I can’t believe I ever saw anything in him. Especially given Captain’s feelings. “I’m sure you were shocked,” I say dryly.
“Totally,” August says, buying his own bullshit. He tips his forehead to the cluster of showbiz people—the camerawoman, thelighting guy, the makeup artists, the producers. “Any chance you could introduce me to the producers? I’d love to pitch them on handling some events for them.”
I stare at August Fitzburger like he’s a carton of milk gone bad, since he’s clearly spoiled. “What?”
“If you can, I’ll be sure to put in a good word with my dad because I think he’s got another opening.”
I rub my ear. Did he really just say that? The sound of footsteps behind me grows louder as I say, “Excuse me?”
August pastes on a bigger grin. “Like I was saying, I could put in a good word for you,” he says, as if I truly didn’t hear him.
“I understood. I just didn’t expect this level of ass-kissing,” I say.
The footsteps stop. Cedar and citrus swirl past me.
“Chloe’s busy.” It’s a clear dismissal, and at the sound of the deep, possessive voice, a ribbon of heat unfurls down my spine. I whirl around, my breath catching. Sawyer’s here, and he looks deliciously mean. Jaw hard. Eyes stony. Mouth a ruler. He sets a hand on my back, and it’s the most possessive hand in the universe. “Now if you’ll excuse us,” he says, then turns me away from my douchebag ex.
“I was talking to her,” August says, calling out like a little kid banging his fists.
Sawyer drops his hand from me, steps closer to my ex, and gets in his face in one of thosealmost-a-chest-bump moves I’ve only seen on TV. A move that has Sawyer towering over him, in height and in inner fortitude. “And now you’re not.I am.”
It comes out crisp and biting. And I’m unfairly aroused at eightin the morning. Sawyer returns to me, sets that hand on my back again, and ushers me away from my ex-husband and my biggest mistake. “Hey, buddy,” he says to my dog.
Captain wags his tail as we walk. My heart skitters.
“I didn’t expect to see you,” I say, my tone soft now, though I’m confused why Sawyer’s here and excited all the same. Like a dog. Yep, I’m like a freaking dog.
“Didn’t plan to be, but I like watching you work, Chloe,” he says.
I try to catch my breath. But it doesn’t work. This man just seems to know what to say, what to do, how to defend me. “I’d better put on a good show then.”
Sawyer tips his chin toward me. “By the way, how did your car drive this morning?”
I tilt my head, trying to read him. Sawyer has a hell of a poker face though. I blame the beard. “Why are you asking?”
He gives a casual shrug, a tease of a smile tilting his lips. “When you were working last night, I changed the spark plugs. It seemed they needed it.”
Talk about hot. I’m ready to throw myself at him right now. “You fixed my car?” My jaw drops.
“A little surprise for you.”
“Next time you should do it shirtless in my driveway and let me watch,” I say.
“Next time I will,” he says, and those words—next time—make it feel like we’re getting closer and closer to defining whatever this wild thing is between us.
Especially since my jealousy fades away. I don’t feel it anymore. The man came forme. I’m jealous of no one, even as I try to fight the attraction.
I swear I try.
But I’m not doing a good job of it at all.
* * *
A little later, Jubilee arrives. I do a double take from my spot at the edge of the dog park. With my brow knitting, I stare at her little furry legs. “Is she wearing…booties?” I whisper to Poorna.
The director takes a beat, studying the little lady on her leash, her elegant handler—Corinne Madison Pavlov, with her lush hair and big sunglasses and fabulous floral top—holding it as the star struts toward the dog park like she’s on a runway. She has the shoes for it too. Jubilee’s wearing pink booties on all four paws.
“I think she is,” Poorna whispers back.
