Page 14 of The Hometown Dilemma
“Talk to you tomorrow, Jaime. See you around, Wade.” Austen gunned his engine and sped off, no doubt fuming at what was unfolding in front of him.
Jaime settled herself down in the passenger seat and I got behind the wheel. After adjusting the seat and mirrors to my preferred position, I was ready to go. I glanced over to Jaime, who had her eyes closed. She looked so content and peaceful, I wanted to lean over and kiss her right there and then. But I wasn’t prepared to do anything without her consent.
It felt strange driving her back to the house where I’d been with Cami not all that long ago. I pulled up in the driveway, waiting for Jaime to stir. A gentle snore emanated from her side of the car, and I fought back a smile.
“Hey, we’re home,” I murmured.
When she didn’t respond, I gently reached over and touched her arm.
“Shit!” She started and spun around to face me, her green eyes shining with sleep. “Sorry, you startled me.”
“I didn’t mean to. We’re here.” I gestured to her house, crossing my fingers that Cami wasn’t going to come out and find us.
“Thanks, Wade. It’s sweet of you to bring me home. You didn’t have to leave the bar though.” She reached for my hand and that electricity was back.
I couldn’t let you go home with Austenwas the thought flitting through my mind. “I couldn’t let you leave Cami in the lurch with the car.” I lifted a shoulder. “I know how she can get.”
Jaime giggled. “Yes, you do.”
“How was your day with Austen?” I couldn’t resist asking. Perhaps I’d get to know if she was interested in him.
She let out a sigh. “Good. I think. I mean, if this work with Moira Channing works out, and her friends are interested, I’ll have the start of a great portfolio.” There was a pause. “But if it doesn’t…”
“Look, the offer of coming back to work at the bar still stands if you need it. I’ve just lost a few employees and you already know what you’re doing.” I meant every single word, even if I was slightly distracted by the feel of her hand on mine.
The broad smile she shot my way gave me hope, then she pulled her hand away, focusing on getting something out of her purse. “That would be amazing, Wade. It would be great working with you again.” She brandished her phone in my direction. “Put your number in there and I’ll message you once I know what’s going on with the design stuff.”
Her screensaver was a picture of her and Cami – at least I knew I didn’t have any competition in the shape of a current boyfriend. I tapped my number into her contacts and gave her the phone back.
“Hope to hear from you soon.”
“You will.” She grinned. “Thanks again, Wade.”
We got out of the car. I locked it and gave Jaime the keys. “Don’t tell Cami it was me who brought you home.”
“Ha, as if! Goodnight.”
I watched her walk into the house, waiting until she’d shut the door behind her, then took a slow jog back to Dempsey’s. When I got back, there was a message on my phone.
Jaime:You’re a lifesaver in more ways than one! I’ll call you tomorrow xx
A shit-eating grin spread across my face.
Maybe Jaime Harlow liked me too.
ChapterSeven
Jaime
The soft ripplesof my alarm ringtone usually woke me gently, but this morning they felt like a hammer blow to my brain. I wasn’t usually much of a drinker and having who knew how many glasses of wine the previous evening hit me hard.
I winced at the rapping on my bedroom door, swiftly followed by Cami’s entrance. She held out her hand as I propped myself up on my elbows.
“Keys?” she demanded.
Glancing around the room, I tried to recall what I’d done with them. Then I remembered that Wade had brought me home because I wasn’t in a fit state to drive. “They’re here somewhere…” I mumbled.
“What time did you get home?”
