And that made her feel better than any false platitudes or niceties ever could.
“Okay,” she replied as he parked outside her apartment building.
“Stay there and wait for me.”
He jumped down from the truck and jogged around, opening her door.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to park here. You might get a ticket.”
“Not worried about a ticket.” He undid her belt and lifted her down, taking her hand.
He walked her to the door.
“I’m fine going from here on my own,” she told him.
“Not happening, girl. You’ll probably get accosted between here and your door.”
“I never have before.”
“Still not taking that chance.”
She rolled her eyes as she started searching in her bag for her key. Where was that darn thing? Ah-ha, there it was. She’d put it on a big key chain with a bright pink pompom on it that she’d made a few days ago.
“Jesus, what is that?” he asked as she unlocked the front door. There was a light on in the foyer.
“A keychain.”
He eyed it.
“You don’t like it? I made it myself.”
“You did? It’s uh, nice.”
“I could make you one.” She bit her lip so she didn’t grin. “I’ll make it a really pretty color. Something that will bring out the color in your eyes.”
“I know you’re joking, girl. But don’t you dare.”
She had to hold back a giggle, making herself pout and give him puppy dog eyes. “That’s just mean. Don’t you like my pompom?”
He just shook his head then hustled her to her apartment. Shoot, she was holding him up. Guilt filled her and she worked quickly to unlock her door once they reached it.
“I’m good now.”
He lightly placed his hand on her shoulder, turning her so she was leaning back against the door. Grabbing hold of her chin, he tilted her head back.
“I know I’m rushing off, but it’s not because I didn’t want to keep things going earlier. Believe me, I’m plenty fucked off that I’ve been called away. My dick is still complaining.” He grimaced and she couldn’t help but smile.
He raised his eyebrows. “You find that funny, girl?”
“No, it’s more a smile of commiseration.”
He leaned in so their faces were level with each other. “You still turned on, baby? I didn’t satisfy you?”
“You know you did . . . but I just wanted, well . . . you have to go, right? And I might see you later. I mean, another day. If you text. It’s okay if you don’t, you might have better things to do with your—”
The rest of her words were smothered as he put a hand over her mouth.
“Don’t start with that bullshit,” he grumbled, removing his hand.