Page 251 of The Last Good Man

I take it, bring it to my lips, and glance out the window.

I so don’t want to go home.

“What?” he asks.

“Nothing.”

“You don’t seem too happy.”

I smile and sip more coffee.

“I am happy. Especially now that you think dinner wasn’t that bad last night.”

Cracking a smile, he runs his fingers through his hair.

“Your circle of friends is not that bad, except that jokester.”

I flick an eyebrow at him.

“And the ones before him,” he says.

“He’s never been part of my circle. That’s what happens when you date random people.”

He doesn’t comment, and I feel compelled to tell him about my conversation with Aretha.

He brings his drink to his lips.

“I’m glad I could help,” he says.

Ilook at him, entertained.

“You really did…” I say, my grin fading.

“So…” he murmurs after a few seconds, placing his drink on the nightstand. “What’s bothering you?” he asks, evading my eyes. “You had sadness in your eyes as you were looking out the window.”

“I don’t feel like going home.”

He extends his armout, reaches for his phone, and checks the time.

“We still have time,” he murmurs, yet he seems conflicted.

“Is there a problem?” I ask, placing my coffee down before rolling back onto my side to face him.

“No.”

He pauses.

"What about we do this?” he says. “You comewith me, and then I’ll take you home.”

“Come with you where?” I say, blushing for some reason.

Amusement glints in his eyes.

“I take you to my mother’s place.”

His words set my cheeks alight even more.

He bites his lip, and I stare at it. How beautifully it’s rolled beneath his teeth.

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