across the table so I can check out her red-tipped nails. I nod and smile—they look nice, I suppose. They’re just nails. I don’t really care about that kind of shit, but if it makes Jaci happy and keeps her looking lovely, then good for her, I suppose.
“They look great, Jaci. Actually, you look beautiful tonight.”
Her stunning eyes look up at me, sparkling in the dim mood lighting. “Thank you, that means a lot. I feel like we’ve really bonded over the short time we’ve known each other, Matt.”
