Obviously opting for sooner, he said, “I just said that if he ever touched you again, I’d wrap those chickpeas he called balls around his fucking neck like a bow tie.”
Her belly laugh was the biggest she’d let loose in a very long time.
At she got to know him, Richard surprised her at every turn. The flowers were one thing. Hell, just showing up when she needed someone was more than she’d ever thought was possible. And every man she knew, her father included, would have leaped at the chance to take the $2 million luxury sports car for a spin.
But again, Richard was different. He was confident without arrogance, and there wasn’t the remotest hint of him being a rival. Although, by his ripped body, she could see he was competitive at heart.
She sank into how amazingly comfortable he was to be with. When he held her close, his arms wrapped around her like a warm sweater on a fall day. She could lose herself in his hold. In his warmth. And in those endless blue eyes.
Jaclyn had committed herself to steer clear of charmers, but pulling away from this man was a losing battle. His draw was magnetic.
And she found herself happiest in his arms.
Eleven
Jaclyn glanced at Richard as he gestured and said, “Left up here.”
She looked around the shops in the Park Cities that they’d been driving past. “Okay. A-T-M. Are we robbing a bank?”
“In this car? Maybe later. It’s got ‘catch me if you can’ written all over it. Slow down. Pull in over there.”
She deftly parked the Aston Martin in the nearest parking space and looked at him expectantly. “So, where’s the ATM we’re hitting?”
“You’ll see when you get out.”
They both hopped out of the car. As she looked across the street, a surge of excitement made her jump with glee. It was the best ATM in the world, and she hadn’t seen it in years. The Sprinkles Cupcakes gourmet bakery was showcased before her . . . with their novelty cupcake ATM machine.
“Oh my God. I haven’t had Sprinkles in forever. And I’ve never used the ATM.”
Richard grinned at her. “Well, we can grab a few on the way out. First, we’re getting you some grub. We can grab a quick bite at Hillstone. Then we’ll get totally lit on cupcake goodness. Sound like a plan?”
Jaclyn could only nod and beam.
She’d recently wondered if regular guys were a myth. All the men she’d ever known wanted the best of the best. The finest dining. Outrageously extravagant desserts. Seriously, how many times can someone pay a thousand dollars for an ice cream sundae topped with thin pieces of paper gold? And why? Honestly, does anyone need a precious metal colonoscopy?
Other than her family, no one had ever really hung out with her, cared for her. This was so different, so laid-back and fun. The guy was, no kidding, enjoying the ride rather than taking her for one.
With his fingers laced through hers, they crossed the street, the picture of a very ordinary couple. Somehow, Richard managed to pull out all the stops with the trivial act of holding her hand.
Her heart skipped a beat at this simple sentiment.
Maybe this was what her father had meant? A life away from the spotlight and the toll of running a mega corporation. Maybe she needed to give this a go. Sit back and see what she really wanted.
Like children, Richard and Jaclyn rushed through lunch to hurry back to the bakery. Opting to forgo the ATM, they dove into a dessert sampling inside, with a variety four-pack of cupcakes for both of them to share.
Between gushing over ganache and living for the lemon, Richard noticed a small crowd had begun watching them, grown-ups and children alike.
Jaclyn paused in mid-bite and leaned to him. “People are looking at us. Do I have anything on me?” she asked as she brushed her fingers around her mouth.
He shook his head as he scrutinized her face, then widened his eyes. “Me?”
“No,” she said. “You’re fine.”
Baring their teeth, they were examining each other’s pearly whites when a little girl approached.
“Excuse me?” she asked. “Are you the lady from the news?”
Richard glanced at Jaclyn in dismay, realizing they couldn’t fend off the potential inquisition from such a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed would-be reporter.
“Yes, sweetie, I am.” Jaclyn nodded and smiled, watching as the girl motioned for her mom.
Her mother came up, fumbling with her purse. “I’m sorry. My daughter saw you on the news, and . . . would it be too much if she got her picture with you?”
“A picture?” Jaclyn blinked at them in surprise. “With me?”
“Please . . .” With her clasped hands and batting eyes, the little girl begged like a pro.
“She’s adorable,” Jaclyn said to the girl’s mother. “And really good at this.”
“Is she ever. She’s photobombed so many celebrities, her nickname’s Kaboom.”
Jaclyn whispered to Richard, “Celebrity?” Her eyes were wide as she wondered what the hell this was about.
Richard took her arm, motioning for her to grab her purse. He reassured the crowd with an upheld finger as he said, “One moment,” then led Jaclyn away to the bathroom. “Okay, I’m about to say something, and I really don’t want you to take it the wrong way—”
“Though you know I probably will. Continue.”
“You’re beautiful.”
Her half smile was accompanied by an arched brow. “But?”
“But you’re about to get photographed, and you know these photos are going to be everywhere before we inhale the last sprinkle off the vanilla cupcake. So, take a moment and do a little glam, bam, thank you, ma’am.”
He pushed open the ladies’ room door, and she scurried in. Once the door closed, it immediately reopened.
“Wait!” she said in a hushed tone.
Richard had already started walking away and whipped back around to her. “Yeah?” When he noticed her worried eyes, he shielded her from onlookers’ curious stares and squeezed her shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry. The crowd looks pretty harmless. You’ve got this.”
She glanced over his shoulder at the growing group of spectators and nodded. “Okay. So, it’s my turn to say something, and I really don’t want you to take it the wrong way. You’re wonderful.”
“But?” he said with a laugh.
“But, who are you going to tell the crowd you are? You know they’re going to ask, and—”
“And nothing. It’s not a problem. I understand.” He brought his other hand up to cup her face, with both thumbs softly brushing her cheeks. “So, who do you need me to be? Legal advisor? Bodyguard?” He puffed up his chest and flexed his biceps on that gem of a suggestion.
“Well,” she said, “I had something slightly different in mind.”
Twelve
Richard took several pictures of the little girl posing with Jaclyn, both exaggerating a chomp into their cupcakes for the shot. A line had formed, and the Sprinkles management didn’t seem to mind, with the line to buy cupcakes leading right to the impromptu meet-and-greet corner.