Laney gave him the stink eye. “If you hurt her…”
“Relax. I’ll treat her like a queen.”
“Right. Like all the others, I’m sure,” she scoffed and rolled her eyes.
I tensed when he glared at her. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” I reeled her in for a hug. “You could be nicer,” I whispered in her ear.
“My dad works for the highway patrol. We have connections. Just a little warning.”
I sighed. “Stop already.”
“It’s fine, Red. She’s just protecting you.”
“That’s right, Leo. Be good to her.” She waved and stalked off.
I looked at Leo. “Now what?”
4
Leo
“NOW WHAT?” RED’S eyes darted around nervously as Laney left. “I mean, remember, virgin.” She tapped her chest. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
I wished I could say the same. It was true I’d been with many women. I’d even had a few short-term girlfriends over the years, none worth remembering. But going home with a woman? Well, I guessed I was an expert at it.
“Let’s take off and grab something to eat. I’m kind of hungry.”
She frowned. “Sorry you missed out on eating. I’ll buy dinner.”
“Hey, Leo,” a woman called.
I turned my head to see who it could be. Two women waved. I returned a nod because I wasn’t a dick.
Red walked away—power-walked away. Which wasn’t so fast with her short legs, but fast enough that I had to trot after her.
“Wait.” I caught up and took her hand, lacing our fingers together. “I’m buying dinner.”
She stopped hard and yanked her hand out of mine. “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to do… you know,it. Have a nice life.” She took off again and I followed.
“Talk to me, Red. What’s wrong?” I couldn’t believe I was chasing after this woman. I never pursued anyone.
She had her phone at her ear when I stepped in front of her. “Just leave me alone,” she whispered.
“Who are you calling?”
“A ride.”
I snatched the phone away and ended the call.
“Hey!”
“Even if we don’t doit, I’m driving you home.”
“I prefer if you didn’t.”
“I don’t give a crap what you want, Red. You’re not being fair, and honestly, you’re being judgmental. I’m driving you home. That’s final.” I retook her hand and tugged her along.
“So now you’re going all bossy on me. Nice. Well, at least I know what kind of man you are.”