Page 49 of Johnathan

“God. What if he didn’t? I don’t have his number. We only communicated through the dating app.”

“Okay. Send me his profile. Anything, Abby. Any communication you had with the guy, I want it.”

“I don’t even know how he could have drugged me. I held on to my drink all night.”

He slid his hand over hers, stopping her nervous movements.

“We’ll figure it out. I’m going to talk to the bartender at The Broken Spoke, and I’ll get their security footage. It won’t be too hard to figure out.”

“You should probably get going before your mom starts to worry. I feel so bad that she had to pick up Katy from Jackson and Grace.”

“Don’t. My parents would keep Katy all the time if I let them. Honestly, she loves spending time at their house.”

“It’s just, you’ve had to ask your family to watch Katy extra so you could take care of me twice now. I’m taking time away from you being with your daughter.”

John unlatched his seat belt and slid out of the truck. He jogged around to open her door, reached across her, and unlatched her buckle. Chivalry was alive and well, and its name was Johnathan Boone. She felt like she was ready to swoon.

“Sweetheart, I want to be really clear here. I love Katy with my whole heart. She is my whole world, and I would do anything for her. But I also feel this really intense connection to you, and I have since the night fate first threw us together. I’m thirty-three years old and this is the first time since becoming a dad that I’ve wanted to explore something more with a woman. Not justany woman, either. I want to spend time with you. So, there are going to be times when I ask my family to watch Katy so we can build on whatever this is that’s simmering between the two of us. And the only thing I’m thinking about the times I’ve had to help you is that I’m sorry you’ve had such a hard time lately.”

“I don’t?—”

“I’m making you a priority in my life. That’s not up for debate.” He reached up and pulled the cowboy hat off his head. “Now, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to kiss you before I have to go.”

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t regret taking the lead with their first kiss, but there was a part of her mind that was screaming at her that he only kissed her out of pity.

He pushed her hair behind her ear, leaned in, and pressed his lips to hers. Oh hell.

There was no pity in the way his mouth devoured hers. Just pure fire. And that same fire was reflected in his eyes when he pulled back, placing his hat back on his head and licking his lips.

“Jesus, Abby. You taste so goddamn sweet. I’ll be thinking about that kiss until the next time I see you. When can I take you out on a date?”

She laughed. “You know my schedule. It’s yours we’ll need to work around.”

“Thursday night. You’ll let me take you out then?”

“Hmm, I might be busy that night….”

“Baby, don’t tease a ravenous man.”

Her breath hitched. “Yes, John. I’ll go out on a date with you Thursday night.”

“These are going to be the longest days of my life.”

“Isn’t there a saying about good things coming to those who wait?”

“I think there is. Get up to your apartment and send me that information, okay?”

“I will.”

Abby stood on the sidewalk and smiled as John drove down the street. What a wild twenty-four hours she’d had. Still feeling a little groggy and more than ready to curl up in her bathtub for a long soak, Abby made her way towards the stairs.

The door to Sprinkles swung open as she walked by. She squeaked as a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her inside the bakery.

“I’m sorry… were you justkissingJohn Boone out in front of my store?” Emma hissed in her ear.

“Jesus, Em. You almost gave me a heart attack!”

“Not sorry. I want to know why the deputy was dropping you off looking like he well and thoroughly fucked you last night. I mean, these are his clothes, aren’t they?”

---