“Alarm and security services.” Jed pulled out his card. “If there’s anything we can do for you, just let me know.”
“We have a good security team of our own. Been in business for over fifty years and haven’t lost a car yet.”
“That’s great.” Jed pulled Elena closer to him.
Todd got the message. “Well, I think I’ll see what kind of food they have on hand. Elena, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, Todd.”
“Nice guy,” Jed said after he left.
“He’s a dick.”
Jed laughed. “Someone you’ve dated?”
She cast him a horrified look. “Bite your tongue. I have standards.”
“Good to know.”
“How about you? Make any dates with your new female fan club?”
“They’re all very nice.”
“Uh-huh. You didn’t answer my question.”
He led her over to the table where the food was being served. “I’m starving. How about you?”
She tilted her head back and studied his face. “Avoidance and poker face. Now you have me worried. You have to be careful with those women, you know.”
“So you’re jealous. I like that.”
“I’m not jealous. Should I be, given that you and I are apparently dating?”
He laughed at her reminder of his declaration to Todd. “Nope. I’m all yours, totally devoted.”
She rolled her eyes. “I give up. You’re on your own.”
He took a plate and handed it to her, then got one for himself and leaned in to whisper against her ear. “I?
??m here with you. I want to be with you, not them.”
She felt ridiculous for the spot of jealousy. “I really hate you right now.”
He slipped an arm around her middle and tugged her against him. “No, you don’t. You think I’m charming.”
“I think you’re a pain in the ass and I regret bringing you here.”
He laughed, the low rumble vibrating through her body. “I’ll make sure I’m appropriately grateful the entire night.”
She shook her head, filled her plate and did her best to ignore him, which was difficult considering the death stares she received from all the women who she was certain would gladly change places with her.
The speaker during dinner was from the local police, a last-minute fill-in for the president of their local chamber of commerce, who asked them to talk about the burglaries in their area. The detective from the burglary division spoke to them about being vigilant and aware of any usual activity or people hanging around their establishments, as well as making sure their security systems were up to date.
Elena leaned over to Jed. “This will be a great opportunity for you.”
Jed smiled at her.
After the presentation, Elena took Jed around and introduced him to as many of the local business owners as she could. There were several that appeared interested in upgrading their systems, so they took his card. By the end of the night, Elena was certain he had at least two or three new sales. She beamed, glad she was able to help him out. He was even taking calls on their way out, so it seemed his new business was already starting to take hold.