“You’re correct.”
I scrunched my nose. “What if I hate popcorn?”
“You love anything sweet. Also, no one hates popcorn. Not this popcorn anyway. You been there?”
“Nope. I’ve only been here for a few months. Can’t do it all when I’m working for a boss who never sleeps.”
“Your ass stays later than me half the time. You love working just as much as I do.”
I smirked as I watched the park pass us by. The trees were changing colors; the reds bled into the yellows and oranges, painting the type of autumn scene everyone imagines when October or November is mentioned. “I appreciate doing something I believe in.”
“Jerome, pull up to the park,” Jett commanded softly.
I raised my eyebrows in question, but he winked at me like he wanted to make me happy. I shook the idea away. Jett Stonewood wanted some ass, he didn’t want anything more from me. Without a boyfriend, I was in the same boat. I didn’t mind us sleeping together, but I needed to draw a line for my heart’s sake.
“Walk in the park, Jett Stonewood?” I teased him.
“We only get to enjoy the autumn colors for a few damn days. Entertain my little whims, woman. You got big ones I have to deal with daily.”
My laugh skittered out as I jumped from the SUV and waved to Jerome.
The breeze blew around us, ruffling feathers of the ducks on the lake. The smell of the lake and maple trees invaded my nose. The sun warmed my skin just enough that my long sleeved blouse kept me comfortable rather than chilled. Jett unbuttoned his suit jacket and slid it from his shoulders to offer it to me. I shook my head. “I enjoy feeling the wind on my skin.”
“You would, Pix.” He draped the jacket over his arm and offered his elbow to me. I took it and fell into step with him. We walked along the park sidewalk, listening to the lake lapping against the rocks. In the middle of the work day, the park was empty, secluded.
Ours.
“This is one of my favorite places,” Jett murmured as he gazed off into the distance.
“It’s a beautiful one.” The statues, the green grass, the fountain, and the view of the city—I’m sure it was many people’s favorite place.
“I used to come here when my dad pissed me the hell off at the office. It’s always desolate during work hours. Chicago absorbs its humans into the buildings from eight to five.”
“Hard workers that we are.”
“Yep. Sometimes I forget everyone needs a break, needs motivation.”
“You do exemplary work. Your personnel needs to see that in their boss.”
“I’m happy I kept you in my damn office space.”
“I’m happy too.”
“Now, Stevie, on the other hand …”
“Oh my God. Can we not talk about him right now? And can you stop calling him that?”
“Vicky—” he began.
“You’re such an asshole.”
He chuckled and pulled me close. Before I could stop him, before I could remember that this was just foreplay for a good lay later, he kissed me like he meant it, like we were meant to be.
And I lost myself in that park. Lost my heart and my dreams to him. I tumbled into a new reality, his reality. A place I was scared of because I didn't know if I could withstand the hurt, the pain, the heartbreak that most definitely would come with it.
I told myself I could avoid it, or at least get over it. Maybe I could even morph it into something I really wanted.
I opted to look on the bright side, and we made our way to the popcorn shop he swore was the best.