Page 114 of The Crowned Garza

Well,fuck.

If I feared death at all, I would be drenched in a cold sweat and wrapped in paranoia right now.

Fortunately, I traded my fear for the possibility of true love a long time ago.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“You had one job.”

Tillie

A YAWN PRIES MYmouth open as I shuffle out to the staff parking area after my shift.

“Hey, beautiful.”

Draggy and distracted, I almost jump out of my skin at the familiar voice.

Leaned against his flashy sports car, hands in his pockets, legs crossed at the ankles, is Chase Davis. Hot, blond, debonair. Looking every bit the hotshot movie star he is.

About six months ago, on the run from paparazzi after he went rogue and ditched his security detail, he sprinted into our restaurant, straight to the kitchen, crashed into me, and spilled a boat of gravy all over us both.

Ever since then, he’s absorbed me into his orbit and refuses to leave me be.

With a dramatic groan, I slump my shoulders. “Did we make plans?”

He flashes me his drool-worthy smile. “I’m here to cash in on that favor you owe me.”

“What favor?”

“Forgot already? That stunt you had me pull at Red Cage to help your friend a couple weeks ago.”

Oh, right. Sunny was having a tough time landing a meeting with Red Cage and Chase helped us get her in a meeting.

“Nope. Can’t recall.” I feign a frown, shaking my head. “Sorry, I don’t think that was me.”

“Sure you don’t. But I do, and I’m collecting now.” He straightens from the car and taps the hood. “C’mon. Get in.”

My answering groan is extra dramatic. “Can you cash in some other time? My shift was a hot mess and I desperately want some zees.”

“I would, but there’s an event tonight I’m forced to attend, and I want you to be my date.”

“Yeah…pick something else. Not my scene. “

He tuts. “Let me remind you of your words, Tillie Garza. And I quote, ‘Do me this favor and I will owe you big time. Anything you want. Anything. I promise. Just help my girl out.’”

“Eh, doesn’t sound like me.”

“You know Red Cage docked me fifteen grand for pulling that stunt, right?”

“Oh, come on. That’s like lunch money for you.”

“Doesn’t matter. You owe me.” He taps the hood of the car again. “Get in the car.”

To be fair, he’s done mea lotof favors and never cashed in on them. If he’s here now being insistent, he must really need me.

“Okay, fine. But I have to go home and change out of this stained uniformed, get all hot and dolled up for you.”

“Figured you’d say that.” He laughs. “You don’t think I know you by now, T-bug? There’s no way I’m letting you go home. You know damn well you won’t come back out once you’re inside those walls.”