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“All right. I’m a former Royal Marine turned band manager. I enjoy sex, music, and living a good life surrounded by those I care about. I defy convention, I hate the lack of old-fashioned good manners in today’s society, and I very much love my country and its traditions.”
“As evidenced by your service. I knew it, you know. I knew there was something better about you. You’re a Marine. That explains it all.”
“I’m not better. I’m just different. I’m a warrior at heart, but I didn’t want to end up like so many of my mates coming home in a wooden box, so I retired when I was thirty-three and took on the job of managing my cousin’s band.”
I pulled back indignantly. “Yeah, about that. How come it took you so long to tell me thatyouwere Mad Lurcher’s manager?”
Jeremy bit back on a playful chuckle. “What, I’m not allowed to keep a little mystery about myself?”
“Riva kinda screwed that one up for ya, huh?” I said with a giggle.
Jeremy’s eyes narrowed. “She’ll need a spanking, that girl.”
I arched an eyebrow at him. “Do you need help?”
Jeremy laughed long and hard. “I knew there was a reason I like you, you cheeky monkey.”
I laughed as well. Sipping from my drink, I appraised my companion. “Since I’m being cheeky and all, you’d better fuck me next time.”
“Cross my heart,” he said with a sexy smirk that promised me all kinds of dirty things. Then he poked the magazine. “Now, back to this classy publication and the man of interest.”
I slumped my shoulders.
“How has Augustus fucked you over, and would you like me to take a swing at him for you?”
“No,” I said with a groan. “It’s not his fault the paps are treating me like crap. But my boss has suspended me from my job, all because this Major Jones guy turned what was supposed to be an interview about the fall line into a character assassination about me. If I lose my job, it could mean I might have to leave the UK and go back to Wayborough Shores and to my dead-end job in the mailroom of Rawlins Industries.”
“That’s not how it works. You have a working visa, yeah?”
“That’s right.”
“Well, did you get it yourself, or did your employer pay for it?”
“I organized it, paid for it, passed the means test and all the requirement stuff on my own.”
“Then, evenifyou lost your job, you would still be able to work somewhere else if it came down to it.”
“But where?” I asked, throwing up my hands, frustrated it could come down to that.
“If you want to stay in the UK, I’ll help you figure it out.” Jeremy shrugged and drank from his coffee cup as if it was as simple as that.
“I do. If only Ruben could stay too.”
“Don’t stress. Everything will work out. You’ll see.”
I wished I could share Jeremy’s enthusiasm, but at the moment, I honestly couldn’t see how things would work out, and I didn’t like uncertainty. I was beginning to put roots down here. I knew that although Ruben had to have Christmas with his mom back in the US, he would be back afterward, but then what? Ruben loved his job with the science division of Rawlins Industries, and he was my priority. I would eventually have to leave the United Kingdom no matter what. My visa said so.
“I guess we’ll see.” I drained the last of my coffee, set the mug down with a thump, and then got to my feet and tugged on my jacket back. “Walk me back?”
“It would be my honor.”
We headed back out onto the high street and walked along in comfortable silence. As soon as Jeremy pressed his hand to my lower back, a pleasurable tremor ran through me, and I immediately leaned into him. It was funny. Usually, when I was upset, I preferred to process things alone, but with Jeremy, it was different. I sought comfort with him. I liked the calming effect he had on me.
Turning down our street, we soon reached our apartment building.“Thanks for talking with me, Jeremy,” I said.
“Not a problem. You can talk to me anytime. Remember, I’m right across the hall whenever you need me. Well, when I’m not working with the band, at any rate.” Jeremy winked.
I bit my lower lip and stared unashamedly at him as he opened the door for me.When I simply stood there, Jeremy waved his hand toward the open doorway. “Ladies first.”
