Page 26 of The Stand-In Boyfriend

NOAH

I give a quick glance in Jessy’s direction when I hear her sigh. She finally relaxes into her seat like a weight’s been lifted off her shoulders.

Turning my attention back to the road, I ask, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just didn’t want my mom to see you.”

There is no malice in her words, but they sting nonetheless. “I see.”

Jessy shifts in her seat to face me. “What?”

“Nothing.”

I can’t see her clearly because my attention is on the road, but I canfeelher roll her eyes at me. “It’s something. You look like I just ran over your puppy. I just think it’s not the wisest idea for you to meet my mom. It’s not like I can tell her the truth, but I also don’t want to introduce you to her because what happens if she gets attached to you?”

“No parents, I get it.”

And I do. I can’t exactly blame her for wanting to protect her family. The last thing I want to do is hurt them, any of them.

“Thanks,” she says softly. Her hand covers mine on my thigh, giving it a firm squeeze before pulling away. The touch is minimal, over before it even began, but I can feel a current of electricity zapping underneath my skin.

I stop at a red light just as something rustles, once again drawing my attention to her.

Jessica pulls the biggest muffin I’ve ever seen in my life out of a bag. It’s chocolate and has a bunch of chocolate chips all over it. A happy, almost child-like smile spreads over her lips, and her eyes twinkle at the sight. She opens her mouth to take a bite.

“Are you seriously eating in somebody else’s car without even asking if it’s allowed or if that other person might want some too?” I watch her mouth stop just an inch away from taking a bite. Her eyes narrow as she looks at me. Okay, let’s be honest here, she’s not looking, she’sglaringat me.

“Mine,” she says, pulling away from me. She kind of reminds me of that goblin, hobbit, whatever creature from that movie with the ring.

I tsk, shaking my head no. “Not inside my baby.” I give the steering wheel a gentle caress.

“Are you shitting me?”

My lips tip in a smile, but I try to hide it. “I’m afraid I’m dead serious, Sunshine. No eating in my car unless you’re willing to share.”

Her lips part in surprise. “You wouldn’t.”

“I just did.” I grin extra big. “Pay up, or wait another ten long minutes.”

A horn blasts, and when I look forward I notice the light has turned green.Oh well, I press my foot against the gas.

“You’re the worst, Russell. The. Worst!”

“But I’m all yours, so there’s that,” I joke, but the light that was in her eyes only moments earlier has disappeared.

“For now.” Her words are quiet, and Jessica turns to stare out the window.

She looks so small and defeated. It irks me, knowing that somebody hurt her so much, killing her spirit and making her insecure.

Not giving myself time to think, I extend my hand to her lap and snatch the muffin.

“Hey!”

She reacts fast, I have to give her that, but I’m faster. I bring the chocolate goodie to my mouth and take a huge bite, munching loudly.

“You did not just do that!”

Jessy all but falls on me as she tries to get it back; finally, I surrender because the last thing I need is to crash us into something.

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