Page 62 of Vince
As Asher walks me to my car at the end of night, I see Brad getting into his. He doesn’t see me, but the thought of him being here this late after the bar closes gives me the creeps.
As soon as I shut my car door, I instantly push the locks and crank the engine. Asher waves and mouths his goodbye as I put my car in reverse and flee the parking lot. I know nothing happened, and I can totally handle myself when it comes to Brad, but him being here gives me the heebie-jeebies for some unexplained reason.
* * *
The next day, I work on a project and study for an exam rather than join Vince and his family for dinner. Though I’m disappointed I’m unable to spend the evening with him, I can’t afford to get behind in my studies either.
Just as I’m about to call it quits for the night, I get my nightly text from Vince.
Vince: How was your day?
Me: I got a lot done.
Vince: Call?
Instead of typing my reply, I hit the dial button on my phone, and the thought of hearing his sexy voice has a smile tugging at my lips.
“Hey, you,” his gruff sleepy voice greets me.
“Hey, you,” I parrot—lost in the way his voice sends butterflies swarming through my veins.
“How was your day?” he asks with curiosity.
“Not bad. I got my project done, and I’m ready for our test tomorrow.”
“I’m ready, too. In fact, I just finished studying and wanted to reach out before crashing. Jules was up at four thirty this morning. Though Van had to get up with her, I heard them, and I couldn’t get back to sleep.”
“Man, that’s rough. I didn’t get to bed until nearly three, so I’d be dead on my feet if I were you.”
“Damn, I have no idea how you keep that schedule.”
“Easy.” I smile. “I get to sleep in and have no responsibilities until the afternoon, remember?”
“Speaking of work, you never told me earlier how last night went.”
“Uh… it was fine…” And then I cringe, remembering Brad’s brief appearance.
“That doesn’t sound fine…” he draws out, picking up on my sudden discomfort.
Shaking it off, I downplay it for what it was. “It’s really nothing. A guy I went out on one disastrous date with showed up and wanted me to give him another chance.”
“Okay…” The way Vince stretches the single word, I know without a doubt he’s expecting me to answer his unasked questions.
Knowing he needs further explanation but not wanting to get into it too much, I force a laugh. “Don’t worry, Vince… You have nothing to worry about. I told him no. And that was the end of it.” Basically.
“I’m not worried.” Vince sounds a tad defensive, but I’m not entirely sure if that’s the correct word to describe his tone.
“Seriously, Vince. If it were something, I’d tell you.” Because let’s face it. Nothing did happen, and I’m not about to make a mountain out of a mole hill.
“I know you have to work tomorrow night, but you’re welcome to drop by before your shift for dinner. I know it’s selfish—but I’ll admit that it sucked not seeing you today.”
This guy. My heartstrings pull, and my smile returns.
“Of course. I’d love to. I’m caught up with schoolwork.”
We’re both quiet for a long moment until Vince clears his throat.
“Listen. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I need to crash. God forbid, Jules doesn’t sleep again tonight. I think I might pass out in class if that’s the case. Today I was draggin’ ass big time, and I can’t do it again tomorrow.”
