Page 25 of Gin & Jewels

“Geez. That must have been really scary for her.”

“Yeah. I actually haven’t seen or talked to her since. She called my boss when I was taken to the hospital and told him what happened, but when I try to call her, she doesn’t answer.”

“That’s shitty of her.”

He shrugged. “To be fair, she didn’t get the date she paid for.”

“What do you mean?”

Brad smirked. “Come on, princess, I know you know what I mean.”

“You mean sex?” I whispered.

“Well, the whole date in general. We started off good, but then I decided to take her off The Strip to get the full boyfriend experience and ended up getting shot.”

“She can’t blame you for that.”

“No, but most of my clients hire me one time because they need something they aren’t getting. She clearly didn’t get what she needed from me either.”

I was jealous when I saw him with her, but knowing it was fake and she’d paid to be with him made it a little better for me. “Well, I’d say she had a once in a lifetime date, even if it wasn’t what she paid for.”

“True.” He nodded.

We finished our lunches and then got back into his truck. He drove the few miles back to my work. “Thank you for lunch. This was nice.”

“I’m glad you’re doing okay after everything.”

“Thank you, and I’m glad you are too.” I reached for the door handle, but he stopped me by grabbing my wrist lightly.

“Let me get your number. That way, I can call to check on you instead of showing up at your work.” He handed me his cell phone.

I smiled as I took it. I didn’t mind him showing up at my work at all, but I wouldn’t mind him calling me either. I handed him back his phone after I put my number in it. “Here you go.”

“Would you …” He hesitated and rubbed the back of his neck. “I was wondering if you’d like to go to Vinny’s wedding with me on Saturday?”

I blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah. I mean, you said you’ve never been to one, and I liked getting to know you better today, so why not? Be my date.”

“A free date?” I teased.

Brad chuckled. “Yeah, a free date.”

I smiled. “Well, I actually have a secret to tell you then.”

He grinned back. “What’s that?”

“Saturday’s my birthday.”

“No shit?”

“Yeah.”

“So, you already have plans?”

I snorted. “Well, I didn’t say that.”

“No plans for your birthday? You have to come now. It’s meant to be or something.” His grin was huge, and it made my insides tingle.