I Carry Your Heart (Heart Series Book 1) by C.M. King

thought I was.
    I inwardly berated myself for not acting more composed. I couldn’t be cool if I tried. I really needed Elijah to give me lessons. I was certain he’d be only too willing, after all he had now became my personal shopper.
    “Isabelle, what a lovely name, well Izzy, can I ask if you’re single?”
    Shit.
    The guy was no holds barred, straight to the point. How the hell do I get out of this one? I needed an excuse but my brain was no longer cooperating. It wasn’t the best time for it to malfunction.
    “Wow, you’re very direct.” I laughed, in a slightly annoyed way. Irritated he had the balls to be that forward. My head was screaming for me to leave but my legs still weren’t co-operating.
    “Well I see a beautiful girl sitting alone at the bar and I want to know if I haven’t got my hopes up for nothing. I’d love to take you to dinner.” His smile grew wider and I blushed at his compliment. His body inched closer and I frowned at his proximity. I hated the direction the conversation was heading, taking more of an uncomfortable turn by the second.
    I needed to go right now.
    I glanced over at Joel, who was still busy serving the students, chatting away. He was thoroughly engrossed in the conversation, no doubt football related. I wanted to scream, to catch his attention, but no words left my lips.
    I turned back to Scott, who was waiting almost expectantly for an answer. “Yes, I’m single,” I murmured begrudgingly, shuffling my feet in agitation. I was not that good of a liar to pull it off, my face was always a dead giveaway.
    “Really?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought a gorgeous girl like you would be snapped up.” His voice was laced with a level of excitement that sent a mixture of unease right through me. He smiled like I was a certainty to say yes. Yeah he was definitely a smooth talking charmer, but his words just left me cold.
    My eyes flicked away from Scott’s, instantly feeling Joel’s stare burning right into me. The intensity sent shivers throughout my body.
    Hallelujah.
    It had taken him long enough.
    I wanted him to charge over, to rescue me like a white knight. Judging by the intense looks he was shooting my way, he’d only be happy to help. Just one signal from me and all my prayers would be answered. But I had to know how deep his feelings went.
    A smile crossed my lips. This would be the perfect opportunity to gauge his response. Flirting with another guy could give me what I wanted, but I was going to have to be cruel in my quest to find the answer.
    “So where would we go for this meal?” I asked smiling, my fingers twirling the ends of my hair. I was now in full on flirt mode, hoping I was putting on quite a show with my little performance.
    “Well I would take you to this lovely Italian bistro, that’s near here…”
    I stopped my eyes mid roll, I had to remember to appear interested, but my curiosity got the better of me. I quickly glanced over to check Joel was still watching, and he was and this time our eyes connected.
    From his tight clenched jaw and the way his blue eyes pierced into mine, he definitely wasn’t happy.
    My plan was actually working.
    Turning back to Scott, I nodded and smiled in all the right places. Feeling happy Joel’s eyes were fixed on me. He remained glaring behind the bar, but I knew I would have to take it to the next level, to achieve the reaction I wanted.
    Preferably before I fell into a coma.
    God this guy was boring.
    Scott, I was certain wouldn’t take much convincing. He was more than enthusiastic for the both of us. I needed to see the full extent of Joel’s jealousy, to know if he harboured any feelings for me.
    “Ow,” I said overdramatically, batting my lashes.
    “What’s up?” Scott asked, immediately frowning, as he came even closer.
    I pretend pouted for dramatic effect. “I have something in my eye.” I fluttered my eyelashes, carrying on the charade. I knew Joel’s eyes were still locked on