“You’re right. I'm sorry. I’m worried about both of you,” she admitted.
“Tiff, I love you. You’re the best agent and a great friend. I would do almost anything for you. I know you have feelings for Darios, but this sort of thing happens with us. We’ll figure it out,” I reassured her.
“How about you? How are you feeling?” she asked as we started on our way again.
“Tired and not looking forward to any of this,” I said frankly.
“You always said your fans are great. Maybe this will help you.” She smiled.
“Yeah, maybe.”
Tiff was right; the day was great. All my fans made me regain my strength. Tiff and my editor made sure I had extra security. Whatever gifts my fans had, they had to leave them at the front entrance with someone who was going to go through them. Everyone kept asking about Drake and what would happen to him in the next book. Drake was my dreamboat man. A perfect vampire who looked good and had a heart of gold, but man when he was pissed, watch the fuck out. He was fiercely loyal and loved his woman without limits.
“Kass!” cried out Tiff. “Come here, there’s someone I want you to meet.” She waved her hand at me.
I stood up from my seat, my butt feeling numb from the hours I sat down signing my books. I walked over to see a tall man, who was clean cut and wearing a navy suit. The moment I was near he turned and smiled at me.
“Hello, Ms. Preston.” He reached out his hand, took mine, and shook it.
“Haven’t I seen you before?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
“I'm glad you remembered. I bumped into you at Coney Island.” He grinned. “I actually didn’t know it was you until now,” he continued.
He lowered his voice as he turned his body and faced me completely, leaving Tiff behind him. The man was exactly Jason, an older and more sophisticated version with his suit and tie. His eyes were a light blue and almost shined as he smiled.
“He’s my boss. Jeremy Burns,” Tiff said, slightly annoyed at him as she moved next to me.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled.
“Tired?’ Tiff asked.
“Beyond.” I looked over to her.
“Okay well, let’s get you ready and take you home. I’ll have the car come around,” she said as she massaged my back.
“Why don’t I take you?” Jeremy asked.
“Thanks for the offer, but no thank you, Mr. Burns,” I politely declined.
“Jeremy,” he corrected.
“Only if you call me Kassia, because to be quite honest, I hate being called Ms. Preston,” I stated.
“Deal.” He slightly nodded.
I walked back to the table, which I sat at and collected my things. From the corner of my eye I saw Jason. He was standing near the fantasy aisle. He wore his Ray-Bans and faded jeans with a dark blue t-shirt and a black blazer. The sight of him made my knees weak and my heartache. How could I face him now after everything that had happened between us? I stood looking at him, watching him intently. He simply stood where he was, not making an effort to come any closer. I felt his eyes on me. I craved his touch. I needed his arms around me. I wanted to feel safe, because for me, Jason was my only solace.
“Are you ready to go?” asked Jeremy as he drew closer to me. I saw Jason stiffen.
“No! Not yet,” I murmured.
I grabbed my bag and headed to where Jason was. The closer I got to him, the further he went, leaving me behind.
“Jason!” I cried out, but he didn’t bother to stop. I watched as he left the bookstore.
“Are you okay?” Jeremy drew closer.
“I'm fine,” I huffed.
I took out my phone and scrolled down to find his number. I tried calling, but he didn’t answer.
“I’ll take you home.” Jeremy reached out and put his hand on my shoulder. I finished and moved away from him.
“Like I said before, there’s no need. Thank you,” I said more forcefully.
“Isn’t he the one who was with you at Coney Island? I remember how protective he was of you. I wonder why he’s so willing to walk away from you now?” Jeremy said. I didn’t like the tone in his voice. It was almost condescending. “If you were my woman, I wouldn’t so easily leave you with another man,” he continued. I began to make my way to the front of the store, but Jeremy stopped me.
“Do you honestly think I would let our top client just leave here when there’s a stalker harassing her?” He then took my bag off my shoulder.
“Hey!” I yelled after him. I stopped, remembering Jason had done the same thing.
“Come on, Kassia, I'm taking you home,” he said as he waited and held the store door open for me.