Page 26 of Boarded Hearts

“So, I have an issue.”

“Okay, go on.”

“How do I put this? Well, it’s like this. I got into work this morning and…um.”

“Just say it, babe.” Kate gets to the point, but her tone is one of gentle concern.

“Jon turned up at my office this morning, you know after the pictures went public from Saturday night. He wanted to explain, which he did. He then asked me to go out with him for dinner tonight so ‘we can talk’ as he put it. He’s picking me up outside the office at seven, and I’m dressed like an old woman who can’t be bothered. I don’t even have perfume in my bag. I haven’t washed my hair and God only knows what he wants to talk with me about or where he’s taking me and?—”

“And breathe,” Kate interjects before pausing for a few seconds.

I can hear voices in the background on the phone, and I worry that I’m disturbing her evening, but then she continues. “Look, my best advice is to go out with him, let him talk with you and see what he has to say. If you don’t, I know you, babe, and you’ll be ruminating forever if you don’t hear him out. That said, honey, just…”

Kate pauses again, blowing out a breath. “Just be clear on what you want from this evening. I get good vibes from him, and I trust him to take you out but don’t get carried away and don’t let feelings come into it. He has a reputation, and you’re fresh out of a marriage wanting to ‘enjoy your independence again,’” she quotes my previous sentiment back at me. “If you want to have fun with him then be my guest. Christ, I couldn’t blame you for wanting to climb that like a tree!” She releases a girly giggle before her tone snaps back to serious once more. “But for all that is holy, don’t get emotionally involved with him. Seeing you so upset at lunch yesterday reminded me of how vulnerable you are, and I don’t want to have to kick his ass when I’m picking you up off the floor if he breaks your heart.”

She’s right. Oh my god, she’s right.

I drop my elbows onto my desk and lean forward. “I’m also worried about being seen out with him. What are people going to say about me? I’ve got my children to think about and you know how the press is.”

“This is different. It’s not some random Saturday night hookup, heading back to a hotel where you’re all over each other. Plus, the press can predict where he’ll be after games. A random Monday night, not so much. This isn’t his first rodeo, babe, and he knows you won’t want attention. Just go with it.”

I exhale a deep calm breath. “Why are you so wise?”

“Not just a pretty face.”

I feel the tension in my shoulders begins to ease. “I needed this. I needed you to talk me down from the ledge and knock some sense into me.”

“So, what are you going to do about tonight?” Kate asks.

“Exactly as you say,” I confirm without hesitation. Sitting up straighter in my chair and with more conviction to my voice. “I’ll let him take me out, hear what he’s got to say, and if he does suggest more, I’ll tell him no. I don’t do hookups, Kate, you know I never have, and I don’t think I can see sex as casual without catching feelings for someone. So, we remain friends, and I definitely can’t kiss him again, because…wow.”

“I’m sorry, come again?” Kate blurts down the phone.

“I sort of kissed him when he came to the office. Mark pretty much caught us in the act too.”

Kate bursts out laughing, like proper cackles. “Yeah, good luck keeping this one strictly friends, babe. Something tells me there’s going to be benefits along the way and, hot damn, I’m jealous.”

Recalling the kiss we shared earlier today sends my mind into a dreamy state. I can feel his touch on my cheek, the way he wrapped his rough palm around my nape, his hard length against my body, and how he took my mouth with his. I’ve never felt so possessed by a man, so wanted. But the hard truth is we aren’t on the same wavelength.

“I can’t romanticize Jon Morgan.” I release a heavy sigh and feel my shoulders sag with the weight of my reality.

“I think that’s for the best, honey. I just want you to be happy,” Kate replies before adding, “I gotta go, but call me, and let me know how it all went, and you know where I am if you need me tonight. I’ll have my phone on me.”

I grab my jacket and bag and make my way downstairs to meet Jon. “Love you, babe, mwah!”

We end the call just as I reach the elevator. Hitting the button for the lobby, I inhale a few calming breaths and repeat my mantra not to fall for this guy.

My mantra went straight out the window the moment I stepped outside the doors.

He’s going to be the death of me. Leaning against a gleaming pearly white Dodge Charger in dark gray trousers, a long-sleeved, white shirt, and smart, black dress shoes, Jon Morgan exudes sex. When I say sex, I don’t mean the thank you very much that was a lovely night kind of sex. Oh no. I mean passionate, all-night-long, rail you into the mattress until you see stars and then rail you some more sex. Fucking you in each room of his apartment, taking you on every surface, and worshipping your body until your voice fails you.

As I walk toward him, his corded muscles strain against the white fabric of his shirt and his trousers cling to his incredible thighs, showcasing the delights that no doubt lie beneath. His dark-brown hair is styled back and away from his face tonight, and I can tell he’s had the sides freshly clipped. His steely-gray eyes sparkle from the city lights, and his perfectly full lips curl up into a smile, popping his dimples as I near him. He’s shaved since this morning too, but I can still see a small amount of stubble cast across his strong jawline.

He is truly a work of art, worthy of taking center stage in any gallery. Without a doubt, he is the most beautiful man I have ever seen, and as he steps forward to take my tote bag from my shoulder and open the passenger door for me, I’m also certain he is the most beautiful man I will ever lay eyes on.

“Good evening, Your Highness,” Jon greets me in his deep smooth voice and there’s a cocky glint in his eyes.

“Why, thank you.” I play along taking the passenger door from him before getting into the car. A very nice car. All black inside with fancy, green interior lighting. It smells of Jon; his spicy cologne wraps around me which I admit does tingly things to my lady parts. I wonder how many other women have sat in this seat and felt the same? He leans across and buckles me in, and that simple act alone sends a need straight to my core. This man does things to my body and heart I’m scared to admit.

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