Mismatch - By Nana Malone Page 0,65

him about the car that had tried to run her over. If he had friends looking into Fenton, he’d want to know. She wasn’t used to depending on anyone for help but this was one of those times she needed it.

For the first time in her life, she felt comfortable, like she belonged where she was. But for how long? Given her history, one or both of them getting hurt was bound to happen. And she’d rather it wasn’t her.

Chapter 20

Eli felt like a kid about to ask a date to prom, giddy with excitement and a little nervous. Considering how he and Jessica had spent the night, he shouldn’t have been nervous. Again, he’d slept like the dead, and as usual, Jessica had slipped out of bed before he’d woken up.

When he walked into the gallery, she looked up, confused but smiling. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

“I came to encourage you to play hooky. Since you’re always doing that for me. Come play with me.”

She raised a delicately arched blonde eyebrow. “You mean like a date?”

“Sure.” He could do dating. Right? “Want to go grab a burger and some beer?” Not his choice, but she'd mentioned that the dive bar in Hollywood was her favorite place to mellow out with a drink.

She smirked. “Only the nicest places, right?”

“Anything to make the lady happy.”

“I think I have a better idea.”

The low-lidded gaze she bestowed upon him had his body rigid, hot lava flowing in his blood. She wanted him. When he'd said date, her mind had immediately gone to sex. And to be honest, so had his, but he'd meant what he said about them having some fun. If he wanted to convince her to give him a real chance, he actually had to try doing something with her that wasn’t work or fucking. “I like what you're thinking, but maybe we should stick to something public for the time being.”

“Kinky. I didn't know you had it in you. But I love where your mind is going. This could be the beginning of a beauti—”

He barked out a laugh. “You’re incorrigible.” He tugged her hand and placed it against his chest. “I mean it, Jess, we’re going out. On a real date. Where I take you somewhere low-lit and tell you you're beautiful, feed you, and maybe if you're well behaved, I can worship your body later.”

Her cheeks tinged pink. “You’re serious about going out?”

“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”

She rubbed her nose. “Okay, well, I have plans for a little later this afternoon. Do you want to come with me?”

He raised his brows. “Where we going?”

***

“When you said you had a thing to do, you didn’t mention that it was at Jason Cartwright's place.”

Jessica blushed. She felt like she was bringing a boyfriend home to meet the family. Sure, Eli had already met her mother, and Izzy, Jason, Nick, and Kara were her extended family. But she didn't want Jason to give Eli the hairy eyeball.

“Well, I wasn’t sure if you'd want to come.” Then realizing he'd probably misunderstand the significance, she stammered, “And this isn't a thing. Or anything. It's just lunch at a friend’s house. It's not like we’re together.” Right. That went well.

Adjusting her vintage Halston wrap dress, she rang the doorbell. Jason swung the door open in all his blond Adonis glory. He was married to her best friend and sort of like her big brother, but Jessica probably would never get over the wow factor of him.

“Jess, there you are!” He scooped her in for a hug and whispered in her ear, “You have to save me. Izzy's trying to cook again. This time it's chili.”

Jessica returned the hug and wrinkled her nose. “What’s our back-up plan for lunch?”

He released her. “I’ve also got some BBQ going, but you know how it is, she’ll be disappointed if we don’t eat it. Frankly, I’m scared.”

From the kitchen, Izzy's voice reverberated. “You know, you two, this house has excellent acoustics. I can hear you.”

Jessica giggled and glanced at Eli. “Eli, I'd like to introduce you to Jason Cartwright. Otherwise known as my bestie's hubby.”

Jason nodded sagely. “It's a title I’ve grown accustomed to.” Sticking a palm out, he beamed his good old boy smile at Eli. “Dude, I'm a huge fan of yours. I already have an eye on a couple of your pieces for the house. Ever since I let Izzy redecorate, she’s stripped my walls bare. For the most part. I'm looking for some