Page 40 of Boarded Hearts

“Can you take me home, please?” I ask, turning to him. My voice is laced with more emotion than I intended, but it’s all too much today. Kissing Jon this morning, the game, the attention from the crowd, the calls from Elliott, the guy at the bar, and now Amie.

His brows knit together with concern etched across his face. “Yeah, sure. Anything you need.” He downs the rest of his drink, and I stand, pulling on my jacket.

“What’s happened, babe?” Kate asks. My face must be giving away more than I hoped.

“Honestly, I’m fine, just tired,” I lie.

“I’ll text you,” she offers, and I nod, smiling weakly at her.

And then Jon’s leading me out of the bar, tucked under his protective arm.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

JON

Iopen the passenger door of my Porsche, and Felicity gets in as I do up her belt.

Jogging around the back, I climb in the driver’s side and fire up the engine, flicking her heated seat on full blast. It’s early December and cold out, but Felicity’s shaking, badly, especially since we just stepped out of a sweltering bar.

Something happened in there. I don’t know if it was the blond dude who I wanted to lay out as soon as I saw him zeroing in on her. Or was it something else, maybe in the bathroom? She’s clamming up on me though, I can tell.

“Sorry to drag you away from your celebrations.” She offers me a tiny smile, but her face is washed out and her eyes are heavy.

“If you need to go home, then I’m always going to be the one to look after you.” I could’ve stayed for another hour or so, and I was supposed to be keeping watch on a volatile Zach, especially with Amie around, but I’ve no doubt Jensen has that covered.

I place my hand gently on her thigh, desperate to bring her comfort. “Want to tell me what’s wrong?”

“Not really. I’m just tired. Long day.”

I know that’s not all, far from it. But she didn’t push me earlier when I alluded to my anxiety issues, so I repay her the favor and focus on the road and getting her home.

I pull into her apartment complex parking lot alongside a green Mini Cooper. I don’t need to ask to know whose it is, but I do anyway. All I want to do is make her smile again.

Tipping my head in the direction of the car. “Did you ship it from England?”

“Yes, I did actually, but you do know they sell them here. In case you’re interested and fancy trading your Porsche in for an upgrade.”

I burst out laughing, sassy Felicity is back and I’m here for it. “I doubt I’ll get one leg in that thing.”

“That thing? By that I assume you’re referring to Martha.”

“Martha,” I repeat, laughing even harder.

She looks hurt at my mocking. “Yes, Martha Mini, and that’s a little presumptuous since I haven’t invited you for a spin.”

“Shame, I was looking forward to a ride.” At this point, we both know I’m no longer referring to Martha.

Felicity looks away, her shy demeanor returning at the flirtatious turn our conversation has taken. I wonder if she’s always been this reserved with men or if it’s the effect her bullshit ex has had on her. That thought alone makes me want to pummel him into the ground.

“I haven’t got much in food-wise.” She changes the subject as we head to the stairwell.

“That’s okay, Angel, we can order something in. I’m on cheat day tomorrow, I can just bring it forward a few hours.” I pull out my phone to place an order. “Pizza?”

She lets out a hearty sigh. “Ah, yeah that sounds perfect.”

“Any preference?” I ask as we climb the stairs to her place on the third floor.

She taps her finger on her bottom lip, considering her options, but all I can think about is how that perfect mouth feels on mine, and I almost lose my footing on the next step.“I’m fairly easygoing, but black olives are an absolute must.”

---