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He looks at me again, an implication in his eyes.
“Not likethat,” I say. “It doesn’t…”
Turn me on, I was about to finish, but it’s easier to text than say things.
“Excite me in that way,” I go on. “It’s good to know you’re watching over us.”
“I’ll protect you, Zoey,” he says firmly.
In my mind, I add,And I always will.
CHAPTER16
Jaxson
The sun has set by the time we reach the lakeside restaurant. It sits at the very edge of the water, surrounded by white fairy lights, a few customers sitting on the decking, and more inside.
Once we’ve climbed from the car, I place my hand on Zoey’s back, near her ass. She looks gorgeous today, her hair wild despite clearly having been brushed. It’s her natural wildness. She can’t help it.
She looks at me sharply, a frown on her lips. I get the message, removing my hand, hating that I have to do this. We walk into the restaurant.
“Can we get a table right at the lakeside?” I ask. “In the corner.”
“Sure,” the host tells us.
He leads us to the table I requested. It’s perfect. We sit alone at the edge of the decking, the closest customers four tables away from us. A glance around the decking tells me there’s nobody I know here. Once Zoey finishes looking around, I read the same message on her face.
“Your waitress will be with you shortly,” the host says, leaving us.
“What do you think?” I ask Zoey.
She looks around at the glistening lights, at the lake’s calm surface sparkling with the same light with added color from the moon and the stars.
“It’s amazing. I love it.”
“We’ll talk about your work soon,” I tell her.
She looks at the table, biting down.
“What is it?” I ask.
“I know we arranged this to review the notes, but I think I’d rather just enjoy the meal if that’s okay?”
“Of course it is. Anything you want.”
I reach across the table, past the flickering yellow candle, and touch her hand. I don’t deserve to be annoyed or regretful about her response, looking around the decking again to double-check nobody we know can see us. It’s my fault. I could tell her the truth, and then we could tellMallorythe truth. Then Zoey squeezes my hand.
“Are you sure this is just about enjoying the meal?”
She shakes her head slowly. “Feedback terrifies me. I know that’s silly. I know I’llneedfeedback if I’m ever going to be a real writer, but I’d still rather leave it for another time.”
“Let me put your mind at rest,” I tell her. “No specific notes, but your writing is strong. There are a few areas I’ve marked up for you to look at, but reading your story, I know you’re going to succeed.”
She rolls her eyes. “Are you just saying that?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you, Zoey,” I say fiercely.
She tilts her head as if to say,Oh, really?
