Page 6 of Caged Heat

Eleanor: I don’t know, Jackson. What would this date consist of?

Jackson: Be prepared to be blown away, Ella. Once you go on a date with me, no other date will compare.

Eleanor: That’s big talk, Jackson.

Jackson: You’ll find that most things with me are, Ella.

Eleanor: That was a dick joke, wasn’t it?

Jackson: Yes, Ella.

Jackson: God, you’re so cute, Ella.

Jackson: If you don’t go on a date with me, I think I will die. Seriously.

Eleanor: You’ve built me up in your mind as this unicorn.

Jackson: No building up. Just the truth of you.

Jackson: Say yes, Ella.

Glancing in the mirror, I met my eyes. The blue-gray swirled with excitement, an emotion I hadn’t seen there since I was young. There was no denying that Jackson brought out that part of me. The reality was I graduated from college and turned forty years old today, and the only person who wanted to spend the day with me was a random guy I’d just met on an app.

I could be sad about that or embrace my new mission to quit being so scared of life and actually live it.

Eleanor: How do I know you’re who you say you are? I might be new to online dating, but I’ve heard the stories.

Jackson: That’s fair. How about I send a picture?

Eleanor: That’s a start, but you could have it saved and then lure me to your cabin alone in the woods to eat my flesh.

Jackson: Wow. Okay. That went dark fast.

Jackson: But smart. I can appreciate you’re looking out for yourself.

Jackson: What do you suggest? I don’t have a newspaper with the date.

Eleanor: Neither do I. I’m not that old!

Jackson: No offense meant, sweet Ella.

Eleanor: What about a video?

Jackson: Say no more.

A few minutes later, a video attachment appeared in the chat. I clicked on it, my heart beating hard against my chest as it loaded. The same guy from the picture appeared in the video, his smile more charming as he stared at the camera. It shifted as he adjusted the position.

“Hey, Ella. As you can see… I’m me. Not to sound too needy, but I’m really hoping you agree to go on a date with me. You might be new to online dating, but I’m not. Unfortunately.” He sighed, rustling his fingers through his hair. The silky textures beckoned me. “But what that means is that I can share my experience. And while I’ve connected with quite a few girls, none have enchanted me like you. It’s usually superficial conversation, and the connection is flat, unlike ours. While it’s been short, I hope you feel what I do. I’m drawn to you. I want to know more. See… I’m a rambler.” He shook his head, laughing at himself. “Go on a date with me, Ella. Give me a shot. Yours truly, Jackson.”

Flutters took flight low in my belly, and if I’d been standing, there was no doubt my knees would’ve been weak. Being brave, I lifted my camera and hit the record button. Fair was fair.

“Okay, Jackson. I accept your date. Tell me where.”

He replied instantly, setting my heart racing, but this time it wasn’t in a good way as anxiety gripped me.

Running inside, I motioned Steph over to the end of the bar. My eyes were huge as I stared at her, trying not to panic. When I sent the video, I’d felt confident, but now that I had a location, I worried I’d gotten myself in over my head. She finished handing off a beer before coming over; her brows creased as she approached.

“I’m going on a date,” I blurted.

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