Page 43 of Rum & Coke

“What do you mean?”

We stopped in front of my car. “Well, it seems everyone’s going to be an escort now.”

His brows arched. “Really?”

“Well, kinda. My boss asked me to be his date for some boxing match on Monday. Said he’ll pay me a grand.”

“Holy shit.”

“I know. I’m not sure why he asked me to do it.”

“Because you’re awesome.”

I laughed, throwing my head back. “He actually said it was because I don’t have a big mouth.”

“Really? What does that mean?”

“I have no idea. He said something about not talking about what happens here at RD.”

“He just wants to date you.”

“I don’t think so.”

He cocked his head to the side as if to imply I was oblivious to the obvious. “Are you sure?”

“Why would he want to date me?”

Vinny reached up and brushed my hair behind my ear. “Because you’re beautiful, Tess.”

I stared up into his chocolate eyes. “What are we doing, Vin?”

He stared back, not saying anything for a few moments. “I don’t know, but I don’t want it to stop.”

“Me either,” I admitted.

He grinned. “Good. Now, let’s get you home so tomorrow you can be awake and ready to shoot shit.”

I chuckled. “You make it sound so fun.”

“It should be. I heard it’s a high you’ve never been on.”

Vinny followed me home, walked me to my door, and kissed the top of my head before leaving. It was the first time his lips had touched me, and it wasn’t even on my skin. I had to admit it was sweet. And the way he turned, one last time, to see I was watching him leave, made me think that he was trying to be a gentleman and take whatever we were doing slowly. There was just something in the way he looked back at me that gave me that feeling—or I hoped that was the reason. I really needed to talk to him, but not at two o’clock in the morning.

“That boy has it bad for you,” Sophia stated as she came up behind me just as Vinny was out of sight.

“What makes you say that?” I asked.

“A boy who walks you to the door wants more than in your pants.”

I snorted, not believing that had come from her mouth. “I think he wants that too, but I wouldn’t be the only woman.”

“He told me he was an escort, and while I’m not fully certain what that means, a man in love will do anything for the woman he loves.”

“Even quit a job?”

“Even quit a job if it meant being with the one who’s captured his heart.”

“I don’t think he loves me.”