A few hours later, Blaise hadn’t seen the reporter. No one appeared to be lurking in the shadows or hallways. Maybe the guy was off bothering someone else and would leave Blaise alone. Lex was in the auditorium where the panel would be held. Rizzo was nearby, waiting in a long line for the coffee Blaise wanted.
His cell phone buzzed.
HL:I’m here. Picked up my badge.
Blaise:I’m on the second level of the South Hall, hanging out before my panel.
HL:On my way.
She was here. On her way to him. Blaise put his phone in his jacket pocket.
Anticipation buzzed through him. He couldn’t wait to see her.
If anyone could calm him before his panel, she could.
Being apart hadn’t been easy, but the distance between San Francisco and Portland wasn’t a deal-breaker. It beat the alternative—not being together.
Blaise searched the people coming onto the second floor but didn’t see her. He rubbed his palms together.
She would be here soon.
Not soon enough.
He nearly laughed aloud.
Blaise hadn’t been looking for a girlfriend or a relationship, but he’d found both in Hadley. He couldn’t imagine his life without his beautiful, smart, demanding matchmaker.
They were perfect together.
He fixed problems. She made plans. Together, they would find a solution that worked for everyone, including her family. Until then, they would make the most of whatever time they had, especially here in Las Vegas once he finished his panel.
He picked a speck of lint off his jacket.
“Blaise!” Hadley called out from the escalator.
He waved at her, and she hurried toward him.
Hadley’s auburn hair shone underneath the lights. She wore jeans, a nice blouse, and boots. A lanyard with a badge hung around her neck.
She smiled at him, and his pulse stuttered.
Blaise wove his way around people to meet her halfway. “Hey.”
“Hey, you.” Her blue eyes twinkled. “Having fun?”
“Now I am.” He brushed his lips across hers before hugging her. She smelled like sunshine and strawberries. “I’ve missed you.”
“Same.” He ran his hand over her soft hair, needing to touch her. “We’re together now.”
“As soon as my panel is over, I’m all yours. There’s a party later, but we can skip it.”
“I don’t care what we do as long as we’re together.”
That sounded good to him. All he wanted was to stand here and stare. Seeing her settled him the way he knew it would. She was so beautiful, but she’d also worked this morning before flying to him this afternoon. “Are you hungry? Do you want a drink?”
Hadley touched his arm, connecting them in a way he hadn’t known he needed. “You’re all I need.”
“I need another kiss.” Blaise’s lips touched hers, harder this time. His mouth lingered, tasting her sweetness and her warmth. Yes, she was exactly what he needed.
