"I don't," he grinned his shit-grin. "Usually."
"More like never." I corrected smartly and he stepped toward me. He was so close I could almost feel the heat emanating from his body. It was all I could do to maintain my stance and not lean into him. I wanted to feel him against me again. I couldn't help it. He felt so…safe. And secure. It wasn't intimate…it couldn't be. It was just that I was so lonely and I really needed a friend. He'd come at just the right time - barging into my life like a knight. But his armor wasn't shining and he didn't ride a white stallion. Instead, his armor was smoky…almost black…and he rode the devils bike.
"So what do you say?"
I nodded. I needed a friend. And he was offering - who was I to refuse. "Friends."
"Do you want a study partner?" He raised a brow.
I shook my head and a slow grin formed at his persistence. "Don't push it, Dace." I warned and he beamed. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"You have class in the morning?"
"First thing." I answered on a sigh.
"Can I pick you up?"
I narrowed my eyes. "Why?"
"Because sometimes friends get rides from other friends." He replied smartly and I rolled my eyes.
"Does that mean I get to pick you up every now and again?"
He shook his head. "No. Knowing you, I'll end up stranded at school."
I laughed. "I wouldn't leave you stranded! You don't know me at all!"
He cocked a grin, his eyes warm on my face. "I know you, Angel. I'd do something to piss you off and you'd leave me stranded."
I blushed. "I wouldn't."
Dace stepped to the side, finally granting me access to the door. "I'll see you in the morning."
I shook my head. "I'm driving myself. I'll see you in class."
He shook his head in amusement. "You know I'll be here."
I opened the door. "And you know I'll already be gone."
"I'll find you." He promised.
"I have no doubt." I stepped inside, letting the door fall closed behind me. Dace was still standing by the door, watching me as I waited for the elevator when I looked over my shoulder. His hands were in the pockets of his jacket and his collar was popped. The smile he wore had vanished and the blue of his eyes was deep and intense. His jaw was locked and he looked confused. He was beautiful. Standing beneath the outside light of my apartment with the night sky's backdrop, he looked like an angel of the underworld. Dace was dark and damaged - of that I had no doubt. He'd never known the love of a woman - or if he had it had been lost untimely. He possessed so much more potential than he knew for love and life and yet he held everyone at an arms length. I couldn't help but wonder - why was he letting me get close? Why was he letting me in where no one had ever gone before? What did I have that he needed?
The elevator beeped as it rolled open and I waved at him, offering a small smile. He didn't wave back and he didn't smile as I stepped into the box and it rolled closed. On a deep breath, I leaned against the wall. I was exhausted. Body. Mind. And soul. I was thoroughly pooped!
My phone vibrated in the back pocket of my jeans and I pulled it out, sliding my thumb over the smooth screen where Dace's name resided. My heart felt heavy and hopeful. It was confusing. I shook off the thoughts and opened his text.
Goodnight Angel.
Goodnight Dace. I couldn't help but smile as I read his words. As little as there was to them through appearance - they had depth that touched me deeply.
Dace didn't reply and I set my phone on the counter after turning it on loud - just in case he wanted to text me again. I didn't want to miss it. I wandered over to the closet where I slid out of my clothing. As I folded my jeans, I remembered Greg. I didn't want to call him, but I didn't want to leave his number in my jeans either. I shoved my hands into the back pocket and frowned.
It was gone. Greg's number was gone.
On a shrug, I folded the jeans and placed them onto the shelf. It was only after I'd brushed my teeth and piled my hair into a messy bun - only a moment away from cracking open my books that I realized what happened to Greg's number. Dace had happened. I knew without a doubt that he'd gotten so close to me behind the bar with the sole intent to steal the number from my pocket. How I hadn't noticed then, I would never understand.
I swiped my phone from the counter and stomped back to my bed, plopping down exaggeratedly. I set to texting Dace.
SERIOUSLY!
What's wrong? His reply was instant.
You stole Greg's number?
You lost it?
I shook my head. The incredulous jerk! My thumbs started beating the screen of my phone. I didn't lose it. You stole it!
He's not good enough for you, Angel. Consider yourself lucky you lost it.