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Dara gasped. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Jenny grasped her hand. “I’m all right now, thanks to Jason. Brody wouldn’t stop coming after me, not until Jason finally snapped and made sure he understood he couldn’t ever pursue me again. And since that night, he hasn’t.”
“But why didn’t Jason say anything? Why would he allow everyone to think he was out of control?” If they’d been wrong about this, could they be wrong about other things? Like the accident?
“He was protecting me,” Jenny said quietly. “I shouldn’t have allowed it, but I couldn’t bear to have my story spread all over social media. An impulsive fight resulted in a quick mention in the papers, but if they’d known he played hero, it would’ve risen to the top of the news cycle. When I saw how negatively it was affecting Jason, I offered to tell the truth, but he wouldn’t hear of it. Said it would ruin his image.” She chuckled lightly. “He wouldn’t even let me take pictures today.”
Dara smiled softly. “I’ve been fighting so hard to get him good press, and he goes out of his way to avoid it. The world doesn’t know the real Jason Sterling, does it?” Now more than ever, she was sure the media got the accident wrong. What truly happened that night?
“He does so much, but he never takes credit,” Jenny responded. “I’m not saying he doesn’t like to have fun, but he’s not as wild – or wicked – as portrayed. However, there is something you should know. When he sets his mind on something, nothing can stop him from winning. Whatever he wants, he gets.”
Dara’s heart did a little leap. They weren’t talking about sports anymore. With every close contact, long look and deep conversation, he made it clear:
He wanted her.
CHAPTER 8
Whatever he wants, he gets.
The words echoed in Dara’s mind, like a too-catchy song stuck on an endless loop. They repeated as she and Jenny discussed trivial matters, as the three of them left the hospital and during the limo ride to the ball. They continued as they arrived, as the crowd cheered for Jason’s return.
Whatever he wants, he gets.
Of course, Jenny wasn’t necessarily referring to her. She could be alluding to someone or something else. No matter what, Dara needed time to consider the night’s revelations, time away from the enigmatic catcher charming a thousand people. She’d gotten him here, now her job was done. She would stay away from him and his towering body, endless charm and brooding eyes.
Only Jason had different ideas.
When they exited the limo, he took her hand. She shifted a little closer, fashioning a false smile for the photographers snapping a symphony of clicks. “What are you doing?”
He leaned down and winked. “Making an entrance.”
“I can see that.” Blinking against the blinding flashes, she tugged at her hand, hard enough so he could feel it but not so much the reporters would notice. “Why are you holding my hand?”
“I’m being polite.”
“Yeah, but you’re making it appear as if we are together.”
He smiled wider. “We are together.”
“I mean together together.”
“Do you think I’m going to let you escape?”
Oh. My. Goodness.
Whatever he wants, he gets.
They entered a room crowded with dapper men in pitch black tuxedos and beautiful women in glittering dresses and couture jewelry. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds sparkled underneath the dazzling chandeliers, a glittering melody of wealth and influence. Finally, Jason released her hand, yet he left no opportunity for escape. He bestowed light touches – a brush against her arm, pressure at the small of her back, fingers tracing her hip – in a hold as effective as an iron grip. Then he drew her into conversation with humorous stories and charming rhetoric. After a few minutes, he excused them, grasped her hand and left… taking her with him.
“Where are we going?” she whispered. “People are looking.”
“That’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. They’re getting the wrong idea.”
“Or maybe they’re getting the right idea.”
Her heart stumbled. What was the right idea? Before she could ask, she stood in the center of the gleaming dance floor, corralled between Jason and the crowds. As rainbow lights danced prismatic glory on her shimmery gown, she looked for a route of escape, but there was none. He leaned down. “I thought we could dance.”
