Page 21 of Loved By You

“Thank you.”

“Let me walk you out to your car.” I press my hand to her lower back, guiding her towards the exit.

We walk in silence to her car, which is alone in the middle of the parking lot. The rusting old, blue Ford doesn't look like it will start, let alone get her home.

“Will that thing get you—”

“Home? Yeah, she will. She's not much, but it's all I could afford. Alex kept my car so…”

“What a dick,” I mutter.

“Yep,” she replies, clamping her lips in a tight line, avoiding my gaze, and fiddling with her keys.

I lift her chin so she has to face me. “You’re doing great, Ri. I can't imagine how hard things are right now. You needanything, you call me, okay?” My thumb brushes her jawline and her eyelids flutter closed.

God, I want to kiss her.

“Thanks, Jack.” She leans in to hug me, her hands wrapping around my waist, her head reaching just under my chin. I holdon longer than I know I should and she lets me. I get the feeling she needs this hug just as much as I want to give it. I run my hand down her back and kiss the top of her head, feeling her let out a breath and sinking into me.

As if remembering where she is, she steps back, breaking our embrace and tucking her hair behind her ear. “Thanks for walking me to my car,” she says awkwardly before opening the car door. “I had better get some sleep. I'm back in 12 hours.”

Hmmm, good to know she's working tomorrow.

“Drive safe and let me know when you are back home, okay?”

“Okay.” Smiling, she closes the car door and turns the engine on. The car lights up and she pulls out of the parking lot. The minute her headlights disappear, I have this sudden urge to jump into my car and follow her.Fuck, I’m screwed. How can I be around her and not touch her. Her scent, the way she felt in my arms. No woman has ever had this effect on me. I know I said I have no issues with her working here and I was telling the truth, but that was before I’d touched her.

I walk back inside and head to our office. Picking up a bottle of our finest whiskey that's housed in a crystal bottle and pouring in the matching tumbler. I take off my suit jacket before I take a swig and sit back in my leather office chair, opening my phone so I can check our social media pages and the tags from tonight’s opening. As I’m flicking through, thinking what a success it’s been, Ria’s name appears in a message notification. I’m surprised to see she's sent a selfie. She looks stunning. Makeup free, under white sheets, she’s pulling a silly face with her thumb up.

Ria

Proof of life. I made it to Ali & Gabby’s safe and sound. Thank you for walking me to my car.

I would give anything to be laying there with her and I want to tell her that but I settle with…

Jack

Anytime Ri. I wish I was in bed. This is my view… I send a photo of my laptop and the whisky tumbler.

Ria

Jack, it's nearly 4am. Get yourself to bed!

I take a moment.Do I simply agree and end the conversation or test the waters?I type my reply before I can change my mind.

Jack

Is that you offering up your bed to me, sweetheart? *Winky face emoji*

A couple of minutes pass. I can see that she's read the message but there’s no response and I start to panic that I’ve gone too far. I sag with relief when her name appears on my screen.

Ria

What would you say if I said it was…

Fuck, she wants to play.

Jack

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