Page 35 of Vas

Becca waved a dismissing hand. “I have a few more minutes.”

“Well, I’m not sure table eleven does. I’ll fill you in the next time we have a shift together.” And hopefully by then she will have forgotten all about it. “Come on, Tiffany.” Anna linked their arms and steered her through the kitchen, depositing her behind the counter before beelining straight for table eleven.

She was out of things to do after taking their order and delivering table nine their food, so she had no choice but to confront the awaiting Tiffany.

“You’ve stalled long enough. Spill.”

Resigned, Anna exhaled a sigh. “There’s really not much to tell.”

“Where’d he take you to dinner?”

“Barone’s. It’s a—”

“Oh! I’ve been there. They have great pizza.”

“Yes, it was really good.”

“Then what? You went to the movies, right? Did he hold your hand? Did you guys make out in the back row?”

Jeez, this really was a third degree. “Yes, yes, and no.”

She frowned. “Please tell me he kissed you goodnightat least.”

“If a kiss on the cheek counts, then yes.”

She’d been a bundle of nerves when Vas had walked her to her door after their date. So much so, she’d worked herself into a state by the time they’d reached it, the butterflies in her stomach doing swoops and dives. She stood before him, fidgeting with her keys in her hands. “Thank you. For tonight, I mean. I had a good time.”

He took the keys from her. Then raising his free hand with his eyes locked on hers, his fingers grazed her hair, tucking a lock behind her ear. Her heart started pounding as his heated gaze dipped to her lips and soon his head lowered.

Lids falling closed, she tipped her head back ever so slightly, anticipation pumping her heart to the point she could feel it beating against her chest, her only thought, she really hoped she didn’t screw the kiss up.

But the kiss she’d been anticipating never came. Her eyes flew open when she felt the brush of his lips against her cheek.

“Get inside and lock the door,” he murmured close to her ear.

Before she’d even registered what he’d said, he’d already put the key in the lock and pushed open the door.

“I’m not sure if a kiss on the cheek counts.”Tiffany wrinkled her nose.

Pulled from her thoughts, Anna admitted, “I was a bit surprised but,” she shrugged, “I don’t know. I thought it was kind of… chivalrous.”

Tiffany’s brow raised. “Chivalrous? Please don’t tell me you’ve started reading historical romance novels—not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

Anna rolled her eyes. “No. The word just seemed to fit. He was a perfect gentleman all night.”

“Well, when are you seeing Mr. Perfect again?”

Anna ignored the barb. “As far as another date? Monday. But he said he’ll be in to see me tonight.”

Tiffany’s smile grew broad. “Told you he was into you.” Then she flaunted, “When I’m right, I’m right.”

∞∞∞

“So where are we going?” Anna caved, not able to hold back her curiosity a minute longer.

They were in Vas’s car, heading north on the 5 freeway and the only clue he had given to where he was taking her for their second date was to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a light jacket.

“Magic Mountain.”

---