Page 85 of Puck and Prejudice

She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes. “Let me guess. Your house?”

I shake my head, smiling. “No. I have something else in mind.”

“Oh… now I’m curious.”

My smile broadens. “You’ll have to wait. When is closing time, anyway?”

She looks at the clock behind her. “Half an hour. I didn’t realize it was almost ten.”

“Perfect.”

She puts her right hand on her hip. “You can’t give me any hints?”

“Nope.”

“Is what I’m wearing okay?”

I give her an elevator glance just for show. I’ve been gawking at her since I got here. She’s wearing black pants and a black, long-sleeve top with a low-cut neckline. Honestly, it’s been kind of hard not to stare at her cleavage. “Yes, more than okay,” I rasp.

She smirks, knowing very well the effect she has on me. “All right. I can’t wait to see where we’re going.”

Someone on the other side of the bar catches her attention, and she walks away. Two guys in suits put in an order, but they’re busier staring at Izzie’s breasts than getting their drinks. I tense, ready to walk over and deal with them. But Manuel slides up next to Izzie and takes over handling the creeps.

They got lucky.

It takes a while for my rage to dissipate, even though no further incidents happen. My chest feels unbearably tight now, and it’s an unfamiliar feeling. I hate that those assholes were coming on to Izzie. She isn’t my girlfriend, but I already consider her mine.

Maybe I should make it official.

ChapterThirty-Four

JACKSON

Ithought it’d be difficult convincing Izzie to leave her car at the restaurant, but she didn’t object to coming with me. I take that as a good sign. It’ll be pretty obvious where I’m taking her once we get near the arena. They haven’t taken down the hockey set up yet. Maybe we can skate—that is, if she knows how. I don’t want to ask too soon, or she might guess where we’re going.

I want to give Izzie a tour of my second favorite place—the first is my ranch, obviously.

I should keep my eyes on the road, but I can’t help glancing at her from time to time. I don’t know when my obsession with her began, but I’m right in the thick of it now.

“Do you know when the celebration parade will be?” she asks.

“Yes, next Sunday. You’re coming, right?”

“I didn’t know I was invited.” She keeps her face turned toward the road, but there’s a hint of a smile on her lips.

“I want you there,” I blurt out.

She looks at me with an eyebrow raised. “Youwantme there? Do I have a choice?”

I rub my face. “Sorry. That came out wrong. I’d love it if you came.”

She chuckles. “I was just yanking your chain.”

Her laughter makes me smile, and my chest feels lighter. “Does that mean you’ll come? I mean… if you’re not busy.”

“I have to be at Triana at five. The parade should be over by then, right?”

It sucks that she has to work that day. I’d love to have a private celebration with her after all the festivities. “Yeah, for sure.”

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