Page 130 of Jolt's Vengeance

Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, romantic glow over white tablecloths and gleaming silverware.

The gentle notes of a live piano float through the air, mingling with the low murmur of conversation and the clink of wine glasses.

"Wow," I breathe, unable to keep the awe from my voice. "This is... fancy."

Jolt grins at me from across the table, his deep green eyes twinkling with amusement. "What, you don't think I can clean up nice, Ghost?"

I laugh, taking in his crisp black shirt and the way his dark hair is artfully tousled.

It's a far cry from his cut and grease-stained t-shirts. "I didn't say that. Just... this isn't exactly our usual hangout, is it?"

He reaches across the table to take my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my skin.

The touch sends a shiver down my spine. "It's Valentine's Day. Thought I'd make it special."

I feel a warmth bloom in my chest at his words.

It's moments like these that remind me why I fell for him in the first place.

Behind that carefree exterior and wicked sense of humor, Jolt has a heart of gold.

"Well, ye have certainly succeeded," I say, squeezing his hand. "Though I hope ye know I'd be just as happy with pizza and beer at the clubhouse."

Jolt's eyes darken slightly, and he leans in closer. "Oh, I know. But I wanted to spoil you a bit. Show you off." His voice drops to a husky whisper. "Let everyone see how damn lucky I am."

I feel heat rush to my cheeks, and I'm grateful for the dim lighting.

Even after all this time, Jolt still has the ability to make me blush like a schoolgirl.

I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. "Well, aren't ye the charmer tonight?"

He winks at me. "Always, Ghost."

The waiter arrives then, presenting us with menus bound in rich leather.

As I scan the options, my eyes widen at the prices.

I've never been anywhere this posh before, not even back in Montana

A part of me feels out of place, like at any moment someone's going to realize I don't belong here and kick me out.

Jolt must sense my unease because he reaches across the table again, this time to brush a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Hey," he says softly. "You okay?"

I nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... this is all a bit overwhelming."

He studies me for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "We can go somewhere else if you want. I just thought..."

"No," I interrupt, feeling a pang of guilt.

Here he is, trying to do something nice for me, and I'm acting like a scared little girl.

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. "No, it's perfect. I'm just not used to all this. But I want to be here, with you."

The tension in Jolt's face eases, replaced by a soft smile that makes my heart skip a beat. "Good. Because there's nowhere else I'd rather be."

As we continue to scan the menu, I can't help but realize how far we’ve come.

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