Page 30 of Betrayed

“Did you have a good time?” AJ’s question brought me back to the present.

“I did.”

“Sorry I surprised you. I was afraid you’d ask me to bring you home if you knew.”

I probably would have.Probably?I one-hundred percent would have. “I was mad at first, but turns out, it was exactly what I needed.” After a pause, I turned towards him. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad.” AJ’s soft smile did weird things to my insides.

I squashed them. He wasn’t my type. Sure he was surprisingly sensitive and considerate.Don’t forget easy on the eyes. Like I could forget that tidbit of information with him sitting a few feet away.He smells good too. But he was rough around the edges, and nothing like the men I usually dated.

I felt heat flood my cheeks as I looked away.

“Is today the last day you’re stuck with me?” Somewhere in my mind I remembered John saying AJ would be with me for the first part of the week and then someone else would take over.

“I’m not stuck with you,” he answered. Something about the way he said it made me blush again. “But you’re stuck with me all week.”

The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile, softening his normally gruff features.He looks friendlier when he smiles.

Oh my God.How dare I think that?How many times had I been told I’d look prettier if I smiled? How many times had Iwanted to punch someone for saying it? I’d never hit someone, but that didn’t mean I hadn’t thought about it.

I wasn’t as extreme as Danny, but I didn’t like violence and believed open communication could resolve most issues.

It was after five by the time AJ parked in the driveway.

“Jaden will relieve me at six,” AJ informed me as he walked me to the door.

“Okay.” I didn’t really care who’d be here since I wouldn’t be leaving the house again until tomorrow, when AJ picked me up for class. Why didn’t he have Jaden drive me home?

My head snapped up when I heard AJ’s voice. “Have a good night.” He handed me a business card. “My cell is on there. Call me if you need anything or if just want to talk.”

I didn’t think I would, but I took the card anyway. It was probably a good idea for me to have his phone number.Does he have mine? Would he call me if I volunteered to give it to him? It didn’t matter; it wasn’t like I wanted us to be friends.

But he should have my number, just in case.

“Thanks. Should I give you mine?”

“I have it, and your father’s.” He grinned, showing off his dimples.

“Right, of course. Good night, AJ.”

“Good night, Blake.” I didn’t mind that he’d stopped calling me Ms. Davenport. Not one bit.

Chapter 17

AJ

Dreams of Blake kept me up most of the night, so after taking a shower, cold enough to make a polar bear happy, I stopped by Grannie’s for a large coffee before driving to Dallas.

I texted Jay when I was twenty minutes out so he’d know to expect me early.

Blake occupied my thoughts far more than I cared to admit. More than I wanted. Seeing her relaxed and laughing had done funny things to my heart.

Getting to know her better on the ride home had put her front and center in my mind, and fantasies, all night.

I’d need a coffee IV to get through the day.

And the will of a saint.

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