Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders #11)(130)

“Really, Chase? The Museum of Sex?”

He grinned. “Hey, it is a museum. I was tryin’ to get a little culture while I’m in the big city, Hollywood.”

“Not funny. And for someone who was such a fit about going shopping with me, you managed to hit three different stores yesterday.”

“First of all, you told me I needed clothes. Then I had time to kill so I picked up a stick horse for my nephew and a stuffed panda for my niece at the toy store. I wandered down the street and saw a fancy crystal vase in the window and knew my mother would get a kick out of a box from Tiffany’s showing up in Wyoming. And while I was in there I found a lamp for Ben’s desk and a picture frame for Quinn and Libby.”

He’d really been shopping for his family? That was so unbelievably sweet. And out of character for the rough cowboy.
“Did you buy anything for me?”

“Nope.” He cocked his head. “Did you buy anything for me when you went shopping yesterday?”

“Nope. But maybe we can pick out something for each other today when we go shopping together, since I now know you were lying through your pearly whites about hating to shop.”

“Ah, well, I have plans today.”

“What kind of plans?” And why didn’t you tell me?
“One of Arthur’s friends was talking about corporate sports sponsorships last night and I weighed in. Evidently I didn’t come across sounding like a hick idiot because he called me this morning and invited me to lunch and a Yankees game.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Who invited you?”

“Bill Dahl.”

“Bill Dahl? Who used to work with Donald Trump? Who has box seats at Yankee Stadium invited you to his inner sanctum? God. Billion dollar deals are made in those seats. You realize that, right?”

“No. But it’s not a big deal, Ava. Just a couple of guys eating hot dogs and bullshitting while watching a ball game.” He popped to his feet. “I better get in the shower. He’s sending a car to get me in about fifteen minutes.”

“Fifteen minutes? That gives you enough time to get ready?”

Chase rolled his eyes.
“You have clothes, right?”

“No, I thought I’d stroll in buck-assed nekkid. Christ. I can dress myself. Sometimes I think you forget that I’ve been on TV damn near once a week for the last eight years. So I have an idea how to conduct myself in a professional situation.”

Now she felt like a snob. “Sorry. I do forget that.”

Without prompting, he said, “I love you,” and smooched her on the mouth. “That guy who holds the door said the manager wanted to talk to you in his office as soon as it was convenient for you.”

“I’ll see you later.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

“Come on. I have something to show you.” Ava draped a lightweight cashmere sweater over her arm and shouldered her purse. She was surprised Chase took her hand without asking questions.
Jason waited for them at the elevators. “Ready?”

“All set.”

In the elevator, Jason swiped a keycard and inserted a small key into the panel before punching in a code. He faced them as the elevator moved. “Everything is set up as you requested. We have an event scheduled for noon, so the cleaning crew will arrive at six a.m.”

“Thank you, Jason.”

“My pleasure.” He stepped aside as the doors slid open. “Enjoy your evening.”

“We will.” Ava gripped Chase’s hand and stopped in the center of the round room.