Page 41 of The Dance

“Tell me why.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“Because it means I’m a whore.”

Blake balked. “What?”

“That’s what Chuck said.” I hugged myself.

“Who’s Chuck?”

“The guy—”

“Oh.” He blew out a breath. “But it doesn’t mean you’re a whore.”

“I looked it up, Blake. Tootsie means that I’m sexually available.”

“I don’t fucking call you Tootsie, now do I?”

“You call me toots. That’s the same thing.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Toots was a term of endearment in the old days that means like honey or baby.”

“Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure.”

“Okay, but given what happened, I don’t want to be called that.”

“Then what do you want me to call you?”

“I don’t know. It’s not like we’re dating. Just call me Stacey.”

He didn’t say anything for a few moments, and then with a thin smile, he said, “All right, Stacey. I’m still not taking you home.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s the middle of the fucking night.”

“So?”

“If you want me to take you home, I’m sleeping at your place.”

“Why?” I pulled my head back.

“Because you were attacked tonight. Don’t you get that?”

“What does it matter if it’s now or tomorrow? I’ll still be alone in my bed.”

“Fine, but I’m not taking you home in the middle of the night. Tomorrow, in the light of day, I’ll feel better.”

I wasn’t sure ifIwould feel better. Chuck didn’t know where I lived, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to be alone for a long time. Thankfully, I had Molly. “Oh, shit,” I breathed.

“What?”

I raced back to Blake’s room. “I was supposed to go out with Molly after my date.”

I opened my phone to see I had five missed texts from her. Because it was late, and my Do Not Disturb was automatically set to come on, I didn’t pay attention to the number next to the little green text box. I looked at the time. It wasn’t the middle of the night like we had thought, but instead, it was five in the morning, so I texted Molly.

Me: Sorry about last night. Something came up. I’ll explain when I get home.