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My texts from the night before had filled my inbox. Reese, Nick, Lydia, and Erica had sent me over forty texts in total. Lots of “how’s it going” then they switched to “must be going well” and then “are you still alive?” I responded to all three to let them know my date hadn’t been an axe murderer and made my way down to the kitchen. Clark was forced to sit in his crate before I would open it and he scrambled out to the yard, just like the previous night. I took in the yard that was too dark to see the night before. The privacy fence was at least six feet tall, and the yard took up an entire lot. The deck was huge with a hammock, grill, and elegant white patio furniture. The man lived well.
The kitchen was well organized with expensive stoneware dishes and the most sophisticated coffee pot ever—it looked as if it might fly if I pushed the right button. Somehow, I managed to find coffee and set out mugs for us while I tried to figure out the coffee maker.
“You don’t have to make coffee.”
I fumbled the carafe, catching it right before it hit the counter, dropped an unbecoming F-bomb, and was positive that I had suffered a heart attack. Ewan, braced on the island was laughing at me. At least he found my swear amusing.
“Sorry.”
Ewan plucked the two mugs from me, putting them back on the shelf, and pinned me against the counter. My eyes fluttered closed without my consent when he kissed my forehead. “The bakery down from your shop makes a decent scone and serves good coffee. Are you in a hurry?”
“No, I’m off today.” Ewan let his drool-inducing smile take over his face, and I blushed.
“Great, I’m not due in until nine.” We let Clark in and I gathered my things, staring at him as often as I could. His pressed seafoam shirt and black dress pants were set off by polished shoes and his well-manicured beard. Damn. I hardly managed to look half-way put together ever, much less on a daily basis. What the hell is he doing doting on me?
TEN
Ewan
Jovie looked more amazing in the outfit from the night before then I remembered, but then I realized it was the glow in her cheeks making it so much better. I could definitely keep her. I left her to watch the people go by while I ordered and paid at the bakery, but once I sat across from her and took her hand, her focus shifted.
“Why are you doing this?” She winced at her words again.
“Doing what? Is breakfast suddenly an insult?” I handed her a scone.
“No, it’s just …” She picked at the scone. “Dinner is one thing, but all of the frills really aren’t necessary.” Jovie snuck a glance at me. Apparently, the woman truly wasn’t used to being treated well. Is she regretting the night before?
“Now, I’ve overstepped a boundary?” I handed her a coffee and watched her sip it without adding anything to it. “Are you upset about last night, because I—” She cut me off, holding her hand up to stop me.
“It’s definitely not that.” At least I wasn’t that bad in bed. Jovie had certainly seemed to enjoy moaning my name. “We met like four days ago, and I haven’t been in a relationship, serious or casual, in years, like six of them, so I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.” I took a bite of my breakfast, watching her do the same, and mulled over my answer.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better I haven’t, either, but I thought we had a connection. I haven’t done this in a really long time, and I was under the impression chivalry was still a welcome trait.” I paused, watching her nod. “I’m not sure I am cut out for casual anything, if I’m being honest, nor am I interested in anything of the temporary nature. I was holding out hope of doing this again,” I felt honesty was the best way to deal with her being so uncomfortable, so I let it all go. “I can see myself caring for you, a lot, actually. I knew it when we met and you didn’t hesitate to tell me how poorly I was handling Clark, and it was reinforced when you let my sister pick your brain. I would also like to prove to you that not all of us are awful.” Jovie dropped her shoulders and mumbled an, “Oh”. I was completely unsure of what she thought I was going for, but I had obviously surprised her. “I hoped you felt the same way.”
“Yeah, I guess I do.” Her admission made me smile and her face flushed. Her blush was beyond attractive, making me want her again. The night before had been surreal. Her soft thighs wrapped around my hips and the starry look in her eyes nearly broke me. I wanted those moments to myself. The simple thought of some other man seeing her like that made me crazy. It was a strange, primal feeling that Jovie belonged to me. My brain knew she didn’t, but something else in me felt otherwise. We fell into a silence, finishing our breakfast while I tried to figure out what I should do next. I desperately wanted to see her again, to feel her writhing under me, to spend more time with her. We crept closer to time for work, and I settled on a plan. The worst she could say was no, but I wasn’t willing to accept no. I wanted all of it, and I wanted it with her.
“I’m sure you are eager to get a shower and let Merlin out.” Jovie blinked to attention, and I slid my chair out, picking the coffees up. When we got outside, she opened my door for me, took her cup, and walked around to get in her side of the car. Shit. We pulled up at her house, and I stared at the door I would watch her go through. I felt her eyes on me, but I couldn’t look from the door. She was obviously not sure about what I wanted, what I was offering, and I had to be all right with it. Then Jovie leaned over and kissed my cheek before opening her car door. My hand caught her forearm. “Are you busy Saturday? After work, obviously.” I would beg if I had to. For her, I was not above begging. The woman had turned me into a love-sick puppy in a matter of hours.
“No, I lead a very boring life, but I’m not sure about all of this.” A deep pit formed in my stomach.
“Let me cook you dinner.” Yes, I was begging. “Amelia will be there, but you can bring Merlin, and I am a damn good cook.” I arched my brow at her and touched her hair, watching it glide through my fingers. How is it so soft?
“I bet it’s a struggle to find anything you aren’t good at.” I laughed in relief and watched her face turn red. “Dinner sounds amazing, and your sister doesn’t bother me, so you don’t need to make her presence a disclaimer. But again, I don’t know, Ewan. I’m not good at dating stuff.” I leaned over and kissed her. It was only supposed to be a quick kiss, but her fingers wrapped around my upper arm and I grabbed her hip.
I moved to her ear. “I’ll see you Saturday.” I kissed her just below her ear and leaned back into my seat, watching her blush again. Her phone went off, and she smiled slyly before climbing from my car. I watched her walk in and waited for the door to close before I rested my head on the steering wheel. I was ecstatic when she agreed, but what was I going to do until Saturday?
The first half of the work day went by quickly, but lunch became eventful quickly. Scott text me first.
Scott: How’d it go?
I promised to call him later. Then I got the call from Amelia who wasn’t supposed to use her phone at school. “I need Jovie’s number,” my sister started before I could even say hello.
“No.”
Ams scoffed, “Ewan! I need to ask her a question since you are working late tonight.” Shit. I was working late, like I always did on Wednesdays. The woman was going to be the death of all my rationale. “I want her to show me the stuff you learned with Clark so I can walk him.”
“Ams, you can’t walk the dog out alone.” Even at her age I didn’t trust other people enough to let her go alone anywhere near dark.
“Yeah, I know. That is why I need to talk to her. I swear it will be a quick text and no more.” Amelia dropped into her begging voice, and I agreed to ask Jovie if she could text her. I picked at my food, wondering if I was making a mistake, but decided that mistake or not, I liked her, needed her.
