Page 21 of Playful Kris

I frown at her, trying to figure out what angle she’s playing. She knows she’s my ride home, and never forgets that.

“I can give you a ride,” Damon offers, stepping up beside me.

“Oh.” Cora drops her hand as her smile widens.

And now it makes sense.

My best friend just set me up.

“That’s a great idea, actually. Have you eaten?” Cora asks me.

“Cora, it’s after midnight.”

Her face pales. “Shoot, you’re right. Okay, well you both get on out of here. I’ll finish up and be home shortly.” She steps around me but winks before she disappears.

“Is it okay if I give you a ride?” he asks.

“Sure.” I smile, moving to grab my things I brought with me.

Which isn’t a lot, just my purse, cell phone, and my emotional support cup that has to go everywhere with me.

A lot of people make fun of girls and their Stanley’s, but listen, Stanley is the only man that doesn’t let me down each day.

“I’m parked this way.” He points to one of the open lots where there are just a few cars scattered throughout. I’m assuming the green truck we’re walking toward is his, but he surprises me when he shifts direction and walks toward an old cherry red mustang.

I don’t know a lot about cars, but I know enough to know this gorgeous car is a classic. And it’s been well taken care of.

“Gorgeous car.” I smile at him, he already has the passenger door open, giving me space to climb in.

“Thanks.” He smiles down at me before shutting the door and rounding the hood to the driver’s side.

While he climbs in, I take time to look over the car. The dark leather interior is so much different than cars today. The feel, the softness, the stitching. Everything today is for looks, and the same can be said back then but times were just different. Cars were different.

“My grandpa passed this down to me when I turned sixteen.” He pats the steering wheel, his smile growing wider. “I’ve had it ever since.”

“Sixteen year old you with a car like this…” I whistle, making him laugh in response.

“I can’t say I didn’t use it to my advantage.” He looks over at me, trying to gauge my reaction to that. “Where am I heading? You hungry?”

“I live just a few streets over, Willow Way,” I tell him, figuring he knows where that is considering his job. “There’s nothing open at this hour in Birchwood.”

Which is fine. I’m not much on late eating, and I did have a funnel cake earlier that has more carbs than I care to admit.

“Yeah, I could take you to my place though.” He looks over at me, and it’s then that I realize this isn’t what I originally had planned out in my head. “Throw something on the grill.”

“You want to grill at twelve thirty in the morning?” I joke, hoping I’m wrong about the entire situation.

“I mean, and other things.” He flushes slightly, and I feel the gate drop for me.

“Maybe another time. I’m exhausted from this long day, I bet you are too,” I point out, he’s probably been working just as long as I have today.

“Yeah, sure.” The disappointment is obvious in his tone.

We sit in silence as he drives me the short distance to my house. Once he pulls in the driveway, he comments on our house and I think he’s going to get out and open my door, but he shocks me when he turns in his seat and stares at me instead.

I clear my throat, suddenly feeling awkward. “Thank you for the ride.” I reach for the handle.

“Anytime.” He smiles, but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’ll see you around, and maybe we could grab dinner soon.”

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