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“Oh, c’mon. My girl parts are screaming, and he’s the first decent-looking guy I’ve talked to in a long time.”
“Nothing is screaming.” I laugh. “If you like him that much, I’ll give him your phone number.”
She turns giddy. “And that is why you’re the best!”
I shrug. “I try.”
Shortly after I had Jake leave, I introduced Vance to Jocelyn. The moment they locked eyes on each other, it was like watching a match catch fire. So quick, instant.
The more I watched them together, the longer the moment took my mind off the man I know is waiting at home for me. I don’t know whether to dread that fact or look forward to seeing him again.
I feel my blood practically boiling all over again. The audacity of that man… To follow me like I need supervision. So much for him treating me like an adult. He’s just as bad as Jonathan. To think I could trust him to keep his word, much less stay in his lane.
“Are you okay?” Vance’s question brings me back to reality.
“I’m fine.” I’m just plotting how delicious ways to tear Jake a new one.
He scoffs. “I know better than to believe a woman when she says she’s fine.”
“And you’re already the wisest man I know just for saying that,” Jocelyn praises him.
“Amen to that,” I agree with her.
He laughs. “If that’s one of the many ways to a woman’s heart, then so be it.”
Sometime later, the car stops in front of the Italian restaurant again. We all pile out, say our goodbyes, and begin to go our separate ways.
“I can drive you home, Vance,” I offer since he left his truck at the bar to come with me.
“Thanks.”
Exiting the parking lot, I start driving down the road.
“I meant what I said in the car earlier,” Vance says out of nowhere.
“What do you mean?”
“You say you’re fine, but I can see you’re thinking about something. Would that have anything to do with the friend you told to leave?”
I give him a polite smile, keeping my eyes on the road. “I appreciate your concern, but it’s really no big deal. Jake is just an overprotective watchdog Jonathan put on me. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“I remember him being like that when you were a kid, but you seem to take care of yourself just fine now.”
I chuckle. “That’s what I think, but you try telling him that. I’m guessing it’s some older brother mentality bullshit.”
“As an older brother, I get where he’s coming from. But don’t you think having Jake follow you is a bit much?”
“Normally? Yes. But you’d be amazed the lengths my brother will go to make sure I stay safe.”
“How did Jake find out where you were anyway?”
I shrug. “I can only guess he’s been following me from the moment I left home to meet up with Josie.”
“Was he visiting you or something?”
“Sadly, no. He’s living with me.”
“What?” From the corner of my eye, I can see the shock spilling across his face. “Why the hell is he living with you?”