Page 22 of Pursued by the Player

“Anytime, darling.” She blew him a kiss and sauntered from the room.

“That’s it.” Mel put down her fork and pushed her chair away from the table.

“What are you doing? We haven’t even started the appetizer.”

“And we won’t. At least I won’t.” She stood and grabbed her white, fringed clutch.

“You can’t leave yet.”

“Watch me.”

He placed his hand on her arm, stopping her retreat. “Please.”

“No, we’re done.” She jerked her elbow from his grasp. “I can’t stay with someone who is such an egotistical ass.”

“I’m not—”

She turned to face him. “I decided to go out on a date with you because I wanted to get to know the real you.”

He held his hands out to the sides. “This is the real me, baby.”

“No, it isn’t. I don’t know what this is, but it isn’t you. I saw a glimpse of you when I first came to on that sidewalk. Your concern was genuine, and you weren’t putting on some show. This. . .” She waved her hand around them. “This is a show. You can’t tell me that you feel comfortable here.”

“I have a reputation—”

“Oh stop. Please, just stop.” She turned her back to him. “I’ve heard enough.

“Wait.” He grabbed her shoulder and turned her back to face him. “Don’t go.”

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t.”

Jett glanced around the room and then refocused on her.

“You’re right.” He threw down some bills on the table.

“Right about what?”

“Everything.” He took her hand. “Come on.”

Jett’s heart raced as he steered her through the restaurant and out the front door. Bypassing the limo, he hailed down a taxi and ushered her inside.

“Where are we going?”

“Someplace where I feel more myself.” He turned to the driver. “Lion’s Stadium, please.”

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