“Right.”
Neil glanced at Jordan. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you.” They shook hands as Gwen and Eric conferred quietly.
Jordan turned to EJ. “So, are you ready to talk?”
“Oh, Jordan, I wanted to ask you a few more things, if that’s okay,” Gwen said, with a blinding smile at Jordan.
Jordan glanced at EJ. “Uh, sure.”
“Hey, EJ, did you have a ride home? I’m going your way and could drop you if you like.” Neil could give puppies lessons in how to get fed treats.
“I thought I’d do that,” Jordan said.
“But you live in the opposite direction,” EJ said.
“Looks like she doesn’t want to go with you,” Eric drawled.
Jordan might’ve heard the pastor preach on loving one’s enemies this morning, but right now that message seemed impossible.
“Look, I live on the north shore, and I’m really happy to drop you home,” Neil said. “My car isn’t too far away.”
EJ glanced at Jordan, her look apologetic. “I feel bad abandoning you, but it is on his way, and I’d be making your long day even longer if I made you stay.”
“I don’t mind,” he said quickly. “I know we have a lot to catch up on, and—”
“Are you ready, EJ?” Neil asked, his coat draped over his arm.
She glanced at Jordan again, then sighed and hugged him. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Call me when you get home, okay?”
“Okay.”
She gave a hug to Gwen, but not to Eric, Jordan noted with satisfaction, and he watched her leave, praying she’d be safe.
Then he turned to see Gwen and Eric watching him, their twin smirks disconcerting, and he wondered just what they wanted. With EJ and with him.
Chapter 9
EJ glanced up through the glass sunroof as the car passed under the grey girders of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It wasn’t a new view to her, but each time she passed this way felt special, like she was on a movie set. She peeked across at Neil, whose attention flicked from the road to her. She smiled briefly, then glanced away. There was no need to distract the man.
The car ride back to her aunt’s apartment was surprisingly quiet. But then, Neil had been surprisingly quiet all night. Despite his earlier heroics, he’d said little since, although she’d been aware he’d watched her plenty.
“So, uh, did you have any more thoughts about the app?” she asked.
“It seems great, just great,” he mumbled.
Hmm. The enthusiasm with which he made that comment didn’t exactly give that vibe.
She peered across at him. “Is everything okay?”
He stopped for a red light. “That guy who showed up.”
“Jordan.”
He nodded. “Is he your, uh, boyfriend?”
