Page 40 of Johnathan

“What now?”

“Well, it’s just interesting to me how protective you are of her. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Mom told me there were sparks between you two at dinner the other night.”

“I want her, Jackson. I know it’s not a secret, and I’ve done a shitty job hiding it. But I just don’t know if she’s ready. She’s still struggling with what she went through. I don’t want to feel like I’m taking advantage of her.”

“What if you ask her to explore a relationship and she says yes?”

“It wouldn’t matter. She’s Katy’s teacher. Isn’t that like a conflict of interest?”

Jackson laughed. “She’s not your doctor or your lawyer, and you’re not her boss. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to her.”

“Did I tell you she braided Katy’s hair the other day? Katy was so excited to have princess hair, and I asked her to show me how she did it, because fuck if I can even get Katy’s hair to lay flat for five minutes in the morning.”

“She loves Katy. I see it every time I pick her up.”

“She loves all her students.”

“You’re a blind idiot.”

“You can’t say that to me. I’m older than you, and I’ll always be smarter and stronger.”

“Yeah, you are pretty fucking old. That’s why you’re not asking her out? Don’t want to die when she’s on top of you?”

John took another sip. “I don’t know. It feels weird. I haven’t been involved with anyone since Katy’s mom, and we all know how well that went. Besides, Abby is like ten years younger than me. Not to mention she’s Sam’s sister. What the hell would he think?”

“Maybe he’d be excited that his friend, who is a really great guy, is interested in his sister. Maybe he wouldn’t have to worry so much, knowing you were there taking care of her. If you like her, don’t let a stupid thing like age stop you. You’re both consenting adults. And Sam will either be on board right away, or he’ll get on board. I don’t think you need to worry about him.”

“You look stunning in that dress. Red is my favorite color.”

“Oh, um, thank you. You look nice, too.” Abby already knew the date with Luke was going nowhere. He’d been rather charming in their exchanges online, but there was something pulling in Abby’s stomach since the moment they met in person outside of Sprinkles. At least he’d been chivalrous enough to pick her up, although he hadn’t opened her door…

Her mind drifted to John. Of course, she’d seen the second he walked in with his brother, but when he sat at a table on the other side of the room, she realized he hadn’t seen her. Probably for the best. The last thing she needed was him coming over.

“Abby? Did you hear what I said?”

“Oh, no. I’m sorry, my mind wandered.”

“Am I not interesting enough for you?” he huffed.

“God, no. Sorry. It’s just been a long week.”

“And you know that guy?”

Heat moved up her neck. “What guy?”

“The guy you’ve been looking at on and off since he walked in here. Look, you’re a really nice girl, but if you aren’t into me, then I’m going to bounce.”

“No, no. Please. He’s the father of one of my students, and I was just distracted. What did you say before?”

“I was asking if you wanted to play a game of pool?”

“I’ve never played before.”

“Not even in college?”

“Uh, no. I wasn’t really into the whole ‘go out and party’ scene. I stayed back and studied. A few of my friends had a local bar they liked to go to, but I rarely tagged along.”

“I don’t know why that’s surprising to me. Your profile just made you seem like a good-time girl.”

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