Page 55 of The Billionaire Love Match

He wanted her in his life. Permanently.

His shirt collar was suddenly too tight. He found himself grinning at her like a fool, though what he wanted to do was run across the space separating them and gather her up in his arms.

“You can have your three hours with Colt.”

Colt was happy and he was also terrified because beside him, Lucas was grinning like a guy who’d just found a winning lotto ticket. Casey met his eyes briefly. She held her head high, and though her eyes blazed with triumph, he could sense the fear leaking from her. She’d have the crew around her, but would that be enough?

He needed to make a call.

“Well, dude, hope you like sloppy seconds. Because they will be sloppy by the time they get to you.”

Colt held back the threats and promises he wanted to make. He’d seen guys like this. Nothing worked but maybe jail time. Not always even then.

He had to protect Casey.

He gave her a last longing look and tapped out B-E S-A-F-E on his thigh. She nodded and the producers led her away. They followed with Lucas, who had the nerve to wink at Colt as he went.

Colt whipped out his phone as he bolted through the gate, dropping his mic pack on the ground without waiting for the sound crew to unclip him.

“Mike,” he said. “I need you with Casey now. Find the production vans. Tell Allen that I insisted you chaperone. If he argues, give him one of your looks. He won’t fight it. If he does, call me immediately. It is imperative you be with her. Remember that guy who hit me in the bathroom? He’s with her right now.”

He knew he had a few hours before he’d get to see Casey and had two more calls to make. Laws or no, he made them while gunning his mustang toward Studio City.

“Marco, it’s Colt. Listen, I’m about to ask you something crazy. But whatever dollar amount you want me to throw at it, just say the word. I want to rent your place tonight—yes tonight—yes the whole place—for a few hours. I’m bringing a date. I want your best people. Just a few. I’ll pay everyone else a hefty night’s wages. I’ll see you at nine.”

He hung up, wishing he could only think about the night ahead with Casey.

But first he had some things to say to his mother.

---