Page 15 of Boarded Hearts

I look at Jon, and I wonder if that’s a hint of disappointment across his face.

“Unless you want to stay and head back later…” Kate’s eyes dart between me and Jon.

Tempting as it is to stay, I discipline and remind myself that if I stay here with him, there will likely be only one outcome: a one-night stand. And there’s no way that’s happening.

“Yeah, let’s get going, it’s pretty late for me too,” I reply, pushing myself off the stool, realizing quickly just how much those cocktails have gone to my head.

Jon is busy looking at his phone before he pockets it and stands along with Jensen, with whom Kate has been getting cozy all night.

“Let me walk you out to the car,” Jon says.

I turn to Kate, asking, “Have you ordered a cab, or do you want me to get it?”

But before she can answer, Jon places his hand on my lower back and hovers his mouth over the top of my head. “Already sorted, Angel.”

“What do you mean?”

He doesn’t answer, instead guiding me toward the door, saying bye to the owner on the way out.

Oh fuckety-fuck, does he think he’s leaving with me?

I feel panic rise, and blurt out, “I’m not going home with you.”

Jon glances down, offering me a sweet smile before taking my hand in his and interlacing our fingers. It’s the first time our skin has properly touched, and a static charge surges through me, while I wonder if he felt it, too.

“I know, Felicity, but since you’re leaving, I have no reason to stay either.”

I can’t help but gush a little at that. He’s forward and confident with me, but it doesn’t make me uncomfortable.

As we step out into the night air, Jon lets go of my hand and reaches across for the door of an executive black SUV. I guess this is where we part ways, and he heads home.

But he doesn’t get in, instead, opening the door and waving his hand inside. “Your Royal Highness,” he says, putting on his best British accent. “Just let the driver know where you need to go.”

For the hundredth time tonight, my jaw hangs open. “You booked this for us?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Just wanted to make sure you get home safe.”

I look like a codfish; I’m sure I do.

“Oh my god! That's so sweet!” Kate gasps before she says her goodbyes and climbs in.

“Um, well, thank you.” I step forward to get into the car, but Jon puts a hand gently on my elbow.

“You’re welcome. But please, don’t make me ask for your number again. Since your phone has survived our second encounter, I think it’s only fair I get to text or call it from time to time.”

Giving him my number is probably a bad idea; I barely know the guy. Yet something inside me trusts him. “Okay, but you need to know, I don’t respond to booty calls.”

His eyebrows shoot up as he hands me his phone, and I type my number in.

“I didn’t have you pinned as a booty-call kind of girl. I promise to be on my best behavior.”

With that, I quickly step into the car before I’m tempted to do something totally crazy like stick my tongue down his throat. “Goodnight, Jon. Thank you for the drinks and ride.”

He rests his forearms on the door frame above my head as he casts a discrete glance over my body and face. “Sweet dreams, Angel.”

And with that, he shuts the door, leaving me a hot mess and debating which toy is going to be summoned when I get home.

CHAPTER EIGHT

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