Who does this guy think he is? We met literally five minutes ago and he thinks I’m going to give out personal details like that?
“I’m not giving you my address. I don’t know you. You could be a creep, or-or, a serial killer!”
Kip gives me a baffled look. “Uhh, Charlie? Are you sure you’re feeling alright? You do know me, I introduced myself five minutes ago. My name is Kip, remember?”
Oh, boy. This guy is really dense. “I know your name is Kip…and I know that you’re like freakishly gigantic and attractive, but I don’t know a single other thing about you.”
Kip’s face breaks into a devious, and smug, grin. Waggling his eyebrows, he says “You think I’m attractive, huh?”
“That’s what you got from what I just said?” I sigh, pulling out my phone. Oof, I thought I was sobering up because sitting here, I feel pretty good. Buttttt, when I look at my phone it’s all a blur. How the hell am I gonna order a ride?
Kip leans in close, too close. So close that I can smell the intoxicating scent wafting off of him, something manly and spicy. “That’s not how Uber works, Charlie.” He yanks the phone out of my hand. “You can’t just text ‘Uber’ and ask for a ride. You gotta go through the app.”
My face flushes. I know that…I just…I thought I was on the app.
“Ya know, I could just drive you home, dude. I haven’t even drank.” Kip offers, his face eager like a puppy that’s begging for attention.
“What makes you think I’m gonna get in a car alone with you, when I wouldn’t even tell you my address?”
Kip pouts. “I won’t bite, I pinky swear.” He then snickers, as if what he said was hilarious.
This guy is an oddball, but it’s also kind of endearing. Or maybe Ionly feel that way because he’s so fucking hot. “Nah, either order me a ride or give me my phone back.”
“Fiiinneee.” Kip whines, still pouting. He types furiously on my phone for what feels like an eternity, before handing it back. “Your ride will be here in ten minutes. I also put my phone number in there, so you can text me and let me know you got home okay.”
“Why would I do that?” I wince, that came out harsher than I meant it to.
Aaaaanndd there’s that puppy face again, except this time it looks like I kicked Kip.
“You’re not very nice, Charlie. Here I am, going out of my way to help you, and you’re being kind of mean. You must not have many friends, if you treat everyone this way.”
I shrink in on myself, letting out a soft scoff. “I have friends.” Three, to be exact. But still, I have friends. “Sorry for being a dick. I’m not very social.” I mutter.
Kip’s wide smile reappears, showing his unnaturally white and shiny teeth. “No worries, bro.” He pats me on the back with too much force, making me lurch forward. “You’re just a prickly little dude, but I’ve got thick skin, so your prickles won’t hurt me.”
I feel my lips pull up into a small smile. I am a prickly dude, I know this. And usually it puts most people off from me. It’s not that I try to be mean, or pessimistic, or prickly, it’s just how I am.
“Oh, wow! You’re smiling! You look really cute when you smile.” Kip beams at me, causing my smile to widen without my consent. “Not that you aren’t cute when you’re all broody and grumpy too.”
“T-thanks.” I feel my cheeks heat.
Just then, my phone pings, letting me know the Uber is outside.
“Looks like my ride is here.” I stand on shaking legs. Downing that glass of water while sitting at the bar has helped me start sobering up. I pause, turning towards Kip. “Uhhh, thank you…for helping me…and uhhh, being nice.”
“No problemo, brochacho. It was my pleasure. Be safe, Charlie.” Kip beams at me, the smile lighting up his entire face. He’s sunshine incarnate.
Chapter Five
Kip
Vampires, man.
As my new buddy, Charlie, walks away, I feel a pang of something in my chest. I hope he gets home okay. I wish he woulda let me take him home. I hate that he’s out there, clearly drunk and alone. What if there’s another vamp out there, waiting to take advantage of him? I’d never hurt him. I’d could protect him. Iwantto protect him. I’ve never felt like that before.
I feel Tys looking at me from across the room, but I don’t think I have the energy to deal with him anymore today. I’ve never felt so tired in my entire life. I’m usually a ball of energy and positivity, but I just can’t find those things inside me right now.
Without much thought, I decide to follow Charlie. I only want to make sure he gets home safe. He’s a prickly, grumpy, and kind of a dickhead…but he also seems soft in an unexpected way.
