Page 21 of Vince
I think I could be standing in a blizzard but if this man were kissing me, I’d still be nuclear hot. But I manage to form words and agree. “Sounds good. Besides, you can kiss me again at the door.” Waggling my eyebrows, I bounce down from the Jeep. Thankfully, Vince is there to steady me because my equilibrium is off-kilter, and I’m fairly certain I’m completely drunk from his kisses.
When we get to the door, it’s not an awkward goodbye. When I turn to face him, he asks, “Do you mind if I call you tomorrow? I’m not sure I can wait to see you Tuesday in class.” The sincerity in his tone has my heartstrings tightening.
I play it off the best I can—though I can’t control my grin when I say, “I think I’d like that.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Vince leans in and gives me a much more controlled kiss goodbye. Before I can lose my mind completely, he manages to pull away and kiss me on the forehead. “Thanks for a wonderful evening.”
“I had a great time, too.”
Just then, a burst of wind picks up, causing me to finally feel the cool spring air, and I shiver involuntarily.
“Let’s get you inside. I’ll wait until you lock up before I leave.”
I can’t even remember the last time—if any has anyone cared about my safety.
Pluck, pluck, pluck—My heartstrings get pulled tighter.
Gah. What is it about this man?
With that, I step up onto my tiptoes to close the gap once more, and I kiss him briefly once more. “Thanks for an amazing evening, Vince. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Knowing I won’t want to stop if he continues to look at me the way he is, I turn and walk inside before he can say another word. I quickly turn the lock and lean my head against the door.
There’s no way I’ll stay on my dating diet after a night like this.
* * *
The next day, I’m still grinning when I think about my amazing night with Vince. As far as first dates are concerned, it was the best experience—ever. Maybe it was getting caught up with the music but the more I think about it, the more I know it had everything to do with Vince himself.
I don’t even notice Abby until she sits with her bowl of cereal beside me at our kitchen table and says, “So, how was the concert?”
Where do I even begin?
“The smile plastered on your face this early in the morning tells me you had a great time. You never did tell me, who ended up going with you?”
Not wanting her to read more into it than it is, I downplay my time with Vince. “Oh, I asked a guy from class to go. Riser was amazing, I think this was their best performance yet. They played all my favorite songs and even a few that will be on their next album. And the seats—they were freaking incredible. I’ve never been so close to the stage. Of course, that meant we had to stand the entire time, but it was so insane, Abby. I had the best time, though I’m sorry you weren’t able to make it.”
Abby sighs, shaking her head, and shrugs apologetically. “I’m sorry, too. But I’m still not sure I’m ready for this test today, and I have a ten-page paper due this afternoon, too. I’m so glad you were able to find someone to take my place.”
“I get it. And not to make you jealous. But I had the best time ever last night. So, stop worrying about me having to find someone else.”
“So… this guy you went with, does he have a name?” Abby teases.
“Vince.”
Abby raises an eyebrow and eyes me speculatively. But I can play poker like a champ, so my feelings are clearly locked into a vault, and I’m not about to let her in… yet. Besides—things are new. When I’m ready to share more, I will.
So, she’ll end her inquisition before it starts, I offer, “We went to dinner and then the concert. Unlike my recent dates, I actually had a lot of fun. But let’s not make anything of it. So, how is Drew handling being in the championship tournament?”
“Apparently, he’s acting as if it’s just another game in the season,” Abby admits. “If it were me, there’s no way I’d be able to handle our workload and play ball at the same time. I’m sure I’m more nervous for him than he is.”
“Somehow, I’m sure he’s used to this. At least he has two weeks before the pressure’s on. CRU’s having an incredible season. I hope like hell they can bring home another championship!”
“You and me both.” Abby laughs as her phone buzzes on the table. “That’s Drew. He just finished at the gym and will be here any minute.” Abby shovels what’s left of her food into her mouth and quickly stands to rinse off her dish in the sink.
“The dishwasher’s clean,” I remind her. “Just leave it in the sink, and I’ll get to it when I finish up here.”
“You sure?” she asks.
