His Kiss (Summer in New York Book 2)
Page 19
He gazed at her over his glass. “Ski season. Everyone’s eager to get out in the white stuff and play. I have a feeling some flights may have been cancelled too.”
She nodded. “For sure. I consider it a minor miracle I found a room.”
“Perhaps it was.” He appeared to mull that one over. “Your dad picking you up?”
She shook her head. “Rental.”
“What kind?” He took a sip of his wine.
“Compact.”
“Four-wheel or all-wheel?”
She squinted over her glass. “Is this some kind of interrogation?”
He raised his eyebrows.
“Okay. Front wheel.” Her rental car hadn’t been the wisest selection, considering the conditions, but with no job she hadn’t wanted to spring for a larger vehicle. She might have to, now, if the company would let her swap.
His tone was matter-of-fact. “Ride home with me. I’m heading out as soon as the weather clears.”
She scrunched her nose. He appeared harmless, he was Benji after all. “I need a car to get around while I’m in Starling. I like to be independent.”
“We look after each other back home, remember? Besides, most places you’ll want to go will be within walking or snowmobiling distance.”
Flying through the woods on snowy trails with her brother, Jeremy, and Benji when they were kids flashed through her mind. She hesitated. “I don’t know.” True, though, she hadn’t planned on the extra expense of a hotel room tonight and the car rental had already put too much of a dent in her savings.
“What’s to know?” He asked, misinterpreting her hesitation. “I’m not a serial killer. Hell, you’ve known me since we were in kindergarten together.”
“It’s not that. I’d just prefer to drive myself.”
He shrugged. “If you don’t want to take me up on my offer, I suppose you won’t get to meet my Sadie.” Ha! Girlfriend! She knew it. He held out his phone. “Isn’t she pretty?”
Jade hesitated before reaching out to accept the device. She peered at the screen and stifled a gasp. She couldn’t help but laugh at the shiny-coated Golden Retriever with long tongue falling adorably to one side. “Oh my, you weren’t exaggerating. She’s beautiful.” Her finger bumped the screen. “Oops.” A picture of Ben in front of a massive, modern log cabin appeared. “Wow. Nice digs.” She handed the phone back.
“Thanks. I had it built last year,” he said modestly. “Moved in a few months ago.” He set the phone on the table.
Benji seemed to have it all—and probably a sophisticated girlfriend lurking in the background.
I don’t even have a goldfish.
Jade shook her head. Riding home with him would be far too risky for her mental health.
“Well, let me know if you change your mind.” Holding his drink, he said, “To chance meetings.”
A jolt zipped through her body, as she lifted her glass and took a healthy sip.
Their server arrived to take their order.
Jade picked up her dinner menu, sneaking another look at the man across from her. Benji was the neighbor boy she befriended because her brothers couldn’t be bothered with girls and all the girls in her town wanted to play Polly Pocket or dress up their American Girl Dolls instead of exploring outdoors. Yeah, Benji and she had some great memories. Too bad they were overshadowed by later, awful ones.
She would do well to remember that.
Find out what happens next in Christmas Light
Buy now!
The Summer in New York Series
If you enjoyed His Kiss, you’ll love the other Summer in New York stories!
His Touch by Patty Blount
His Kiss by Jolyse Barnett
His Love by Jennifer Gracen
About the Author
Jolyse Barnett may not be able to cook to save her life, but she can whip up a delicious romantic tale. She discovered the joy of playing with words at a young age, filling notebooks with poetry and stacks of pink diaries with her teenage angst and dreams. After she graduated from high school, she developed a more practical side. She earned her degree in Writing (Of course!), fell in love with her best friend (Yes!), and now lives her own happily-ever-after (Yay!). She enjoys a fulfilling day job and explores the world one vacation at a time with her two children and real-life hero.
For more from Jolyse:
Visit her website at JolyseBarnett.com
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Check out her blog
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @JolyseBarnett
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