Page 85 of Don’t Go Stealing My Heart

The number finally ended. He smiled and bowed, then hurried off stage, but people slowed his progress, clapping his back and trying to shake his hand. Get to Clementine. When he could extricate himself, he strode into the auditorium and was hit by another wall of people. Some tried to congratulate him. Others held their phones up for a photo. Flashes blared. The band kicked up, the crowd’s hoots and hollers disorientating.

Get to Clementine.

He found Imelda first and grabbed her shoulders. “Where is she?”

Imelda startled and didn’t brandish her usual smile. She looked downright disturbed. “You okay, Jack?”

His eyes must look as wild as he felt. “Where’s Clementine?”

“She borrowed my phone. Something about a work emergency.”

Jack growled.

“What’s going on? Do you need Lawson’s help?”

Her husband was a good man, but Jack couldn’t discuss Clementine’s “work” with anyone. “I’m good. Just want to see my girl.” Make sure she was safe.

And the work comment ate at him. Clementine could be having second thoughts about her life-changing decision. His fear from the start could be real: that she’d eventually resent a normal day-to-day existence, and him.

Imelda tipped her head toward the arena’s edge, where he’d spotted Clementine while performing. “Last I saw her was over there.”

Which is exactly where she wasn’t. The bearded man wasn’t around, either. The two likely weren’t linked, but Jack’s pulse wouldn’t slow. He was still kicking himself for his confession at his house. He shouldn’t have told her he loved her. She needed time to acclimate and dig her heels into their new life. Find a job. She’d been stressed about it. Only a few days into their new living arrangements and she’d been at loose ends, hanging out in his shelter, even falling asleep in there. Probably bored out of her mind. Her muscle car wasn’t here to tinker with. Her days were aimless.

If he’d told her about her surprise, instead of making a big deal of it, she could’ve been focused on that. But, nope. The imbecile he was, he’d admitted he loved her. Classic no-game Jack. At thirty-one, he still couldn’t play it cool.

“Jack?”

Clementine’s voice had relief rushing him. He turned and crushed her to his chest. “Couldn’t find you,” he murmured into her hair. Safe. She was safe. Why did he feel so unhinged?

Instead of hugging him back, she shook free of his hold and returned Imelda’s phone. He wasn’t sure why she’d borrowed it, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was making sure she knew a man had been eyeing her and that Jack had something worthwhile for her to work on while job hunting. A reason for her to stay.

“Come with me.” He grabbed her hand, not giving her a chance to reply.

He maneuvered them through the crowd, to the backstage office where he’d stored his belongings. Two items in particular.

Once inside, he faced her and tried not to wince when her gaze darted away. “What happened during the show? Imelda said you had a work emergency.”

“Something like that.” Vague answer. Flitting gaze. Edgy movements.

Not okay.

He was dressed as Elvis, wearing his most ornate costume, a contrast to her jean shorts and breezy tank top, but she’d loved him in this earlier, had shuddered while held against him. Now she was more awkward than he’d been when they’d first met.

He had ammunition, at least, a meaningful gift that would hopefully overshadow his “I love you” fumble. So uncool, Jack.

He pulled two envelopes from the briefcase he’d brought and held them out to her. “This is my surprise. I should have given it to you earlier.”

She dragged her teeth over her bottom lip and crossed her arms. “Whatever it is, I can’t accept that.”

“I thought we were past your money issues.”

“It’s not about excessive spending. I have to go.”

His neck prickled. “Go where?”

“Home—back to New York. I’ve tried, Jack, but this life isn’t right for me.”

“It was right for you in bed this morning.” Bitterness laced his tone, but he fought for control. He opened the first envelope and showed her the plane ticket. “I have a trip to India coming up—I think I mentioned it a while back. I’d like you to come. I’d love us to visit your orphanage together.”