* * *
It’snine p.m. when I finally flick off the lights to the studio. I bolt down the stairs and across the gym to the main door like a wimp, afraid of the dark. Pulling open the door, I glance around to make sure no one is waiting in the shadows to mug me. My dramatics are warranted based on London crime rates these days.
My stomach dips when I spot the Audi waiting at the curb, the fear I felt moments ago chased away by a warmth that spreads through my chest.
Vinny gets out of the driver’s seat and opens the door for me, dipping his head to the side in question.
I smile, turning to lock the door.
“I hope you haven’t been waiting long?” I ask, stepping past him and sliding into the seat.
“Not long at all,” he says, shutting the door and rounding the car. I know Vinny is lying. He has no idea when I’m coming or going; I don’t have set times.
I am going to have to put a stop to this.
“You’re too nice, Vinny. You should tell him to piss off.” My lip twitches. “It’s fun, you know, making him angry.”
“You have no idea, Miss Anderson,” he chuckles, the corner of his mouth tipping up like mine.
I relax into the seat, my body going lax as I finally allow myself to stop. It’s been the longest day, and I really am glad for the lift.
“No Mason this evening?” I remark.
Vinny’s brows pull in, his lips forming a thin line. “No. I’m afraid he got caught up at the office and couldn’t get away.”
I frown, checking the time on the dash. “It’s nine o’clock. Does he always work this late?”
“When necessary,” he mutters, not giving me any more than that. Clearly, he doesn’t want to tell me, and that’s fine.
“I appreciate you being here tonight, Vinny. I’m not sure my poor feet would’ve managed much more tonight.”
His features soften a little, his shoulders relaxing. “It’s my pleasure, Nina, although it would help me if you could call when you’re nearly ready to leave. Mason will send me whether you like it or not,” he says.
I roll my eyes as I smile. This is all well and good, but why? Why is he insistent on having me driven around? “Well, now I feel bad. How long were you waiting today?”
“Only a couple of hours,” he chuckles.
“A couple of hours! Vinny, that is ridiculous! Why didn’t you come in and check how long I’d be?”
“That’s what—”
He’s cut off by his ringing phone. Reaching forward, he taps the car’s touchscreen, answering on the first ring.
“Anything?” Mason snaps, his voice echoing through the entire car.
I give Vinny a wink to let him know I’ve got this. “Hello Mr Lowell, how are you this evening?” I purr playfully. Vinny shakes his head as he looks out the window, but I can see his smile as I try to hold back my giggles.
“Good, you’ve got her. I’m ready when you’re finished there,” he responds, then hangs up.
I sit back in shock.
Is this prick for real?
“He’s had quite the day, don’t take it personally,” Vinny tries to explain.
I unbuckle my belt, leaning forward in my seat. I tap on the screen pulling up the recent call list and then press on Mason’s name.
He answers on the second ring.
