Page 7 of Choosing Samantha

“Not when I’m right.”

“Being able to afford something doesn’t give you the right to decide whether another person needs it.” Her words catch me off guard. She isn’t exactly angry—she seems cautious. Almost as if she accepts the phone, I expect something in return.

I lower the bag. “You’re right. I should have asked,” I continue. “May I give it to you?”

“Why?”

Because the thought of her struggling bothers me. Because I want her to have a reason to think of me after today. Because I spent two hours sitting beside her and already dread watching her go.

“The agency’s safety application runs more reliably on current devices,” I say instead. “Consider it equipment required for future assignments.” Saying those words leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

I don’t want her to go on future assignments. I don’t want another man waiting outside a restaurant, watching her arrive in that flowered dress. I don’t want him to hear her laugh or see her eyes brighten when she talks about art.

Possessiveness is irrational. She doesn’t belong to me. Reminding myself doesn’t help.

She studies my face. “Equipment?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“Not a tip?”

“No.” Apparently, that is the right answer, as she reaches for the bag.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Her fingers brush mine. That same spark passes between us, stronger this time. Samantha slowly pulls her hand away, leaving me feeling empty.

In the car, she opens the box as if it were a special gift. I help her transfer her contacts while the driver takes us to her apartment.

The Elite Connections application appears on the new screen. A notification flashes.

THREE NEW ASSIGNMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

A sharp wave of jealousy makes me grip my phone tighter. Samantha doesn’t notice as she opens her text messages.

I open my secure administrative portal, provided by Elite Connections to preferred clients, which includes a privacy dashboard and scheduling permissions. One setting catches my attention.

EXCLUSIVE BOOKING REQUEST

I quickly read that clients can reserve a companion’s availability for an ongoing series of events. The agency will block conflicting requests and charge the client a substantial exclusivity fee.

Without a second thought, I select Samantha’s profile. The system requests dates—I choose the next three months.

A warning appears.

COMPANION CONSENT REQUIRED UNLESS FULL RETAINER IS PAID IN ADVANCE.

Beneath it was the retainer amount. I approved the payment without batting an eye—having Samantha all to myself is worth far more than the retainer.

She frowns, and I’m sure that I’ve been caught. “That’s strange.” Thankfully, she’s looking at her new phone, not at me.

“What is it?” I try to sound casual.

“I had three requests, but now they’re gone.”

“Perhaps someone else accepted them.”

“Maybe.”