Page 24 of Betrayed

I wasn’t the type of person who laughed at other people’s pain.

Once we were in the car, I contemplated asking him to take me home, but decided I really wanted to get away.

“Can you let your dad know you’ll be out for the afternoon so he doesn’t worry?”

I hadn’t even thought about telling my dad. I guess it makes sense he would, since my dad was paying him. “When will I be back?” I asked.

“I’ll bring you back whenever you want. Just say the word.”

I texted my dad to let him know I was going to a coffee shop to do my homework, adding I was with AJ so he wouldn’t worry.

“Sent.”

“Thanks,” AJ said with a smile.

I couldn’t help but notice the cute little pockets just above the line of his neatly trimmed beard. I’d always thought dimples on a guy were cute; but something about AJ’s were sexy. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks and hoped he didn’t notice.

I texted Paige and Danny, apologizing for leaving early. I suggested going out for dinner later in the week, away from campus. Paige accepted my apology and said she had plans Friday but could go on Saturday. Danny said he only go if I left the “big dumb bully” at home, claiming he couldn’t have funwhen he was worried about getting beat up or watching someone else get beat up.

After typing and erasing my response three times, I gave up. I didn’t have the energy to argue with him. Besides, I might not need a bodyguard by the weekend, and if I did, it might be someone else.

I finally replied and suggested we plan for Saturday.

Maybe I’ll be lucky and this will all be over by then.

Paige: I hope so, I want my roomie back {smiley face}

Needing a break from Danny, I put my phone down before he replied.

I don’t know how long I stared out the window before AJ’s deep voice brought my attention back to the car.

“I’m sorry. What was that?” I asked, turning my attention to him.

“What kind of law do you study?”

“Business.” I had an internship lined up after graduation with a not-for-profit in Ft. Worth, but I didn’t think he’d care. “You know you don’t have to make small talk. I know it’s not in the job description.”

He didn’t deserve my attitude, but I was still upset after the conversation with Danny and venting my frustrations.

“True, but it’s better to talk than sit and stew.” His smile was softer this time.Is he trying to help me feel better?I hadn’t expected that from him. But he was right—talking was better than stewing.

“Sorry, that was rude.” I might be upset with Danny and freaked out by my circumstances, but that didn’t give me the right to be rude. That wasn’t who I wanted to be. Besides, my mother taught me better than that.

“It’s okay, you’ve had a rough few days.”

Understanding and compassionate. I yawned and thought about asking him to stop at a coffee shop when I remembered he was taking me to one in Weatherford.

“I can’t wait to get a big ass cup of coffee,” I said to lighten the tension in the car.

“You’re in for a treat. Grannie’s has the best coffee around, and the shop has a fun, old style saloon feel to it.”

“That’s weird.” I was trying to imagine the coffee shop, but all I could picture was old saloons from black and white movies.

“The building was a saloon before Mary’s grandmother turned it into a coffee shop. She liked the idea of keeping the saloon decor. You wouldn’t think so, but it works,” he said. There was a hint of pride in his voice.

“Now I’m curious to see it.” Much to my surprise, I was looking forward to my field trip with AJ.

I covered another yawn with my hand.

---