Shit.
“Jordan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean?—”
“It’s fine,” he interrupts, his face surprisingly neutral. But I know he’s not fine. I feel like I just got the stereotypical line women usually say to men. That’smyline.
He steps closer, trapping me against the side of his vehicle. My pulse races as his gaze locks on mine. The hard lines in his eyes sharpen as if something inside him snapped.
“I know you think I only like lavish things, but just so you’re aware,” —he leans in, our faces a breath apart, the tension crackling— “I don’t buy things because of the price tag. The things I have? It’s because Iwantthem.”
My breath catches, his arm reaching behind me, caging me in.
CLICK.
He opens the car door, stepping back to open it for me. “Come on. Let’s head out.”
I nod, trying to catch up with what he just said. He technically hasmeat the moment…is he implying?No. He can’t be. I settle into the car and buckle my seatbelt.
What. The. Fuck. Was. That?
30
jordan
What the fuck just happened?!The things I have are because I want them.Did some alpha male biker bro just invade my body? The confidence that took over that first night at the hotel bar re-appeared out of nowhere, pushing me forward again.Maybe it was the win tonight?Or the fact that she seems to be annoyed with me for something I have no control over. How do I show her I’m more than my family’s money?
My palms are sweaty as I grip the steering wheel, my courage abandoning me.Thanks for nothing, alpha male biker bro.Now I have no idea what to say. I place my arm behind her seat as I back out of the parking space—also using it as an excuse to catch a glimpse of the beauty in my car. The fire in her eyes isn’t one I’ve seen before. After that first incident with Chadd McDingleberry, she was full of angry fire. Tonight? She was…intrigued. Fuck, I’m so out of my element here.Where is Vladi when I need him?
The drive out of the parking garage is quiet, the turn signal ungodly loud as I turn onto Water Street. I need to break this tension. And show her I am more than the things I own.
“So, how’s your week been? Is the media still outside your place?”
She lets out a breath as if the whistle finally blows to end conditioning. “It’s been okay. They finally stopped camping outside my apartment. Only a few still hang around when they think I’ll be leaving the building, and there’s usually one waiting for me at the coffee shop across the street when I pick up my drink in the morning, but he seems harmless.” She laughs, the sound tired. “I think Maggie is secretly bummed they aren’t there anymore. She’d never admit it, but she was hoping for her fifteen minutes of fame. She’s been wearing her Little Fox Branding hoodie, hoping they’ll post her online instead of me.”
I grin. Her description of Maggie is, well, accurate. But the hair prickles on the back of my neck at someone still lingering.Especiallyafter getting more threatening texts.
“How far across the street is the coffee shop? Are you still against having a security detail? Does the guy at the coffee shop seem sus?”
She scoffs. “Oh, God no. Wes is an older guy who takes some photos on the side. We chatted the other day, and I let him snap a photo of me picking up my coffee. Like I said…harmless. Andplease,no security. I can take care of myself. The last thing I want is some creepy secret service guy following me around.”
“You do know I’m not the president, right? I don’t have secret service. But I can have someone patrol your building to make sure you’re safe with all the extra attention coming at you. You know…maybe we should just do that anyway.”
“Jordan, I’m aMajorin the Air National Guard. I take charge of entire planes full of people and supplies, sometimes even rowdy, obnoxious hockey players.” I see her crack a smile out of my peripheral vision, and I can’t help but smirk back. “I’m fine. I appreciate the offer, but it’s not necessary. Plus, it wouldn’t be a good look for me.”
I narrow my brows as I find a spot outside Walt’s. “Just know the offer stands if you ever feel uncomfortable. Some of these press people can be really pushy.”
Her soft smile is genuine. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
Putting the car in park, I take a deep breath as we get ready to face the next obstacle in our fake relationship. “Ready to go to our first official hangout with our friends?”
She stares at me with pleading eyes. “Do we have to? I feel like Maggie’s out to get me tonight.”
I let out a loud laugh. “I’m not gonna lie, you’re totally in her crosshairs. Come on, let’s get this over with.”
31
kennedy
I’ll give him credit. As much of a bitch as I was earlier, he’s still a perfect gentleman, racing around to open the door for me. The boldness he found is still going strong, his fingers lacing through mine as we head into the bar. His thumb grazing mine, and his goddamn scent, has a warmth spreading through me before I can stop it. My brain is, once again, willing my body to not react, but it’s not happening. I’m too aware of the sexy as hell man leading me inside, his thumb moving slightly along mine.Goddammit, Kennedy. Focus.Don’t let your guard down now; your nosy-ass friends can smell blood in the water.
