Page 17 of Hidden Heart

“So,” Kelly stated, “you could make some new contacts if you went for your master’s.”

“Okay, well, that still leaves money. I can’t get my master’s and work sixty-hour weeks. Unless one of you knows Daddy Warbucks, I’m just going to have to accept the road I chose. And so should all of you.” She smiled at them and stood. “Are you ready?”

Royce raised his eyebrow at her again. “No,” he said with a smirk.

They stared at each other for a full minute before Jessica slowly sank down into her chair. Her face flushed from knowing her friends had witnessed the exchange. He hadn’t ordered her into her chair. That wasn’t his style. He simply waited until she realized he wasn’t backing down, because she would have to be the one who did. She was to follow his lead, and, if he wasn’t ready to go, neither was she.

Erin watched them with a silly grin glued to her face. Jonathan turned an expression of envy on Royce. Kelly looked completely jealous, and Alex didn’t even try to hide his snicker.

Jessica stared into her empty glass. She wanted another but was afraid of what scene that might cause. Stomping her foot in frustration and darting away seemed like a good idea too.

Royce placed his arm around her and pulled her to him, placing a kiss on top of her head. The wave of emotion calmed to a smooth ripple at his touch.

“Jonathan, I understand you work for the city,” he said, turning the attention away from them while keeping his arm around her.

Her irritation melted away as the group became immersed in their conversations.

After a rather lengthy explanation to what Jonathan’s job at the clerk’s office entailed, Royce excused himself.

Alex watched him stand and cursed. “That bastard stole my idea,” he said jokingly.

Jessica turned in her seat to see Royce standing at the hostess station, paying the bill.

“Let him have this one.” She patted Alex’s arm.

“You really like him, huh?” His voice dropped, his eyes searching her expression.

“Enough for now.” She shrugged and watched Royce make his way back to the table. She loved his walk, and how he appeared completely in control of the room, as though he owned every inch of it.

“Okay, ready?” He pulled Jessica’s jacket free of the chair and offered it to her. She slid her arms in, and he adjusted her collar before grabbing his soda and downing the last sip.

“Going already?” Kelly asked, her stare glued to Royce.

“Jessica had a long day, and I’m a bit exhausted as well.” He winked to Jessica and waved to the group. Jessica did the same and allowed him to grasp her hand and lead her away from their friends.

He had plans for them when they got back to his place, and she couldn’t tell if she was scared or excited.

Chapter 5

Royce wouldn’t answer any of Jessica’s questions in the cab on the way home. She only stopped pestering him when he gave her a warning glance.

He unlocked the door to his apartment, and, as usual, moved aside to let her in first. She took a step in and tripped over a large box in the front hall, stubbing her bare toe. She dropped her shoes on the mat and hopped around holding her foot.

Royce flipped on the lights to see the offending object. “You okay?” He was obviously trying not to laugh at the sight of her hopping on one foot.

“Yeah. I kicked the box. I hope it wasn’t fragile.” She held her foot out and wiggled her toes, while he inspected the box.

“The doorman must have dropped it off. Just some mail.” He picked it up and put it in the closet.

“Did you order something?” she asked as she straightened her shoes on the mat the way he wanted them. Toes facing the wall, lined up neatly.

He closed the closet door and watched her. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” He leaned against the door, crossing his arms over his chest.

She blushed.

“Of course, you don’t. Something tells me you don’t have the slightest idea how amazing you are.”

“I don’t do well with flattery.” She put her hands on her hips. “But I will take another kiss,” she teased.

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