Never As It Seems

Chapter 34

Waiting in the lobby much later that morning, Amber felt more nervous than she could remember ever feeling before. What if he had changed his mind? Was she doing the right thing? Did he think less of her after their time apart? The last question was answered when she saw the beam on his face, that made her heart jump as he approached her. He swept her up into an embrace and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"So where do you wanna go?" He asked.

"I don't know, I thought you were the one with the amazing tour guide skills." She nudged him.

Jay laughed. "I guess you're right. Come on then."

He put his arm around her and walked her to the revolving door but before they could step in, he jumped into the cubicle that was about to close and left Amber to the one behind. She frowned at him through the glass and he grinned at her and mouthed "You're beautiful."

Her smile turned into laughter as Jay, still walking backwards stumbled out of the door on to the vast marble steps outside. He righted himself while she joined him, still giggling. He pretended to be wounded by her laughter which made her giggle even more.

Looking up at the blue sky she smiled. "Gorgeous day!"

"Indian summer." Jay commented as they happily navigated the rest of the steps onto the street.

She linked arms with him and they took three steps before someone grabbed Amber from behind. She let out a shriek and in one move, Jay grabbed the perpetrator by the neck of his black hoodie. He soon let go though, when the face looking back at him grinned with delight at the reaction he had managed to get. Jay swore under his breath as Amber received a full on bear hug from a sweaty Rob. When he finally put her down he glanced from one to the other.

"What's going on here then?"

Amber and Jay looked at each other and that was all Rob needed for an answer.

"No way! This is awesome!" He threw his arms around her again. "I missed you girl!"

"I missed you too." Her muffled voice said into his chest.

Jay reached in and pulled them apart. "She's mine and you have an interview to get to."

"Yeah I do. But I can't believe you're here!" He turned to Amber again. "I wanna know why but I need to get showered and to wherever this thing is. Listen... How about a shopping trip? For old time's sake. I need jeans and we'll pick up something for you..."

Jay cleared his throat.

"Yes" Rob continued. "I'll consider buying you some socks or something."

Amber giggled and Jay rolled his eyes.

"We can't." Jay answered. "It's all about us today." He winked at Amber. "And you're not supposed to be out without security. Where the heck are they?"

"I gave them the slip. I needed a run." Rob shrugged. "Ah come on. Later on. It'll be fun and anyway, Amber's mine too." He grinned.

She nudged Jay with a smile and he sighed.

"Okay." He muttered.

"Great! I'll meet you here at three." Rob enthused as he jogged up the steps and into the hotel.

Amber grinned as he disappeared and then turned to look at Jay. He was frowning.

"Oh lighten up grumpy. It'll be fun." She linked arms with him again and they walked.

"It's fine. I just wanted you to myself today. Actually who am I kidding? I want you to myself every day."

He removed his arm from hers and put it around her waist. She reciprocated and gave him a little squeeze.