Loving The JEON

CHAPTER 55:-

"Flynn. He says that all the time. I never thought I'd be quoting him."

"A Flynnism."

Jungkook laughs. "Exactly."

The waiter arrives with our starters and bruschetta, and our conversation changes tack as Jungkook relaxes.

But when the unfeasibly large plates are placed before us, I can't help think how I have thought of Jungkook today - relaxed, happy and carefree. At least he's laughing now, at ease again.

I breathe an inward sigh of relief as he starts quizzing me about places I've been. This is a short discussion, since I have never been anywhere except the continental US. Jungkook, on the other hand, has traveled the world. We slip into an easier, happier conversation, talking about all the places he's visited.

After our tasty and filling meal, Jungkook drives back to Escala, Eva Cassidy's gentle sweet voice singing over the speakers. It allows me a peaceful interlude in which to think. I have had a mind-blowing day. Dr. Greene, our shower, Jungkook's admission, making love at the hotel and on the boat, buying the car. Even Jungkook himself has been so different. It's as if he's letting go of something or rediscovering something - I don't know.

Who knew he could be so sweet? Did he?

When I glance at him, he, too, looks lost in thought. It strikes me then that he never really had an adolescence - a normal one anyway. I shake my head.

My mind drifts back to the ball and dancing with Dr. Flynn and Jungkook's fear that Flynn had told me all about him. Jungkook is still hiding something from me. How can we move on if he feels that way?

He thinks I might leave if I know him. He thinks that I might leave if he's himself. Oh, this man is so complicated.

As we get closer to his home, he starts radiating tension until it becomes palpable. As we drive, he scans the sidewalks and side alleys, his eyes darting everywhere, and I know he's looking for Leila. I start looking, too. Every young brunette is a suspect, but we don't see her.

When he pulls into the garage, his mouth is set in a tense, grim line. I wonder why we've come back here if he's going to be so wary and uptight. Sawyer is in the garage, patrolling. The defiled Audi is gone. He comes to open my door as Jungkook pulls in beside the SUV.

"Hello, Sawyer," I murmur my greeting.

"Miss Manobal." He nods. "Mr. Jeon."

"No sign?" Jungkook asks.

"No, sir."

Jungkook nods, grasps my hand, and heads for the elevator. I know his brain is working overtime - he's distracted. Once we're inside he turns to me.

"You are not allowed out of here alone. You understand?" he snaps.

"Okay." Jeez - keep your hair on. But his attitude makes me smile. I want to hug myself - now this man, all domineering and short with me I know. I marvel that I would have found it so threatening only a week or so ago when he spoke to me this way. But now, I understand him so much better. This is his coping mechanism. He's stressed about Leila, he loves me, and he wants to protect me. "What's so funny?" he murmurs, a hint of amusement in his expression.

"You are."

"Me? Miss Manobal? Why am I funny?" he pouts.

Jungkook pouting is... hot.

"Don't pout."

"Why?" He's even more amused.

"Because it has the same effect on me as I have on you when I do this." I bite my lip deliberately.