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“Lending sounds unpredictable.” I gulped the wine.
He smirked. “Different from day to day.”
“And you like it? It’s what you want to do?” I remembered the night we first met he had told me he used to be in the Navy.
“Does anyone really want the job they have? Present company excluded, of course.” He winked. “It’s interesting. I make plenty of money. I’m not out saving the world like you, and I’m ok with that.”
I giggled slightly. “I never said I was saving the world.”
“Just take the compliment.”
I blushed. “Ok. I save the world.”
“That’s better.”
We ate by candlelight. Somewhere in the front of the restaurant was the sound of an accordion. Vaughn was right about how authentic it was. The food was delicious—so was my date.
I thought we would take a car back to my place after dinner but Vaughn wanted to walk. Sometimes I got the feeling he had a restless side. He liked being outside more than in.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“A little.” I rubbed my arms.
“Here.” He took his jacket off and draped it around my shoulders. His body heat the jacket held was warm against my skin. It smelled distinctly like him. I inhaled.
“Thank you.”
We strolled along the sidewalk. I held my clutch in one palm as Vaughn took my other hand in his. I felt the fire as our hands touched and our fingers mingled.
I struggled for something to say. Vaughn seemed comfortable not saying much. That’s what the silent broody types did. They wallowed in the silence. I studied his profile as we walked. It was half-clipped in shadows.
I measured time by the click-clack of my heels.
Vaughn stopped. “Want to try this place?”
I looked at the bar he nodded toward. It wasn’t very busy.
“Sure. A night cap sounds good.”
He held the door for me as he ushered me inside. There was a baseball game on one of the overhead screens.
“I’ll order for us.” He squeezed me into a booth with leather seats. “Do you want another glass of wine?”
I ran my tongue over my teeth. “Surprise me.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” He turned for the bar and I watched as he ordered. He placed a handful of bills on the counter and returned with the two drinks.
“Here’s your surprise.”
I looked suspiciously at the dark liquid. “Is it bourbon?”
“You’ll have to try it.” He took a swallow.
I followed his lead. The initial sip was strong at first. My throat burned, but then I tasted the sweetness. My limbs started to warm.
I flinched when I heard my phone vibrate through my purse. I peeked inside the bag to see who it was.
Garrett had sent a text.
