The uncertainty in her words cooled him down enough to release her and move to the other end of the couch. He took in her disheveled blouse and kiss-swollen lips. Fucking delicious, but she was right. This was way too damn fast. “How about I take you out tomorrow night? Do you still like action movies?”
She smiled, and his heart sped up. God, she was so pretty w
hen she did that. “Yes, I love them,” she replied as she sat up and adjusted her clothes. Her face was flushed and her chest rose and fell in rapid succession. She might be trying to feign nonchalance, but Vance knew the signs of arousal when he saw them. He’d gotten to her.
“I’ll take you to see that new one that’s playing.”
She scooted off the couch and smoothed a hand down her blouse. “I’d never turn down a chance to watch Vin Diesel.”
Vance stood and shifted from foot to foot, willing his cock to chill. “Where do you live? I can pick you up.”
She looked down at herself, then quickly crossed her arms over her chest. “I can come here. It’s no trouble.”
Vance knew she was trying to hide the evidence of her arousal, but it was useless. He’d already noticed her pert nipples poking the flimsy blouse and bra. “If we’re going to do this, then we do it right. I’ll pick you up and I’ll pay.”
Her lips quirked up. “The times have changed, Vance. Men no longer have to pay.”
“The times might have changed, but I haven’t.”
Her chin went up in the air. “You were always too bossy.”
“No, I just like things to be a certain way.” He took hold of her arms and tugged her closer. “If you want to be with me, then I’ll pick you up and I’ll pay.”
“Vance’s rules or no date, is that it?”
He brushed her lips with his own and murmured, “You want more of that, don’t you?”
She sighed. “You know I do.”
“Then let me have this one thing, honey.”
“Fine, but I’m getting the biggest tub of popcorn they have.”
He chuckled. “And malted milk balls, if I recall.”
“Yes, those too.”
“Deal,” he promised, kissing her once more. He kept it brief, and when they separated, they were both more than ready for second base.
He tapped her on the nose and said, “Go, before I change my mind and carry your cute ass up the stairs.”
Shayla didn’t say another word but simply nodded and walked over to the chair where she’d left her coat. He helped her into it, and by the time she left, he was kicking himself for letting her leave. Would she still be around tomorrow? Old fears resurfaced, and he wondered if he’d made a mistake by asking her out. She was back for good, she’d said. Her explanation of why she’d dumped him was plenty plausible. Still, doubts lingered.
He lay awake way into the night thinking over everything that had transpired. He was taking a big chance by letting Shayla back into his life. Regardless of the reason she’s given him for breaking it off, losing her had turned Vance off from trusting any other woman. Jesus, it’d been difficult enough for him to rely on someone outside his immediately family. As a foster kid, he’d learned early on that people could and would be despicable creatures. Shayla’s betrayal had only added to his already suspicious nature. Since she’d left, Vance had managed to keep a tight leash on his personal life. The women he dated now liked to keep things light and easy. No strings attached, which was just freaking dandy with him.
One thing for certain, Vance had given up on meaningful relationships with women when Shayla left Blackwater twelve years ago. If that was the case, though, why was he entertaining the idea of getting Shayla into his bed? He knew good and well sex with her would open up a whole slew of old feelings. He had a full plate right now with the renovations on the diner. He didn’t need the kind of trouble one sexy redhead could bring him.
Chapter Six
“Oh, God, I’m so sorry. This is horribly embarrassing,” Shayla grumbled as she hugged her toilet after another bout of throwing up the dinner they’d had earlier.
“Shh, it’s okay, honey. You’ll feel better as soon as your stomach gets rid of the food,” Vance promised. “It’s partly my fault for suggesting seafood anyway.”
Her stomach burned, and every muscle in her body ached. “It’s no one’s fault. Just some bad fish, I guess.”
He cursed. “I hate to see you in pain. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”
She shook her head. “Like you said, I’ll feel better once it’s all out of my stomach.” God, Vance was being so sweet, so attentive. She couldn’t remember a time when a man had stayed by her side while she vomited up her dinner. It made her fall in love with him a little bit more. Oh, God, the thought of falling for Vance all over again caused her stomach to twist with nerves.