I Won't Change My Mind

Jason POV

Maybe, but he is aware that I exclusively like women.

Ridley returned to the table at that same moment. She took a seat, a furious expression on her face.

Did you manage to contact Adam? inquired Anna.

"Yes." She groaned. Actually, he's envious. Are you serious? She said, gazing at me, "I think it's partially because we're hanging out with you. He is a baseball fan.

He is welcome to join us if he so chooses. "More is better, and I'd love to meet him," she said.

Oh, it would be wonderful, but his pals are already here. They're engaged in poker," she clarified. "He did request your autograph," I said.

I chuckled. "If he truly wants it, sure. It probably has no value at this point.

Nonsense, Ridley retorted. "You're an icon. Even though you've retired, you've had a distinguished career. especially four years ago when they won the World Series. That has had to have been so thrilling.

I remembered that moment and said, "It was. My whole life had been ideal. Me and Marissa had been content. Jake was with us. The cherry on top had been winning the World Series.

Ridley turned to face Anna. You speak quietly. Before you decide otherwise, I believe it's time to go and start the celebration.

She said gently, "I'm not going to change my mind," and she got to her feet. Before we depart, I should probably use the restroom. Anna reached for her bag. I vowed, "I'll be back."

She left the table as Ridley and I watched her go. I hardly managed to look away from her lovely legs. In every sense, the lady was lovely.

So, Ridley murmured, turning to face me. "Are you currently dating anyone?"

I was no longer startled by Ridley. She was concise and straightforward, which I appreciated. Depending on your definition of "dating,"

"As in seeing anyone seriously'," she retorted.

"No."

The question "What do you think of Anna?"

She is stunning. Sexy," I acknowledged. "But..."

"Not exactly what you're looking for," she said.

To be really honest, I'm not searching for anything.

"I had a sneaking suspicion that you would say that. It's unfortunate since it's clear that you're a wonderful person.

"Right guy? I quipped, "I guess I do deceive the majority of ladies.

She grinned and answered, "Apparently." Anyway, I consider myself to be a quite accurate moral evaluator, and I just felt that you and Anna—well, you know."

I laughed. "Don't get me wrong; I hope Anna meets a decent guy because any man would be happy to have her. Just not that person, I guess.

The question "Too soon?"

"No. I said, "I'm long past my divorce. "The reality is, I like being a bachelor and don't want to get married. I couldn't really give a lady anything more than a one-night stand, to be honest.

Ridley said dryly, "Right now, I think she'd even benefit from a quick roll in the hay. "She needs to be brought back," someone said.

What does "bring her back" mean?

Ridley revealed that Anna was still having trouble with being fucked over by her ex.

"I'm concerned about her because she's become a hermit."

I grinned. She did admit to being a homebody.

Ridley continued. "I'm not sure. I suppose I shouldn't be sharing all of this with you. Just her laughter and that sparkle in her eyes that I used to miss. Sincerely, I believe she is still in mourning. Ridley yelled angrily, "That bastard doesn't deserve her attention anymore.

I uttered, "It takes time," now that I somewhat understood Anna. I found that we had more in common than I had anticipated.

She keeps saying that, but I don't think she's getting any better. Ridley stated, "She needs some assistance.

Right, but I'm not sure if she would appreciate your attempting to arrange a booty call for her.

Ridley guffawed. Why do you say that? That is the purpose of the best friends.

The same thing had essentially been done for me by my friends after Marissa and I broke up. Introducing me to actresses and supermodels. It had worked for me. I had shamelessly, and up to a point, used sex as a form of self-medication. But I sensed that Anna required more from me than just a one-night stand, which was really all I was capable of.

Since we'll be working together, it can't happen, but I really want to help you. You must understand, I'm sure.

Michael sat back down and inquired, "Help her out with what?"

Ridley responded with, "Nothing," sporting an innocent expression.

"Uh, oh. He said with a half-smile, "If I know my sister, she's up to something that could land one of us in trouble. I apologize for leaving you with her alone.

Ridley shot him a scorching glance. It was "very funny."

I laughed. “She means well and I do appreciate her tenacity,” I said, as the waiter walked back toward us with the bill.

“Say that now,” said Michael. “Wait until the trip. You might want to toss her into the ocean. Just make sure you’re deep enough out. She’s a pretty good swimmer.”

“Noted,” I said, winking at Ridley.

Ben set the bill down on the table and I grabbed it before Michael could. He gave me a dirty look.

“You can pay next time,” I told him.

“You said that last time.”

“Did I?” I replied, knowing that I had. I didn’t mind paying. I adored treating my pals.

“Can I get you anything else before you leave?” the waiter said.

“A muzzle,” remarked Michael. “For my sister. Something tells me her tongue is going to be the death of her in the next few days.”

Ridley slugged him in the shoulder playfully. “You’re so mean to me,” she pouted as the waiter went away, smirking.

“Now, now. You know I adore you, Ridley. Even with that trouble-making tongue of yours,” he answered and then looked at me. “I don’t know how you do it. Women are such tricky animals. Men are no-nonsense and easy-peasy.”

“He’s definitely no-nonsense,” quipped Ridley, gesturing at me. “Although, I have to admit that I respect you more because of it, Jason Stryker.”

“Thank you. The sentiment is mutual.”

She smiled.

Michael rolled his eyes. “I don’t even want to know what you’re talking about, do I?”

“Probably not,” I assured him.

Anna seized that chance to return to the table. Staring at her again, I had to ask what type of idiot would risk losing such lovely women for a one-night stand. Apparently, I would soon find out.