“Excuse me, are you Savannah Morrissette?”
When she smiled, his cheeks pinkened. “Sure am.”
“I’m a huge fan. I met you at a San Francisco art show. You capture the serenity and grandness in nature better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
She placed her hand over her heart. “I appreciate your telling me that.”
“Could I get a picture with you?”
“Of course.”
Zander set down the bags. “Why don’t I take the photo?”
“Hey, man, thanks.” The guy handed Zander his phone. “Are you her assistant?”
Zander’s massive ego ensured he played second to no one. But as he shifted his gaze to Savannah, he didn’t need to prove his worth. “Yes, I am.” Zander snapped a few pics and handed the guy his phone.
“I envy you,” said the man. “You have a great job.”
“I think so, too,” Zander replied.
“Thanks for stopping,” Savannah said.
Still grinning, the man rejoined his party.
“You’re handling this assistant job better than I expected. Maybe I should add you to my payroll.”
He stepped close. “I’m not interested in your money, Ms. Morrissette.”
She held his gaze. “Hmm, howwillI compensate you for your time?”
“You’re creative. I’m sure you’ll think ofsomething.”
She shook her head and shrugged. “Nothing comes to mind, Mr. King. Ah, wait, I know. I’ll buy us some grub.”
* * *
She snapped a fewmore test shots before they collected the gear and rode the tram back down. They squeezed in another scouting destination as a glorious sunset of fiery red, vibrant tangerine, and deep crimson popped against a plum sky. Having Zander by her side had calmed her down while riling her up at the same time. It was a heady combination that left her off-kilter and hungry for more.
On the ride toward Old Town, she spotted a restaurant with several bikers heading inside. “That looks like a local hangout. Wanna check it out?”
The neighborhood eatery was a large dive bar with a simple stage set up in the back.This is great.She wanted to kick off her shoes, toss back a beer, and listen to some good music. As Zander eased onto the wooden bench across the booth from her, she wondered if he’d ever hung out in a place like this.Probably not. He’s more of a white tablecloth and champagne kind of guy.
Without bothering to open the menu, she asked the waiter to surprise her with a local draft beer and a popular fish dish.
The waiter grinned. “My kinda gal.”
“That’s my line,” said Zander.
As they locked eyes, Savannah appreciated how the sun had turned his cheeks a rosy pink.
“You two are in luck,” continued the waiter. “My favorite hometown band is playing tonight. They’ll start in about an hour. Stay, if you can.”
Zander ordered a Heineken and steak fajitas and the waiter buzzed off to fill their drink order. She wanted to reach across the table and unfasten the second button on his crinkled white shirt, but she didn’t dare. Touching that man would open up a world of possibilities…all of them wicked good and super steamy.
After their beers were delivered, Savannah raised her glass. “To you, for saving my ass.” She clinked Zander’s bottle and guzzled. After draining half the ice-cold, golden ale, she set it down. “Ooeeee, that’s good.”
Her new phone chirped. Savannah pulled it from her back pocket and read the text from her mother.
