He stood beside me for a bit, his smooth fingers holding mine firmly, while a nervous tingle ran down my arms. If such a small touch could ignite me this much … how would I handle whatever came next?
Evie squealed in happiness. She was going as high as she liked.
“Why do you look bewildered?” he asked me in a low voice.
“Because you’re here,” I murmured, my eyes locking with Jonah’s, even as a realization hit me.
Evie couldn’t see us, and for a while, we stood, hand in hand, his thumb grazing the back of my hand.
“You look beautiful,” he breathed out. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this beautiful before. Every time we meet, I think you can’t look prettier, and you just prove me wrong.”
I held his gaze, feeling the heat of his compliment, and the moment felt intense.
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Evie called out.
Jonah let go of my hand and helped her slow down and get off the swing before I could do it.
I turned to Jonah, a rush of gratitude flooding my veins while Evie ran around us in circles.
I turned to Jonah. “Have you had dinner yet?”
28
LEXI
Jonah surveyed the McDonald’s with the attached play area, looking distrustful.
“This is where we’re going to have dinner?” he asked.
I laughed. “This is where we’re going toenjoydinner,” I insisted while Evie ran into the play area. I looked around for the large tablets to order our meals.
After asking Jonah what he’d like, to which he raised one skeptical eyebrow, I nudged him playfully with my elbow. “Go on. I’m sure you’ve eaten at McD’s before.”
He stared at the menu with distrust before shaking his head. “Never,” he added, barely parting his lips. “I’ve never eaten at chains.”
I rolled my eyes. “Dear God, help me. Here, let me order for you. I promise it’s going to be good.”
He gave me a doubtful look and grinned. “You’re making decisions for me?” he asked.
I nodded. “I’m learning from a certain bossy friend of mine,” I said with a grin as I walked over to the cashier.
After ordering two Big Macs, both with extra tomatoes and pickles, and a cheeseburger for Evie, I walked back to where Jonah stood, watching Evie.
We watched her in silence, while Jonah turned at my presence. His face softened as I looked up at him.
Our food arrived, and I grabbed the tray while Jonah brought Evie back to me. We sat down, and Evie attacked her burger hungrily while Jonah stared at his with suspicion etched across his handsome face.
“I forgot to check,” I joked. “Is this branch of McDonald’s Michelin-starred?” I made a show of looking around. “You know what?” I said, turning back to Jonah, who was eyeing me with a serious expression, unable to laugh. “I bet it is, and they just forgot to hire the obnoxious maître d’ that goes with the whole Michelin-star thing.” I winked before biting into my burger. It was good—predictable taste, cheap.
“I didn’t know you ate at places like this,” he said after a beat.
“Admit it. You’re a snob.” I grinned after a moment.
“I have minimal requirements,” he insisted. “Cleanliness, good ambiance, and a lack of E. coli. That’s all.”
I smiled.
It was fun getting to know the kind of guy he was. My one-night stand had turned out to be so much more than that.
