* * *
“Eatingout on the balcony was a great idea,” I say as I sip the homemade virgin margarita JP surprised me with.
Virgin, because he said he was backing off on drinking. He didn’t elaborate on his decision, but I could see that it was a well-thought-out one and I support him completely.
“But I can’t help but wonder,” I continue. “Were you hoping for an encore from the fuckers?”
“I mean... a little dinner and a show would’ve been nice.”
I laugh. “Not sure how great of a show that would’ve been.”
“It would’ve been entertaining, that’s for sure. But this is nice, the peaceful night, faint sounds from the streets below, the occasional whip of the wind, amazing food... it’s been a great night, Kelse.” He rubs his stomach. “Not sure I have room for my dessert.”
“Me neither.” I lean back in my chair. “I’m grateful for the elastic in my shorts. Is that an unflattering thing to say?”
“Not even a little.” He snaps the waistband of his shorts. “I’m just grateful we cleaned up while the tamales were steaming.”
“Me too.” I let out a low whistle. “I can’t believe we only have two more nights here. I feel sad about it. I’ve grown accustomed to the penthouse and this city.”
“What about the company?” JP asks, taking a sip of his margarita.
“That too. Going back to my tiny studio apartment will feel so lonely.”
“You can always move into my place. Plenty of room. Comes with access to an elaborate pool... and a hot tub.” He wiggles his eyebrows, causing me to laugh.
“Tempting, but I’m sure you’re ready to have your life back.”
“What do you mean by that?” he asks.
“You know, getting out and about, not always having to hang out with me.”
He looks me in the eyes when he says, “I don’thaveto hang out with you, Kelsey. Iwantto hang out with you. I choose to.”
A smile tugs across my lips and I look away, hating that his words shoot a thrill up my spine.
“Same, Jonah,” I say, testing out his name. When I glance in his direction, his expression is of total awe. I wince. “I mean, JP.”
He shakes his head. “Call me what you want. I like both.”
“I like your real name. I think it fits you—at least, this side of you. JP is more of the partying playboy guy. But the man I’ve been hanging out with lately, he’s Jonah.”
“Yeah.” He looks up at me shyly. “I fucking like that a lot.”
“I’m glad.” I gather our plates and say, “It’ll be weird, though, going back to my normal life. I really enjoyed my time here.”
“I’m sure you’ll be back. We’re just starting on the Angelica Building, and Huxley is going to want you to oversee things. This won’t be the last time you’re here.”
“Good. I have so many more dessert places to try. I should start a dessert Instagram. I could call itMint to Be, like a play on words with my podcast.”
“Or you could call itLick Me Till Ice Cream.”
My eyes level with his playful ones. “That was a JP comment.”
“Try all you want. You can’t knock that out of me.” He winks and stands with me. I grab the plates and he grabs the rest of the tamales and refried beans we didn’t eat.
“I wouldn’t want you to change. I like you as you are,” I say while we walk back into the penthouse and head toward the kitchen.
“Ooo, what movie is that from? I feel like some girl made me watch it.”
