Page 65 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

And here we were back at my latest problem, the fact that my mind and body were currently at war with each other. Because now, I didn't mind that Jared was holding my hand and that he was close enough for me to feel his breath against my skin.

Shit. What had happened to my cold heart?

"Hey, where's Mona?" I asked, finally letting go of his hand.

"Marcella needed her."

That was odd. "Marcella needed her?"

"Yep."

His tone was firm, almost like he was daring me to question him. Frankly, it was fucking hot.

Letting out a breath, I tried to focus on the task in front of me and forget about Jared, about the traitorous Mona who had to be conspiring with him in some way.

"Did you enjoy your time with Marcella?" It slipped out without a thought, damn it.

There was a beat of silence and then I sensed him move close, tensing as I felt him near my ear again.

"Why, Cordelia, you're not jealous, are you?"

"Who me? Jealous? God, no," I sputtered.

He laughed softly. "You know denial is a river in Egypt, right?"

"I'm not jealous, Jared," I huffed. "You can flirt with anyone you want to."

Another long pause and his hands grasped my shoulders, turning me to face him maybe? I held my breath, waiting for him to finally speak.

"The only person I want to flirt with is you."

"Oh." My stupid heart took off in a gallop.

"Yeah. Oh," he echoed.

"Um," I swallowed hard against the rising feelings swirling in my chest, "so what now?"

"I don't know. I think the ball is in your court. And there's something you should know..."

Every part of me strained to hear what he had to say next as I attempted to look in his direction. "What's that?"

"I'm a very patient man."

Oh damn.

Someone clapped loudly nearby. "Okay, folks!" Ranger Jim shouted. "Time to switch partners!"

"Fuck that," Jared said, leading me away from the noise behind us.

My God, the deep possessive way he said that was challenging all the feminism in my body. What was happening to me?

His hands dug into my shoulders as he continued to guide me, softly whispering directions that skimmed across my skin like a gentle caress. Even though I couldn't see a thing and the world was dark to me, I trusted him implicitly. I couldn't say why. It was just a gut feeling.

Just like how we'd slow danced at the gala, we moved together seamlessly, and I could feel the connection, that pull between us tightening with every step. The chatter of the group faded behind us, and I realized Jared was leading me deeper into the woods. Away from the others.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Somewhere a little quieter," he replied, his voice low, almost a rumble. "I think we need it."

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