Page 902 of One More Kiss

Fuck. Get a grip.

“Well, then you need a ride.” He wasn’t asking.

I shook my head in a panic. “You don’t have to…I mean…I’m sure she—” The sound of my phone buzzing in my bag stopped my word vomit.

Vee: Sorry, girl! I’m at the auto shop. They said it’s my radiator. You might have to catch a ride from someone else. This mechanic, though…I’d let him service my engine any time…

I rolled my eyes just as a winky face emoji came through. I plastered on a fake smile like I always did and texted back.

Me: Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

Vee: Umm…

Me: Shut up. Don’t even say it.

As if he read my mind—or my phone—Daniel bumped his knee into mine. “I don’t mind.”

I looked around for a second, trying to think of anything else I could do. I didn’t have another way home, and I was broke. I sighed, feeling defeated, although if I had to be stranded, at least it was with him. I turned back to find him staring at me. “Thanks.”

He jumped up and held out his hand for me to take and held my hand as he guided me through the parking lot to a black Mercedes.

“You drive this?” I didn’t mean to sound so shocked, but I was.

He shrugged. “Yeah.” He opened the passenger door for me, but I didn’t get in immediately.

“Are you rich?”

Daniel blushed a little. “I mean, I’m not, but I guess my parents have money.”

Obviously, they had a lot of money. I climbed in and sank into the black leather seats. It was small, only a two-seater. Daniel slipped in on the other side.

I ran my hand across the dashboard.

“It’s a little over the top. I know.”

“You think?” I shook my head and laughed. “My childhood home was probably worth less than this car.”

He seemed embarrassed, and suddenly, I felt like a complete idiot. Not only had I admitted that I was poor, but my sarcasm and lack of filter had been on full blast.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It’s just—”

He held his hand up and smiled. A real smile. “It’s fine. I promise. You weren’t thinking anything I didn’t think when it was given to me. Buckle up.” He pushed start and revved the engine. “The one thing I love about her is that she’s fast.”

I did as he said, and before I could even tell him where I lived, he just hit the interstate, and we were off. The ride was smooth and exhilarating, and I wondered if I was dreaming for a moment.

“You hungry?” he asked.

As if on cue, my stomach growled. I looked down at it and then back up. “I could eat.”

We took the third exit and pulled up to a brewery. I looked up at the sign that readRockslide Bar and Grill.

He pulled into a parking spot. “Have you ever been here?”

I shook my head.

“It’s awesome. I know it’s kind of out of the way, but the food is unreal. Come on.”

We made our way to the door, and Daniel reached for it. A group of people rushed out without apology, a few bumping into me and backing me up against Daniel. He didn’t seem to mind because when it was our turn to enter, he put his hand on my lower back and ushered me inside.

---