Page 30 of Rush

She scoffs and her hand lands on my chest to push me away, but my hand lands on hers, pulling her body in closer instead. “You’re being a little ridiculous.”

This time I eye her, my head tilting to the side. “You have no idea, Sam. I’ve always been protective of you. I’ve also always wanted you all to myself.”

Her blue eyes widen at my admission and her teeth sink into her bottom lip again. With a low groan, I release her and put some distance between us before she feels exactly how much she affects me. “Alright, so I’m stripes then?”

Sam nods. She’s clearly flustered, but I can see the relief on her face at my change of subject. “Yup. I already knocked three in. It's game on, Kane.”

We play a couple of games as the night continues. Every time she makes a shot, I flirt with her, keeping her smiling and her eyes sparkling the entire time. I want to remind her about how much of a good time we used to have together. Even though we’re parents now, with Dylan completing us, we can still have fun with each other too. After our fourth game, I’m ready to bring her to the dance floor, where I know she’ll enjoy cutting loose, when Gym Bro stops by our table. His eyes narrow in on how close Sam and I are standing. Instinctively, I reach for her waist while he sizes me up. I’m a few inches taller than him, but his neck is about as thick as my thigh, and it's very obvious he’s been hitting the weights hard.

“Thought you said her dad wasn’t in the picture?” He leans toward Sam as he says it, his words louder than they need to be despite the noise of the bar.

My body goes rigid and Sam’s head snaps back. “I said we weren’t together, not that he wasn’t in the picture. Jameson has always been part of Dylan’s life.”

Dude shakes his head, looking more pissed at her than he has the right to be. “Apparently you fooled me. Looks like you’re together now, and I was what? Just a pawn to make him jealous?”

Sam’s eyes narrow. He struck a nerve accusing her of being the type to use someone. My first instinct is to bash his face in with my fist, but I know Sam would not appreciate that on our date night. I pull her body behind mine and stand to my full height, facing off with the Gym Douche Bag.

“We weren’t together when you took her to the party. That isn’t Sam’s style. It didn’t work out between you two. Get over it. It happens. She doesn’t owe you an explanation about why she’s here with me.”

His gaze turns glacial and he peers at Sam over my shoulder. Wrong move on his part, when I feel her hand’s grip on my shirt tighten.

“You can have her, man. All bitches are the same. Guess you really were the master manipulator, Sam.”

I don’t even let her name leave his mouth before my fist connects with his jaw. He staggers back a few steps, and his friend helps him, looking around to make sure none of the bouncers witnessed the fight. He’s holding his jaw, his eyes shooting daggers at me as I lean over him.

“You talk like that to her again and I’ll make sure your spine never holds you upright again in the gym. She wasn’t interested. Get the fuck over it and move on like a man.”

“Let’s just go, bro.” His friend is shaking his head, ready to push him past us. Gym Bro keeps his gaze steady on me, and I don’t back down from the silent stare off. He knows he’s in the wrong, but his ego and probably his pride are hurt. Still, he doesn’t get to talk to Sam that way and he definitely will keep any mention of my daughter out of his mouth.

With one last glare at us, he turns and leaves, his group of guys going with him. Only then do I turn to Sam. Her eyes meet mine and I’m relieved that I don’t see any pain or sadness in them. She isn’t crying and she no longer looks embarrassed or hurt.

“You did nothing wrong,” I tell her, my hands gliding over her shoulders and down her arms. Sparks ignite in my palms just from touching her.

Sam’s head tilts to the side. “I never should have agreed to a date. I knew I didn’t like him. Not more than friends anyway.”

Hurt laces through my chest and my jaw clenches. “Why did you go out with him then?”

Her cheeks flush and her gaze drops. “I thought…I thought you were dating someone.”

“I can promise you that I’m not seeing anyone else. Sam, I’ve never wanted anyone but you.” I give her the honest truth and watch as her eyes turn liquid and her lips part.

Right then Guns N’ Roses’ song “Patience” begins to play and the tone on the dance floor settles as people begin to sway to the opening lines. Never has there been a more perfect song for right this moment with my girl. I pull her into my arms and we slow dance, her gaze trapped with mine.

“Jameson, I’m feeling really confused,” she murmurs, finally finding her voice.

My head hangs forward, my hair brushing across her forehead. Her hands automatically come up and brush the strands back from my face, her nails scraping gently, and I groan from the contact.

“Sam, I’m an asshole for not saying back then what I truly wanted. I thought I was doing the right thing based on what your mom and my dad said to do. Not once since we’ve been apart have I not missed you. You’re smart, sweet, sexy as hell and have a hell of a wrist shot. You’re gorgeous, and the best mommy to our little girl. How could I stay away? I know I don’t have the right to ask, but please give this a chance.”

She bites her lip; her eyes guarded. “Give what a chance, Jameson? What are you asking for exactly?”

My hands come up to frame her face. “I’m asking you to give me a shot. I want a relationship with you. One that's better, stronger than what we had in high school. I want to take you on dates; I want more family dinners; I want to watch you play the game you love. I just want to get to know the woman you are now and for there to be no other dates you’ll ever go on with anyone else.”

Tears flood her eyes. “You want all of that with me? After everything? There are still so many things we have to talk about.”

My lips brush against hers gently. “And we will. We have time. Sammy, I’ve always been yours. I know I’m not good enough, but I want to be. Can we please try again?”

She sniffles and lays her head against my chest, right over my heart while we sway to the music. After a few heartbeats she raises her head and wipes tears from her cheeks. “You’ve always been good enough, Jameson. I can give this a chance, but we need to move forward with caution. It's not just us anymore. Dylan always comes first. I want honesty between us too.”