“Why? You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” he says so earnestly that I truly believe him.
“I know that,” I say, feeling shy about the confession. “But, you know, it’s always nice to prepare oneself for what’s to come. So, what should I prepare for?”
“Prepare yourself to have a good time,” is all he says as the elevator slows and the doors open. He steps behind me, places his hand on my lower back, and guides me out to the front of the hotel, where the doorman opens the door for us.
“Mr. Cane, Miss Gardner. Have a good night.”
“You, too, Tim,” JP says before he leads me to our waiting car and opens my door for me.
It takes me a moment, but when I’m settled in the back seat with him, my mind whirls with thoughts. Stupid thoughts.
Annoying thoughts.
He opened doors for me.
He touches me.
He couldn’t possibly be doing the things I said I look for on dates... right?
Oh my God, Kelsey, are you hearing yourself?
This is exactly why you don’t get involved in stupid short-term companionships—or friendships with men—because you’re such a stupid romantic that you think everyone is trying to date you.
This is JP we’re talking about. The man is a flirt. He’s also very attentive and a gentleman by nature. During meetings at Cane Enterprises, before any of this insanity even started, he often held open doors, or helped me out of cars. This is nothing new. This is JP just being JP.
“Want to tell me why your jaw is clenched like that?” JP asks as we start making our way through town.
“Is it clenched? Oh... I don’t know. I’m not mad or anything, if that’s what you’re thinking. There’s nothing to be mad about, or irritated at, right? Just two short-term companions going somewhere unknown, that’s all.”
He eyes me suspiciously. “You’re acting weird.”
“Am I?” I wave my hand in front of my face. “Maybe it’s hot in here. Are you hot? I’m wearing a lightweight sweater but it still feels hot. Are you hot?”
“I’m fine,” he says, looking disturbed. I don’t blame him. I’m internally freaking out and externally starting to project it. “But we can turn up the AC.”
“No, that’s fine. No need to get crazy or anything.”
He pauses and then turns toward me. “Kelsey, do you not want to do this?”
“What? No. I mean... yes.”
“Yes, you don’t want to do this?”
“No. Yes... urgh. I want to do this. I’m sorry, I’m just... awkward. Ignore me while I gather myself and try to act like a normal human for you.” I give him a brief smile, then look out the window, squeeze my eyes shut, and attempt to steady my heart.
Get it together, Kelsey.
So what if he took pictures on a carousel with you yesterday, told you his real name, touched you in the lobby...
This means nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
My phone buzzes in my purse and I’m grateful for the reprieve. I fish it out and glance at the screen.
Lottie:Dinner tomorrow night with Derek at the Crab House on Pier 39. He thought it would be the perfect place for a date. Meet him there at seven. Don’t be late.
I smirk.
