Page 40 of Rush

“I asked if he’d watch his niece for the night so I could spend time with my boyfriend. He spoiled me all day, and I wanted to tell him how much I love him.”

Jameson’s body locks tight, his fingers digging into my waist so hard I hope I have bruises in the morning. His eyes sweep my face, disbelief and hope in every glance. “Say it again.” I bite my lip, feeling exposed. I’m not sure if it was the right time to do this, but after today and from the realization Isla shared, I can’t help the way my heart beats for him.

“Sammy.” Jameson steps closer to me and lays his forehead against mine. “Please, pretty Girl, I’m dying to hear it from your lips again. I need it like I need air. I thought maybe you were starting to catch on, but in case you missed it, I love you, Sam Campbell. I never stopped.”

Tears shimmer in my eyes, and when I open them, I can see the same emotion shining in his at me. “I love you, Jameson.” His mouth lands on mine in a claiming kiss, his hands fisting in my hair. I hold onto him, my hands clutching the fabric of his navy blue button-up shirt.

There's some catcalls and whistles around us, but nothing matters besides the way I feel in his arms. Jameson pulls away panting and takes my hand in his.

“I hope you had enough celebrating tonight, Sam. I need to get you home.”

Desire flares low in my belly, and my knees feel weak. I nod my head yes and let him lead me off the dance floor. When we get to the VIP area, it’s apparent there’s some tension in the space. Carter’s face is angry and his jaw clenched while Isla’s face is pale. My first instinct is to protect my girl.

“What happened?”

Carter turns to me and throws his hands up in the air. “I’m just the bad guy like always, I guess.”

I scoff at his dramatics. He’s been on a roll lately and the closer we get to graduation and them to the NHL draft, the quicker to anger he is. “Have a drink and relax, Carter. It’s my birthday.”

He laughs, the sound harsh in his throat. “Yeah. Seems it’s okay to invite my stalker to the party, but then again, I forgot you ladies are all friends now.”

Isla flinches, and anger flashes in my chest. I move toward Carter and jab my finger at him. “Isla is a gem and you're an idiot. Yes, she’s our friend too so grow some balls.”

“Unbelievable,” he mutters and walks away from the lounge. Leif gives me a tense smile and squeezes my shoulder before going off to follow him.

Jameson’s hand slides around my waist. “Do you want to talk to him or leave?”

“I’m done trying to talk sense into him when he’s hellbent on believing the wrong thing. We’re leaving,” I tell him and look around to find my girls. I catch Reign’s eye when I can’t find any of the women.

“Bathroom,” he says, his voice sympathetic. “I’ll tell them you’re in good hands and decided to end the night early.”

“Thanks Thorn!” I call to him, while Jameson starts to lead me away. I wave to Hawke as well who tips his chin up at me in response.

Jameson directs us through the crowd, his body shielding me from being nudged or bumped. I watch him in protector mode and fall just a little more in love with him. We pass the bar and suddenly a hand shoots out, landing on Jameson’s arm.

“Kane. Surprised to see you here.”

Jameson stops in his tracks, and his jaw muscle flexes. His eyes dip to mine and he rolls his shoulders back before shaking the man’s hand. “Romeo. Far away from Chicago, aren’t you?”

The man’s eyes flick to me and back. He shrugs. “Had some business in the area. Surprised to see you out though. Usually, you’re too serious to party.”

I laugh and both men turn their attention on me. “He clocked you.” I poke Jameson’s chest. “I’m the fun one out of the two of us.”

Jameson swears under his breath, something about troublemaker, and pinches the bridge of his nose. The man, Romeo, laughs and points at me.

“I like you, girl. You remind me a lot of my own little spitfire at home.”

My brow rises. “She gives you a run for your money?”

“My money, my sanity, my heart.” He shrugs, and I grin.

Jameson tilts his head back, shaking it lightly before his hand tightens on my hip. “Sammy, this is Romeo. His fiancé is Kalai. Romeo, this is my girlfriend, Sam.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Romeo holds out his hand, and I notice the large rose tattoo on the back of it.

“Nice to meet you too, Romeo.”

The man’s eyes sparkle, and he glances back to Jameson. “Will I see you next month at the car show?”