Page 41 of In a Pinch

“You’d have to be legally blind not to notice you. And in a dress like that.” I shake my head and unlock the car door. Walking to her side of the car, I open the door, and she looks a little taken aback.

Looking from my hand on the handle to my face, she asks, “Well, Prince Charming, since when are you a gentleman?”

Dropping all expression from my face, I reply, “I’m not a neanderthal, but thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“He knocks a guy out and opens the car door, what a packaged deal.”

I roll my eyes at her and close the door behind her once she gets comfortable in the seat. Walking around the car, I grin to myself. This is my one shot to make up for our first almost date, and there won’t be anyone to fuck it up this time.

“Okay, shortcake, where we headed?”

Chapter Nineteen

Addie

“The one and only McDonalds, of course. A milkshake is calling my name.” It’s a silly question. Drunk girls and McDonalds go together like macaroni and cheese. Though, the better part of my buzz was killed from the adrenaline, and the adrenaline was replaced by a bit of hot and bothered.

I’m not supposed to like Sam, I know this. But hot damn, he came in like a knight in shining armor. I knew Caden was trouble, but I ignored my gut. I didn’t think he was a complete and total psycho. He deserves endless kicks straight to the balls.

“I’m a professional chef, and you are making me buy you a milkshake from freaking McDonalds.” He shakes his head in mock disgust.

My head whips back to him. “What, are you too good for McDonalds’ milkshakes?”

“It’s been a while. Maybe they will shock me.”

“A good milkshake and fries can knock the socks off anyone.” Dipping fries in a milkshake could be a delicacy across the globe.

It dawns on me that I should probably let the girls know I went home before the cavalry comes for me. So, I shoot off a text that it was getting too hot and I had to get out of there. They’re all a little drunk and will run with it for now. In the morning, they might have questions, but that's a tomorrow and more sober me problem.

Isla sends back a thumbs up, and I look up just in time for us to pull through the drive-through.

He pulls his car up just before the speaker and looks over to me. “Okay, what all do you want?”

“I would like a hot and spicy, a large fry, and a large chocolate milkshake. I swear, if they try to say their ice cream machine is down, I will riot.”

“Well, since it’s about fifteen minutes from them closing, you might be shit out of luck on the milkshake, shortcake. But we can cross our fingers.” He holds up his hand not on the steering wheel and crosses his fingers.

The intercom static clears. “Welcome to McDonalds. What can we make for you tonight?”

“Can we get a hot and spicy, large fry, and large chocolate milkshake?” Sam orders.

“I’m sorry, sir. Our ice cream machine is currently being cleaned and is shut down for the night.”

“Ugh, this whole night is a fucking disaster.” Groaning, I rub my hands down my face. Ugh. My girls’ night out was ruined by a psycho, and now I can’t have a milkshake. Why does life hate me?

“One second, please,” Sam says, calmer than I would have. Who the fuck starts cleaning machines before you close? There should be research done on how much sales fast food restaurants lose from cleaning machines. The built-up fury has me angrily crossing my arms.

“Okay, hear me out. I have all the fixings for milkshakes, and I can make you homemade fries. What do you say we ditch this place and head to mine instead?”

Homemade fries? My heart could cry tears of joy.

Squinting my eyes at him, I have an inner debate with myself. “So long as you promise you are not a serial killer trying to lure me into your lair with fresh fries and ice cream.”

“I solemnly swear.” He holds his right hand up and I can’t help but laugh as he speeds out of the drive-through lane, the McDonalds’ brick building blurring past us.

The ride to his apartment isn’t long, but enough that my head clears even more. Now, I can’t blame my wanting to be around him more on being drunk. His presence is calming, and after tonight's excitement, I can’t help but cling to that. The conversation is steady, and he has me laughing the whole way.

When we pull up to Sam’s apartment, I see the outside is well-lit and looks pretty clean. As we drive past buildings, my eye catches on their outdoor recreation center, a good-sized pool, and tennis courts. This is actually a nice complex.

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