He laughed the booming laugh that sounded so great on camera. “There’s the Jada I’ve missed so much.”
What was he doing here? Had he come to curse her out for dumping him on national TV now that the shock of her rejection had worn off? She offered up a smile, though the muscles in her face mightily resisted her efforts. “You know me. I’m a riot.”
Her lunch roiled in her stomach. Sushi was not a good choice when you were about to experience major upheaval. But maybe that wasn’t about to occur. She needed to remain positive.
His smile hadn’t faded. “I drove down from L.A.”
Jada blinked in surprise. “Aren’t you from Minnesota?” He’d talked often about his All-American Midwest upbringing on the show and how much he loved the Twin Cities, snow and all.
He propped a hip on the counter like he planned to stay there for a while. “I moved to California a few weeks ago. Gotta take advantage of the opportunities that come with being on the show. I took a leave of absence from my practice. I can always go back if things don’t work out.”
“Oh. Right.” She couldn’t blame him. After all, “exploring opportunities” had been her primary reason for going on the show.
John hadn’t stopped blinding her with his white teeth. Of course, he could just be waiting to lure her into a false sense of security before dropping the hammer. Yes, there was nothing in her contract with the show that said she was obligated to accept a marriage proposal if asked, but it was expected. The lead didn’t go on the show to be embarrassed.
She gripped her hands together behind her back, while she struggled to think of something else to say. There was no one to rescue her. Ella’s shift hadn’t started, and the owners were in other parts of the bakery. Yelling for help seemed uncouth. She dropped her hands and squared her shoulders. Besides, she didn’t need any help. She was Jada Townsend-Matthews, hear her roar. Or something. “How can I help you? Did you want a cupcake?”
He didn’t look at the display case. “You’re really working here, huh? Wow. Social media knows all, but some part of me still found it hard to believe.”
She lifted her right shoulder in a shrug. “Yep. I’m working here.”
“That’s great. The last month has been kind of a whirlwind for me with interviews and TV appearances.” He didn’t seem fazed by the incessant clicks of the cameras in the room behind them. She wished she could say the same. It took everything in her not to flinch at every click.
“You look wonderful,” he continued, scanning her figure.
Jada blinked. “Oh. Thanks. You look great, too.” Maybe the hammer was coming down now. There hadn’t been much time to talk after the rejection. Producers whisked her away for an interview, and she hadn’t sought him out. Why would he want to talk to the woman who dumped him on camera, in front of millions? As far as she knew, he hadn’t asked producers to see her either.
John straightened to his full height. “Can we go somewhere and talk?”
“Not now. I’m the only one watching the store.” But the cameras were still clicking, so maybe they should.
Over his shoulder, Jada saw Donovan coming around the corner. He came to a halt when he spotted everyone with their cameras up, all pointing in the same direction, not trying at all to be subtle. His gaze swung her way. His eyes narrowed, then widened as he spotted John. His strides were purposeful as he made his way to them.
He rounded the counter and wrapped an arm around her waist. She leaned into the embrace, letting his strength seep into her. Seeing John had knocked her off-kilter. Donovan inclined his head, with his natural regality, toward John. “Funny seeing you here.”
Such a Donovan statement. He wasn’t one to hide behind bullshit and pretend he didn’t know who her ex-almost-fiancé was.
John, for his part, showed no sign of intimidation. No one ever said no to him. He always got what he wanted. She’d picked up on that aspect of his personality early on, and the producers had only continued to cater to him during filming. “Hey, how you doing man? I’m John.” He held out his hand for a handshake. Donovan made no move to take it. John cleared his throat. “I came to see Jada. Check on her.”
Jada broke Donovan’s hold and turned to face him. “Do you mind watching the counter for a few minutes?”
Donovan’s expression didn’t change. He studied her face for a few seconds. His voice remained steady. Steadfast. “Of course. Take your time.”