“You sure you want to subject yourself to this?” Mia asked him. “You could just loan me your car. I’m a good driver.”
No way was he sending her out there alone. “At least let me get you safely to the restaurant. I can wait for you in the car.”
She looked at him like he was a big dope. “I wasn’t trying to ditch you. I’d love to have dinner with you. It’s just that you’re not used to this, and it can be a little daunting.”
“I think I can handle it.”
“If you’re sure.” She drew a deep breath. “All right then. Here we go.”
Levi exited first. The little horde of photographers snapped to attention at the sound of the door closing.
Ever since the press had shown up they’d kept the porch lights off, so it wasn’t immediately apparent who was coming out.
But the photographers figured it out soon enough. Cameras began clicking in rapid-fire staccato. Flashes lit the night. Levi averted his eyes from the blinding glare.
“Mia, what do you have to say about Jax Jordan’s allegations?”
“What are you doing in North Carolina, Mia?”
“Mia, do you have feelings for Jax Jordan?”
“Mia, did you hurt your foot?”
“Why are you limping, Mia?”
“No comment,” she called in a clear, confident voice, several times. Nonetheless they continued their queries.
Levi led her down the walk toward the group. There was no way around them, so he aimed at a gap closest to his car.
When they reached the throng the reporters pressed in.
One of them got in Mia’s face with his microphone. “Mia, can you tell us—”
“Back off!” Levi blocked the man with a shoulder. He pulled Mia close and barged through the group, shoulder first.
And then the horde was at their backs, following them like stink on a monkey.
“Who’s your friend, Mia?”
“Mia, where are you going?”
“Are you coming back?”
They fired questions one on top of the other.
Levi made a beeline for the passenger side, ushered her in, and got the door shut as quickly as he could. As he jogged around the car the photographers swarmed outside Mia’s window, snapping shots. She stared out the windshield, looking cool and calm, wearing a pleasant smile.
He started the car and put it in Drive, not bothering with his seat belt yet. The vultures surrounded the car, their flashes going off. He should just run them all down. He couldn’t believe this was legal.
He continued forward slowly as the crowd morphed to allow room for his progress. A couple of them hung around after the others moved aside.
“Idiots.” Levi laid on his horn and pressed the accelerator until finally he broke free of them.
He checked the rearview mirror, hoping they wouldn’t follow. But they must’ve gotten what they wanted because they seemed preoccupied with their cameras. They’d probably race to see who could get their shots up on their websites first.
“They’re not following.” He looked over at Mia, but it was too dark to see her expression. “You all right?”
“I’m fine. I’m glad I did it.” She gave Levi a wry grin. “This week’s starting to feel less honeymoon-for-one and more DEFCON 1.”
