Untitled Book 2(14)
“So what happened?” he asks, leaning back against the counter and watching me. “You changed your mind? You were still a bit of a bitch yesterday, you know.”
“You took me out for the first time in a month, and you took me to the pet store,” I say, my eyes gentle on him. “And you sat there for over an hour without complaining while I hugged puppies. Not many men would do that. So I forgave you for being a judgmental asshole because there is obviously more to you than meets the eye.”
He was patient and he was kind. Yes, I saw the way he was looking at the woman who worked there, just daring her to come up to us and kick us out. He had my back, giving me something when he didn’t even understand why it meant so much to me. I like puppies; they make me happy. I’ve always wanted a dog, but my mom was allergic, or so she said. I personally think she just wasn’t an animal person, but either way, I never got the puppy I asked for, even though I begged every birthday and Christmas. There’s nothing puppies can’t cure. If you’ve had a stressful day, cuddle a puppy.
Vinnie surprises me by throwing his head back and laughing. “Fuck, Shay. You can’t just go around calling bikers names and shit. Not all of them might be as nice as me.”
“Well, lucky for me I got stuck with you,” I say, opening a chocolate bar and taking a bite. “Do you want some?”
He eyes the chocolate and nods, opening his mouth. I lift my arm up high just to reach his mouth with my hand, placing the treat at his lips. He leans forward and take a big chunk out of it.
“That wasn’t a bite,” I protest. “That was half!”
“Look at the size of me compared to you. Since I’m almost double you, it’s only fair that I get more. Do the math, Shay.”
I quickly shove the rest of the chocolate in my mouth before he makes a play for that too.
“Sexy,” he comments, smirking as I struggle to chew with my mouth so full.
I simply shrug and throw away the wrapper, then say, “I’m going to start cooking. Are we doing anything tomorrow?”
“What do you want to do?” he asks, crossing his arms over his broad chest, his back still against the counter.
“Do you think we could go for a run? Along the beach or something?” I ask, thinking how amazing that would be. “Maybe get some ice cream afterward?”
He studies me, considering. I flash him a hopeful smile and point to the ingredients for the lasagna and chicken I was about to make him, just to remind him how nice I am.
“All right.” He gives in, looking amused at my tactics, his lips twitching upward a few times. “Not like we have anything else to do.” He pauses. “Besides keep you alive. Are you sure these guys are still looking for you? Either they’re shit at tracking people, or they don’t care anymore.”
“I don’t know,” I admit. “My father hasn’t contacted me about anything in weeks. Talon might know what’s going on. He’s usually the one who makes sure I’m safe, and sometimes he goes and visits my father in prison.”
“I’ll give him a call,” Vinnie says, not sounding too happy at the notion.
“You don’t like Talon?” I ask, wondering what his deal with my cousin is.
“It’s complicated” is all he says, quickly changing the subject. “How long until the food is ready?”
“You realize it’s not even dinner time yet, right?” I point out. “It’s only like three o’clock.”
He points to the meat on the table. “Yet you’re laying the ingredients out and making me excited. I’m fine with an early dinner. Just make enough for seconds when we get hungry again later on.”
“Demanding much?”
“Hey, I took you to see puppies, remember?” He grins cheekily, making my expression soften. “I’m going to do a perimeter check.”
“All right,” I say, puffing out a sigh. He playfully tugs on my hair as he passes me and I watch him exit the kitchen. Just yesterday I made a big deal about my being in the kitchen cooking just because I was a woman, and here I am, the very next day, cooking him a meal. I grumble to myself as I start to prepare everything, then decide to play some music while I cook. I put on my favorite playlist, then get to work on the lasagna.
Vinnie better love it.
* * *
“Do you dance like that in public?” Vinnie asks, making me almost drop the pan in my hands. I turn around and look at him, confused by the odd expression on his face. I’d just finished the meal and was doing the dishes, and I’m sure his timing wasn’t coincidental.