I can’t believe him!
This is the first good connection I’ve had throughout all these dates, and he has to go and ruin it.
“You okay?” Rhys asks as he walks beside me to his car.
“Oh, yeah.” I force a smile, praying he won’t ask me about Tyrell. Did he notice how grumpy the guy was?
Grrr!
Just stop thinking about him. Focus on Rhys.
“So, when are you performing again? Got any gigs coming up?” I force out.
Thankfully, he responds with an easy smile, and conversation is soon focused on street performances and collecting dimes in his guitar case.
He keeps me thoroughly entertained as he drives me back to my apartment.
When he pulls up to the curb, my insides flail for just a second. What’s the expectation here?
This is the first date that’s gone well. The first time I’ve gotten a ride home from the actual guy instead of Tyrell.
Wait, is that why Tyrell growled? Was he annoyed that someone else was driving me home? But why? Shouldn’t he be happy about that?
Maybe he was annoyed because things were going great for me and Rhys but not him and Vicky.
Shit. I need to talk to him. Make sure he’s okay.
“Uh… Dani?”
“Sorry, what?” I blink, only just registering that Rhys has been talking to me this whole time.
He lets out a soft laugh. “I just asked if you wanted to get together again sometime.”
“Oh, um…” I nod. “Yeah, sure.”
He smiles. “I had a really fun time with you tonight.”
I nod. “Me too.”
“Great.” I drink in his gorgeous smile. “Well, I’ll… see you around, then?”
“Sure.”
“Did you want to exchange numbers or…?”
“Oh, yeah.” I dig out my phone, my breath evaporating when I spot a text I didn’t hear come through.
Black Jack: I’m sorry for being a dick. Hope you’re having a good time with Rhys. If you’re up for a date debrief, give me a call.
“Dani?” Rhys asks again. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just… um…” I lift my phone with an awkward laugh. “My friend texted me, and I…” I let out a soft breath, unsure why I can’t finish that sentence.
“You know what?” Rhys grips the wheel and looks out the windshield. “Why don’t you deal with that tonight, and I’ll grab your number another time. I can sense you’re distracted. I’ll just give Tyrell a text, and he can send me your number. Is that cool?”
“Yeah.” I nod, confused by this weird feeling in my chest. I don’t even know what it is, but all I can think about is talking to Tyrell.
I want to see him.
