“I’m not really sure. I ‘inherited’ it when I got my phone plan and I haven’t had the money to upgrade it. My plan isn’t up for renewal for a while yet.” I shrugged sheepishly.
“You are getting a new one. Whatever the top of the line one is right now, I am getting you one,” he said, pulling out his own smart phone. He hit a button and held it up to his ear. “Rachel? Emma needs a new phone. All the bells and whistles. Yes. Thank you.”
“Thank you,” I said as he hung up. I was a little baffled. Despite all the shopping I had done with Rachel, the idea of spending money the way Jack spent money was still intimidating.
“You are most welcome. Let me see the picture.” He reached over and took my hand, pulling the phone screen to where he could see it. His hand was hot against mine and it sent sparks racing through my spine. I was a little sad when he let go. “It’s beautiful, like you. I can see why you like it.”
“Thank you.” I couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. I wondered if he was this charming to all the models he took to the social events from the tabloid pictures. I hoped it was only for me.
There was a long pause as neither of us knew what to say next. It had been so easy to talk to him on the beach, but now, I was tongue-tied and shy. I played with my food, trying desperately to think of something to say.
“So... , how are you liking New York?” Jack finally asked, breaking our awkward silence.
“It’s huge!” I blurted out. Jack laughed. “I mean, it is so much bigger than where I’m from. It’s been a little overwhelming.”
“Do you think you could get used to it?” There was more to the question than just the words and the implication made my heart speed up.
“If I keep getting to have dinners like this, then I think I could.” A smile flashed across Jack’s face. It reminded me of a time in high school when I said “Yes” to a boy who asked me for a date—excited and optimistic. It made my chest go tight and my knees loose.
“I’m glad then. I’m glad you’re here.” Jack set his empty plate on the table and reached over, placing his hand on my knee. A surge of heat splayed out from my belly at his touch. Even though my head wasn’t sure what Jack and I were doing, my body knew exactly what it wanted. He leaned forward and our lips hovered inches from one another. I could tell he wanted to kiss me, but something was stopping him. He pulled his mouth away from mine.
“Jack?”
He leaned back, keeping his hand mercifully on my leg. It made it hard to think, but I would have gone crazy if I couldn’t have him touching me. My body sang out for more while my head begged for caution.
“I think we should take things slow,” he said. His words were controlled and even, but the tightness in his jaw told me that this wasn’t easy for him to say. “With the public eye on us, we can’t afford any more mistakes.”
“More mistakes?” my knee pulled away from his hand before I could stop it, and I instantly regretted it when he let me go. I wanted him to touch me and yet I was nervous of what it might lead to. I wasn’t sure where we were going. I wished my body would stop pushing for more and for my head to stop worrying.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said holding up his hands in defense. He sighed, “I am the image of my company and we can’t afford any bad press right now.” He placed my hand in his and he brought it to his lips. “I think you are beautiful and fascinating. I thought so the moment I met you. There is no mistake there, and now, since you’re here, I’d like to take the time to get to know you. I mean, really get to know you—not just random secrets and how your body reacts when you’re excited. We have time now.” His eyes glinted with memories of what I did when I was excited.
“Jack, how long am I going to be here?” I asked, looking up into his hazel eyes. They were greener today. A girl could happily drown in those green seas.
“As long as you’d like.”
My mouth went dry and I tried to swallow. I hadn’t thought about how long I was going to be in New York. It still felt like I was on vacation. None of this seemed like it could possibly be real life. How long was I going to stay? Another week? A month? A year? Forever? My breath caught at the idea of forever, though I wasn’t sure if I was apprehensive or excited. If we connected half as well in New York as we did on the island, forever might not be long enough.
What about my friends? My family? My job? I was still waiting on responses to my vet school applications. I had already interviewed at several universities and was waiting to hear back on their decisions. I wondered if there was a vet school in New York I could apply to. My head spun for a second, too many thoughts swirling through it. My only anchor was Jack’s hands holding mine. They were warm and real and all I wanted.