Page 32 of Mob Star

“That’s not a problem. Joey will take you.”

Traffic between Manhattan, where the hospital is, and Staten Island, where I live, is the reason it’s usually not worth trying to go home for my ten-hour break.

“Finn. I know you trust Joey or else you wouldn’t send me with him. But I’ll text you when I get into my place.”

I get my phone out and unlock it. I pull up a contact and put his name in before handing it to him. He punches his in, and I send him a text, so he has mine. Neither of us is in a hurry to end the night, but it’s just as well. The tide is ebbing, and I have a chance to think rationally before I do something I can’t take back. I don’t usually sleep with guys on the first date. I have, but I don’t usually. I want things with Finn to work.

We need to slow down a little and build a foundation that isn’t purely sexual frustration. I see that now, but the moment his lips meet mine, all restraint disappears. If he were taking me home, I bet we’d be fucking in the backseat.

He opens the door for me, then closes it softly once I’m inside. I roll down the privacy glass and tell Joey my address. He raises the glass, and I lower my window.

“Thanks for a great night, Finn.”

“Same to you.”

“I’ll text when I’m home. I promise.”

“Thank you, little one.”

I thank Joey when he holds the door open to my building. I can tell he’s scanning the lobby before I cross the threshold. I could tell he surveyed the area when he helped me from the car. I look back as I get into the elevator. He dips his chin, then the doors close.

Me

Thanks again for a wonderful night. I had a fantastic time.

It’s a couple minutes, but then my phone vibrates.

Finn

I did too. I’d like to see you again the next time you’re free.

I could tell him I’m free the next two nights, but I’m not sure if I should see him so soon if I want to pump the breaks a bit.

Kimmy

Hey! How’d the date go? Are you going to be answering me in the morning?

I don’t expect my friend’s text to come in before I can respond. Before I’m done reading, another text pops up from her.

Kimmy

A bunch of us are going to Tropicals tomorrow night. Do you want to come?

A casino in Atlantic City. I’m not much of a gambler, but I like roulette and blackjack. It’s been ages since I’ve been there, and the buffet is amazing. That’s the real reason to go. I think about Finn, then my family dinner next Saturday. I’d really like to see him before that. Maybe the night after tomorrow.

I tap over to Finn’s text.

Me

I’d like that too. I have plans tomorrow night. But are you free the next night?

Finn

Yeah. Let me know what you’d like to do. I picked this time.

Me

Let me think about it. I hope everything works out tonight.

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