Loving The JEON

CHAPTER 54:-

"He sleeps." Jungkook quirks an eyebrow at me, puzzled.

"He's just doing his job, Lalisa, which he's very good at. Jason is a real find."

"Jason?"

"Jason Taylor."

I remember when I thought Taylor was his first name. Jason. It suits him - solid, reliable. For some reason it makes me smile.

"You're fond of Taylor," Jungkook says, eyeing me with speculation.

"I suppose I am." His question derails me. He frowns. "I'm not attracted to him, if that's why you're frowning. Stop."

Jungkook is almost pouting - sulky.

Jeez, he's such a child sometimes. "I think Taylor looks after you very well. That's why I like him. He seems kind, reliable and loyal. He has an avuncular appeal to me."

"Avuncular?"

"Yes."

"Okay, avuncular." Jungkook is testing the word and meaning. I laugh.

"Oh, Jungkook, grow up, for heaven's sake."

His mouth drops open, surprised by my outburst, but then he frowns as if considering my statement. "I'm trying," he says eventually.

"That you are. Very." I answer softly but then roll my eyes at him.

"What memories you evoke when you roll your eyes at me, Lalisa." He grins.

I smirk at him. "Well, if you behave yourself, maybe we can relive some of those memories."

His mouth twists with humor. "Behave myself?" He raises his eyebrows. "Really, Miss Manobal - what makes you think I want to relive them?"

"Probably the way your eyes lit up like Christmas when I said that."

"You know me so well already," he says dryly.

"I'd like to know you better."

He smiles softly. "And I you, Lalisa."

"Thanks, Mac." Jungkook shakes McConnell's hand and steps on the dock.

"Always a pleasure, Mr. Jeon, and good-bye. Lisa, great to meet you."

I shake his hand shyly. He must know what Jungkook and I were up to on the boat while he went ashore.

"Good day, Mac, and thank you."

He grins at me and winks, making me flush. Jungkook takes my hand, and we walk up the dock to the marina's promenade.

"Where's Mac from?" I ask, curious about his accent.

"Ireland... Northern Ireland," Jungkook corrects himself.

"Is he your friend?"

"Mac? He works for me. Helped build The Scarllet."

"Do you have many friends?"

He frowns. "Not really. Doing what I do... I don't cultivate friendships. There's only - " He stops, his frown deepening, and I know he was going to mention Mrs. Robinson.

"Hungry?" he asks, trying to change the subject.

I nod. Actually, I'm famished.

"We'll eat where I left the car. Come."

Next to SP's is a small Italian bistro called Bee's. It reminds me of the place in Portland - a few tables and booths, the decor very crisp and modern with a large black and white photograph of a turn-of-the-century fiesta serving as a mural.