Page 6 of And Then Came You

Then I realize something far more important. I’m human and can’t survive on one lettuce leaf per day.

My mirror will simply have to abide and understand.

My phone buzzes, and I steel myself for the conversation. It’s the property manager at my condo. With any luck, Carl has caused enough of a ruckus to get his sorry ass arrested. Hey, a girl can dream. “Good afternoon, Charlene.”

“Hi Lexi, how’s the convention?”

“Fine, so far.” I know damn well she didn’t call to chat about the author’s weekend. “What’s up?”

“There was a most interesting occurrence this afternoon. A very large gentleman escorted your boyfriend Carl from your condo.”

My jaw slackens at her statement. Samuel Bernard wasn’t blowing smoke. The man made good on his word.

“I wouldn’t have known about the situation,” Charlene continues, “except that the man stopped by my office and insisted that we change your locks. I informed him I needed to speak with you first, in case you were unaware.”

A peal of laughter escapes my throat, earning a confused glance from Ramona. “A friend told me he was helping Carl move today, but I had my doubts. Please, change the locks.”

“Perfect. You have your mailbox key? I’ll leave the new set inside the mailbox, waiting for you when you get back.”

I thank her and end the call, jumping up from my chair with a shout. “Yes. He’s gone.”

Ramona grabs my forearms, eyes wide. “The dip shit?”

“Carl is gone. Escorted from my apartment.” Rushing to the adjoining table, I cut the line of women, throwing my arms around Sam’s waist. “I could kiss you.”

“Is that a promise or a threat?” Sam smiles down at me as he returns the hug. “Told you I’d take care of it.”

“I swear I’ll never say a cross word about your penis again.”

His eyes widen as he chokes back a laugh. “That is likely the weirdest compliment I’ve ever received.”

“Good. That’s what I was hoping for.” Turning to his throng of women, most with perturbed looks on their faces, I smile. “I’ll leave you to your adoring public.”

I stroll back to my table, but I feel his eyes on me, so I pivot, blowing him a kiss and mouthing another thank you.

Sam offers a nod and wink before returning to his exuberant fans.

I know one thing. I’ll recommend Samuel Bernard to anyone. The man is a godsend, wrapped in tattoos and leather.

Chapter Two

Sam

My hand is going to fall off. I wiggle my fingers, my digits numb after signing at least five hundred autographs.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful that my looks allow me this lifestyle, even if I don’t get the hype.

The convention wraps at six, and I head for the gym. I need to get in a workout and burn off some of this excess energy. I’ve been hopped up all day, likely because of my conversation with that piece of shit, Carl.

I’m not sure why I went so far out of my way for a stranger, but something about Lexi’s situation bothered the hell out of me. Overhearing this tiny woman being publicly berated by some obnoxious asshole was more than I could stand before ten in the morning.

My friend Nate called and assured me that Carl was no longer a resident of Lexi’s condo, after cursing me out for the two-hour drive to East Hampton. I told him he was lucky she didn’t live in Kansas.

So Carl is now gone, and Lexi will have some peace of mind. Likely a larger bank account as well, the mooching money-grubber.

As I stroll back to my room, I overhear two women conversing. The topic of conversation? Me and my cock. Lovely.

“Supposedly, he has a twelve-inch cock, but he’s daft as a door.”

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