Page 35 of From the Moment We Met

Jacob released her arm, realizing the hypocrisy of his actions. He stumbled about, trying to formulate a smart retort, but could only focus on the least important part of her statement. “I don’t have on-screen sex with anyone, it’s all staged.”

Lilly scoffed. “Well, I didn’t have sex with anyone either and that"—she said, jerking her thumb towards the karaoke stage—"was staged too. I have to go.”

“Wait, wait.” Jacob’s voice rose, drawing outside attention, but at that moment he didn’t give a rat’s ass who recognized him. “I understand if you want to leave. I was an utter git, and you have every right to tell me to sod off. But please, let me drive you home first, I need to make certain you’re safe. You can kick me in the balls if it makes you feel better.”

Lilly turned to face him, a small smile playing about her face. “I have no desire to kick you in the balls, though you deserve it.”

“It’s a free shot.”

“And likely one I’ll regret not taking later, but I’ll pass.” She shook her head, a rough laugh escaping her lips. “You really are a git, you know that, right?”

Jacob grabbed her hand, kissing her fingertips. “Duly noted.”

“I bring out the worst in you, don’t I?” Her eyes glistened with emotion.

“No Lilly, but you affect me the way no one else does. I was so wrong for saying that before. I couldn’t handle watching those men ogle you. I’m not a jealous person, but they made me see red with the way they looked at you.”

“Your girlfriends, they’ve done far more sensual things in public—”

“They’re not you.”

Lilly’s face softened, almost imperceptibly. “You have nothing to worry about. Those men are harmless.”

Jacob wasn’t convinced. “Please, let me take you home.”

“It’s only a few blocks, I can walk. I walk it all the time.” Her gaze traveled to her hand, still pressed against his mouth.

Lilly’s lips trembled and Jacob staved off his desire to grab her and kiss that beautiful mouth, surmising after his behavior it would more likely end with a slap than a reciprocation. “I insist.”

Lilly pulled her hand back, relenting. “Fine, you can drive me home. Let’s go say our goodbyes.”

∞∞∞

“I believe the jig is up,” Sabina murmured to Jacob when they returned to the booth, nodding her head at the throng of people crowding the door. “Looks like your fan club has arrived.”

“How do you know they’re fans?” Lilly inquired.

Sabina snickered, “They’re holding photos of Jacob’s face, it wasn’t a difficult deduction.”

Jacob shook his head and sighed. He adored his fans, but tonight, he craved anonymity. “Perhaps we can sneak out the back door?”

Sabina’s eyes widened. “You’re leaving? Together?”

Lilly hugged her friend’s shoulder. “Jacob insists on getting me home safely. He seems to doubt my ability to traverse a few city blocks.”

Sabina smiled, her gaze flitting between Jacob and Lilly. “Of course, we wouldn’t want Lilly getting lost in the three blocks to her cottage.”

“Sabina, can I offer you a lift home as well?” Jacob offered, hoping she would decline.

Sabina shook her head. “Ben and I are staying for a bit. I’ll convince him to give me a ride.” She glanced at Ben, who nodded his agreement. “You two have a nice night. Call me later, Lilly.”

Jacob directed Lilly towards the rear door, his hand caressing her lower back. “Hopefully, we can escape this way without anyone noticing.” He realized that wasn’t an option when a group of women squealed as they caught sight of him.

Within seconds, fans surrounded him, shoving papers into his face and pulling at his clothes and hair. The fans pushed Lilly to the edge of the melee, but her face showed wry amusement instead of anger.

Jacob caught her gaze and mouthed an apology in her direction. Lilly just shrugged, a strange smile playing on her lips. He signed a few autographs and glanced up to see Lilly opening the back door. His eyes widened at her in a nonverbal plea, but she blew him a kiss and waved before exiting into the night.

Jacob sighed, returning his attention to his enthusiastic fans. Within twenty minutes, he’d signed countless autographs, posed for endless photographs and hugged at least fifty well-meaning strangers. He exuded affable grace, but his thoughts focused on Lilly. He didn’t know if she made it home, and that bothered the hell out of him.

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