Page 35 of Vincenzo's Promise
I looked down at my watch. “I’ve got a few minutes left then I’ll be ready to go.”
“I’ll meet you out front.” He kissed me on the cheek.
Before he turned to leave, he stared at Dr. Daniels a few more seconds, and Dr. Daniels kept his eyes on Vincenzo. I stepped between the two men, blocking Dr. Daniels’ view of Vincenzo, and cupped Vincenzo’s face. He looked at me and smiled but I could tell it was off.
“Let me pack up, and I’ll be right out.”
I gave him a kiss.
He looked one final time at me, winked, but then looked over my shoulder in the direction of Dr. Daniels before he entered the elevator. When I turned around, I didn’t miss the look of want in Connie’s eyes, and the hate in Dr. Daniels.
“You snagged yourself a looker,” Connie said, and I couldn’t do anything but laugh.
She was right. He was beyond gorgeous. Vincenzo was tall with dark hair, a muscular build, and the most beautiful smoke-colored eyes I had ever seen on a man, which popped even more against his bronze skin. He would make any woman salivate just to have one kiss from those pouty lips. But now, that pleasure was all mine.
Dr. Daniels mumbled something under his breath before stalking off without saying a word to either me or Connie. After we watched him rush off, I looked at her, bewildered.
“You know he has it bad for you, right?” she asked. Then she shrugged. “I think you just crushed his heart again.”
“I made it clear to him a long time ago that nothing would ever come of it. I would never date a coworker.”
“Some men will listen while others think they don’t have to,” she responded, nonchalantly then went back to whatever had held her attention before Vincenzo arrived.
I didn’t respond because I didn’t know how to. I’d made it clear to Dr. Daniels before he disappeared I had no intention of having anything with him beyond our professional relationship, which was something I couldn’t avoid. Now that he knew about the engagement, whatever infatuation he had for me, I hoped he would let go.
* * *
Vincenzo remainedquiet the entire time from the hospital to my home, then back to the airport—other than the occasional one-word response. He was engrossed in whatever he and Angelo were discussing the entire drive, and I could tell it was bothering him.
I focused on the passing scenery, the hustle and bustle of the city slowly fading away. I’d lived in the city until I was old enough to purchase my own home. No matter where my mother had decided to live, or what home my father decided to purchase for her, it was always close to the city. But I absolutely loved life outside the congestion of city life.
“Tell me about Dr. Daniels.”
Vincenzo and Angelo stared at me, waiting for me to respond. But what could I say? I had no clue why they would want to know anything about him and why they believed I would know anything about him? The only thing I could think about when it came to the man was the creepiness that draped my body whenever he spoke, or when he was around.
“I don’t know anything about Dr. Daniels other than he’s a doctor on staff at the hospital who has recently returned,” I said.
Vincenzo and Angelo looked at one another, then back to me.
“Where did he go?” Vincenzo asked.
“I have no idea. After I told him I didn’t want to go out with him, he left the hospital.” I shrugged. “Why?”
“I didn’t like the vibe I got from him today, so Angelo is going to do some digging.”
“When did he leave?” Angelo asked.
“I’m not sure exactly. Maybe a couple of years ago.” They looked at each other again, then back at me. “Okay. What’s going on?”
“I just don’t like the vibe around him,” Vincenzo said. “And if he’s going to be around you, I want to know everything about him.”
“Okay. To be honest, I don’t like to be around him. He gives me the creeps, and he used to show up everywhere I was. Cheryl believed I was looking more into it than what it was, but I can never shake the feeling of dread or fear when he’s around.”
“What do you mean?” Vincenzo asked, his bronze skin tinting a shade of red.
I could see the anger sparking in his eyes, his expression clouded in rage, and I knew he was doing everything in his power to keep his temper in check.
“If I went to a specific restaurant with Cheryl, he’d be there. Or if I went to the mall, he’d show up. It was all weird.”
