Enraptured(21)

"Because you got your germs all over it." I tossed the remainder of the strip onto his tray and Kyle busted a gut.

Dace looked at him. "Is she serious?" He looked at me. "You know we're not in elementary, right?"

I bristled. "I don't care."

"Ella doesn't share with anyone, Dace." Kyle explained when he'd gotten over his laughter. "She thinks it's disgusting."

"It is disgusting." I corrected.

Dace scoffed. "It's not like I slobbered all over it."

"No, but your teeth scraped down against the food and I bet," I cringed as I looked at the strip. "I bet all the gunk on your teeth stayed behind on the strip." I shook my head as I thought it through and Dace's eyes widened as he sat back in his chair. "I can't handle that."

"You think I have gunk on my teeth?" He sounded offended and I sighed.

"I'm not going there." I shook my head determinedly. "I just don't share food."

"Drinks?" He asked immediately.

I shook my head stubbornly. "Nope. I don't share - that's the end of it."

"You're ridiculous." He smirked.

"I don't care." I looked at him pointedly. "If you want to hang out with me, Dace, you'll have to get used to it." He settled back in his chair with a smug look on his face and when he folded his tattooed arms over his hard stomach, I knew he was up to something. I narrowed my eyes. "What's going on in there?" I pointed to his head.

He grinned and it was the epitome of mischievous. "I'm thinking of ways we can rectify our little problem."

"We don't have a problem," I started. "I have a problem and there will be no rectifying anything!"

"But you're wrong, Angel."

"And how am I wrong?" I set my chin in my hand and waited, feigning patience.

"It is most definitely our problem."

"How so?"

"I like sharing and I want to share with you." He explained simply.

I shrugged. "I think you're the one with the issue that needs resolving."

His blue eyes glimmered with challenge or mirth, I didn't know. "We'll see, Angel."





Chapter 7

My phone buzzed where it sat in the back pocket of my jeans and I struggled to pull it from its restrictive holder as I ambled across the parking lot to my car after a long day at school. With Dace's teasing me to Dee's consistent questions, I was exhausted both mentally and physically. But the day wasn't over yet. I hiked the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder as I slid my thumb across the smooth screen of my iPhone. My heart lurched as Dace's name claimed the screen and I opened the text.

You're meeting me at the club?

I shook my head and bit back the smile that ached to light my face. I told you I would.

I never know with you. His reply was instant.

You're hilarious. I'm predictable, Dace. And you know it.

My phone beeped just as I was about to slide it back into my pocket and I sighed, succumbing to my smile. I'll see you later. I'll be there at 5.

Is that when you want me there?

Yeah. He replied and I didn't bother sending another.

One-word text messages had always been an indicator of a conversation over for me. I unlocked my car and tossed my phone into the passenger seat before placing my laptop bag into the back seat.

It was going to be a long night and I had class the next day. I'd never been a night owl so this was going to take some getting used to. But I didn't mind - mainly because I knew I would be making money - and I would be spending time with Dace. There was something about him that over the last few days I found myself missing when he wasn't around. I liked to think he felt the same way because since hiring me on, he'd made countless excuses to be near me. It seemed that whenever I turned around, he was there. It made me smile. He made me smile.

I parked my car and took the elevator up to my apartment. As soon as I was inside, my phone vibrated again.

Where r u? It was Dace.

At home. Y?

Can I come over? My heart lurched as I read his message and I frowned. Why did he want to come over? I would be seeing him in just under two hours - surely he could wait?

I thought I was seeing you at 5? I replied. While waiting for his reply, I started pacing my kitchen. When my phone started ringing in my hand, I was almost certain my heart was seconds away from leaping from my chest.

I looked at the screen before answering and saw his name. Butterflies took flight in my stomach and my breaths came in short. I debated on letting it ring, but I knew I couldn't. I'd been texting him a moment ago and he would know I'd ignored him if I didn't answer.

"Hi?"

"You were going to ignore my call." He accused without greeting.

"I was not!" I defended myself hotly.