Free Only in Time (A Mystique Antiques Novella) by Kelli McCracken Page A

food?”
    One brow arched as his smile finally won the tug-o-war with his lips. “I bet road kill tastes better than this.”
    “Eww!” she squealed, covering her mouth at the thought. “That’s so gross, Jonah.”
    A hearty laugh shook his chest, tossing his dark curls about his face. She didn’t realize how much she’d missed that sound. How it still made her insides shake.
    “I’d rather have a cheeseburger,” he grinned.
    “Oooh. That sounds good. I haven’t eaten a cheeseburger in years.”
    Jonah’s brow creased. “What? That’s a crime. You need a cheeseburger.”
    Pressing her back against her chair, she stroked the tablecloth, making sure her legs remained hidden. “When I was in New York, I barely had time to eat once a day. I busted my butt to get the promotion that brought me here. So when I did eat, I tried to be healthy.”
    “You’ve taken care of yourself, Ally. That’s good.” His eyes fell from her face as he tossed his napkin onto his plate. Then he laughed again. “But you know how much I always corrupted you. So guess what we’re doing?”
    Drawing in a breath, a twinge of uncertainty pulsed in her heart. “I’m not sure I want to know. Because you’re right. You were a bad influence.”
    His eyes sparkled with humor, making her belly roll. Just like old times.
    “We’re leaving this dump,” he said, motioning for their server to bring the check. “Then we’re going to find the closest burger joint so I can buy you a cheeseburger. We’re going to live on the edge, tonight.”
    It was Ally’s laughter that filled the air this time. Not just because of what he said, but because for the first time since seeing him, she had hope. Maybe their friendship could be repaired. She’d give it a shot. What was life without taking chances?
    * * *
    A bell chimed as the elevator doors opened. Ally gazed at the green carpet, debating on taking another step. She couldn’t believe she’d agreed to this. Swinging by Jonah’s hotel suite so that he could change.
    Yeah. Not her best decision.
    She must have stimulated too many endorphins after eating. Lord knows she’d enjoyed every single bite of her food. The conversation had been good, too. Like they hadn’t missed the last six years of each other’s life. The only thing missing was Cassie. Ally knew Cassie would have enjoyed a good burger.
    Moving through the hallway, Ally followed Jonah as they passed several doors. She couldn’t avoid gazing at his body. He still towered over her by a good eight inches. Had the same confidence to his step that she remembered from high school. Still filled his jeans in all the right places.
    Her eyes made their way to his bottom, admiring the firmness of it. Yeah. Definitely all the right places.
    Heat filled her cheeks at the thought. And before she could look away, Jonah cast his gaze over his shoulder, catching her in the act.
    A volcanic eruption couldn’t describe the sensation engulfing her face. It was as if she’d stepped off the elevator and into the pits of hell.
    “You doing okay? You got quiet on me.”
    Nodding her head as fast as she could, her stomach tightened as he waited for her to step beside him. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about dinner. That was the best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten. I swear, I don’t remember a big ball of meat and grease tasting so good.”
    “Nice analogy,” he winked, bumping his shoulder into hers. “But I agree. It was pretty good. That place has the best food.” His hand brushed the front of his shirt where mustard stained it. “And messy.”
    “Well, if you wouldn’t have inhaled your burger…”
    “Touché.” He stopped at the last door on the right of the hallway, swiping his key in the door. “I appreciate you coming up with me. It won’t take me long to change.”
    “Well, I couldn’t be seen in a dark movie theater with a guy who has a mustard stain on his shirt. I have a reputation to keep, you know.” She couldn’t