Page 29 of Boarded Hearts

More confusion fills her face along with another gorgeous flush right down her sweet neckline. “So where did all this come from?” She casts her hand across the counter pointing at the glass, fresh cocktail ingredients, and shaker.

I casually lift a shoulder. “I got everything earlier while I was shopping for dinner.”

“W-what?” Her brows knit together slightly. “You bought all this in, for me?” She shakes her head. “Jon, that’s…that’s so sweet. Thank you.”

I hand her the glass, complete with a slice of lime attached to the rim, and smile. “I wanted you to have something you like.”

She takes a sip and moans in pleasure. Fuuuuck, that sound does things to me.Not now, Jon, not now.

“I’ve never had anyone think of me or remember the little details like that.”

I balk at her comment, finding that very hard to believe. How any man could be in the same room as Felicity for longer than five minutes and not want to know everything about her is beyond comprehension. She’s the type of woman who once you meet, she hijacks your every waking thought.“I find it hard to believe that you’re not etched into the memory of everyone you meet since you’ve invaded every part of mine.”

FELICITY

“Okay, that was gorgeous. You might just be the finest restaurant around,” I say, placing my knife and fork back down on my plate. And it was gorgeous. It’s clear this man can cook, that’s for sure. I wonder how many other women have been bowled over by not only his legendary bedroom skills but also his abilities in the kitchen.

“Probably not one of my best. The beef could’ve done with more seasoning, but I’ll take the compliment, thank you,” Jon replies, leaning back in his chair across the counter from me, his corded forearms folded and flexing, providing a very welcome view.

“If that’s average for you then your best must rival Gordon Ramsey because that was perfect to me,” I reply, draining the last of my Cosmo.

“Tell me something I don’t know about you?” Jon asks a couple of beats later.

“Oooh, I like this game. Okay, well I’ve always wanted to go to Norway.”

Jon shuffles forward on his stool, folding his hands together and resting his chin on them. “Anyone ever told you you’re random?”

“A few. It was something my dad and I always wanted to do, to see the northern lights. The aurora is a bucket list item for me.” I clear my throat from emotion, wanting to move on. “What about you, tell me something no one else knows.”

Considering my question, Jon swipes a hand over his mouth. “I’ve never been to McDonalds.”

“No, freakin’ way,” I laugh, I can’t believe he’s never tried the legendary Big Mac.

“It’s true; in fact, I can probably count on one hand the number of fast-food deliveries I’ve had.”

“Because you’re a fighting-fit athlete?” I reply, flexing my biceps.

Jon smirks at me, his shoulders vibrating with laughter. “Something like that, Angel.” He grips his half-empty water glass. “I guess my life has always revolved around hockey. It’s always been pretty one-dimensional...” his eyes meet mine, “until now.”

He rises to his feet and rounds the counter, swiveling my stool to face him. He steps closer, and I look up at him where he towers over me. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Felicity. I wanted to see you again tonight because I can’t bear the thought of you thinking for one single fucking second that I have eyes for anyone else. You’re all I see.”

He nudges my chin up with his index finger and slowly lowers his lips to mine. Hovering just over me, my core tightens and pulses with need. “Can I kiss you again?”

I know I shouldn’t. I had a plan tonight, to remain platonic. But the need to kiss him overwhelms me, leaving me powerless. “Okay.”

He closes the space and smiles against me. Jon groans at the contact, and as his tongue swipes across my lips and explores my mouth, I know this won’t be the last time I kiss him.

“How’s Jack doing in college? He make it on the team?” Jon’s still standing over me, his left hand drawing pattens on my thigh.

“Yeah, he’s made a couple of appearances, but the forward positions are hard fought over. He called me last night and was a bit at sea. A lot of the guys have more game experience, and I think he’s struggling to make his mark on the team and get involved in the social aspect. That’s unusual for him—he normally makes friends easily.”

Totally engrossed in what I’m saying, Jon nods his head in thought. “How long has he been playing?”

I tap my chin, thinking over the timeline. “Uh, well I guess he started playing at eight.” I let out a sigh. “Trouble is, there aren’t nearly as many opportunities in the UK compared with the US and Canada, so he’s been playing catch up.”I pause, not sure how much to reveal about my past life, but there’s something about Jon that makes me trust him like I can talk freely around him. “When my ex-husband, Elliott, got offered a job out in Seattle on an eighteen-month contract, Jack jumped at the chance to move out here. I kind of knew he’d want to stay and apply for college in America, but he’s not had an easy start to his freshman year.” I wave a hand in front of me. “And it’s not like I have any clue how to help him. I can’t even lace up my skates, let alone advise him.”

Jon’s tone is very matter-of-fact. “Has he got what it takes? Most guys step onto the ice as soon as they can walk, so eight is late to begin playing.” He continues drawing circles on my thigh, his touch is soothing.

I shrug a shoulder. “He’s still made it into a strong college team. I know he’s fast on the ice and that’s his main threat, but his coach says his technical skills are behind the others. I worry he’s putting too much pressure on himself and should be enjoying his college days, but instead, he’s running himself into the ground.” I feel my voice shake. “Not to mention his parents have just divorced and his dad and sister are now halfway across the world.”

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