Page 18 of Caged Heat

Jackson: I hope you have a wonderful day, speed racer.

Jackson: I saw the funniest thing on my way to work today, and it made me think of you.

Jackson: Would it be wrong if I skipped work and went racing again?

Jackson: I don’t know if I can without you. It just wouldn’t be the same.

Jackson: I know I probably look pathetic by this point, but I’m already there, so why hold back now?

Jackson: Ella, if I made you think it was only a one-night thing, I’m sorry.

Jackson: I could never have enough of you. I don’t care how whipped or pathetic that makes me sound.

Jackson: I’ve fallen under a spell, and I can’t find my way out.

Jackson: The sky is the same shade as your eyes today.

The last message was sent ten minutes ago. I glanced up at the sky, taking in the blue-gray and feeling the sun on my face. It oddly felt like we might be in the same place, looking up at the same sky.

All of his messages were a bit overwhelming. I had assumed it was one night. Knowing he hadn’t changed things. Did I want more? Could I cope with our age difference long-term? Was he someone I was interested in for more than just the bedroom?

But no matter how many questions I posed, I knew the answer.

Yes. Jackson was someone I wanted to see more of.

He made me feel young and beautiful and brought out a carefree side of myself I hadn’t felt in so long. What wasn’t to love about that? I couldn’t deny he intrigued me, and we got along great. The chemistry was off the charts, and despite the age difference, I never felt awkward or like it mattered. Taking a deep breath, I opened the messages.

Eleanor: Hi.

Wow, way to put yourself out there!

Eleanor: I’m sorry I left like I did. I thought it would be easier.

Jackson: Ella! It’s so good to hear from you.

Jackson: Do you want it to be more than one night? I do, but I’ll respect your choice and leave you alone if that’s what you want.

Eleanor: I don’t.

Jackson: Understood.

Eleanor: No. I mean, I thought it was only one night, but I don’t want it to be… if you don’t.

Eleanor: I like you more than I should.

Jackson: You just gave me a heart attack, speed racer.

Jackson: But you also just made me the happiest. Can I see you tonight?

Eleanor: Yes.

I smiled, happiness filling my body as I clutched the phone to my chest. I finished my sandwich while chatting with Jackson and exchanging numbers, so we didn’t have to keep using the HEAT app. I even managed to figure out how to change my status, so I wouldn’t get any other requests. As I picked up my trash, voices filtered into my hiding area, freezing me as I eavesdropped.

“I can’t believe they hired her. That position was mine! I’ve been working my butt off sleeping with all the higher-ups to ensure I got the next opening. But instead, they hired that older woman. I don’t understand, Belinda. What did I do wrong?”

“You never were able to sleep with JP, though, and word is he’s the one you need on your side. Laurel only listens to him when it comes to hires.”

“Ugh. It’s not for lack of trying. When I started, he flirted, and I thought he was a sure thing. But after a month, he started to ignore me. I even offered to give him a BJ last week, and he shot me down. Are my boobs no longer perky?”

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