In the parking lot, he began just talking about his new job and how he’s been adjusting to a new life here in Las Vegas.

“That’s nice,” I said. “Good luck on your journey.”

My heart was a roller-coaster at the moment. I was wide awake but seemed to suddenly be drained of energy. I couldn’t even be rude or angry because it took a lot of effort.

“Thank you,” he answered, smiling. He seemed taken aback by my words because, for the first time since he’d come to this city, I had spoken nicely to him.

We stopped in front of my car.

“Leigh, maybe we can meet up soon and talk about the project?” he asked with a hopeful tone.

This time, I couldn’t say no. He was now officially an employee of The Croft Hotel Group, and therefore, it would not be suitable for the company I work for if I refused. But I could assign someone else, perhaps.

“Sure,” I said. “I’ll just have my assistant contact you tomorrow.”

“I would really appreciate that, thanks.”

I nodded politely and then got into my car.

“Take care,” he said. “Drive safe.”

It wasn’t supposed to end that way. But fate had other plans.

When I turned the ignition, nothing happened. I tried again. I pressed on the gas as I tried to start the car. Still nothing.

Holy shit. Not now.

Drake leaned down and knocked on my car window. “Is everything okay? What’s wrong?” he asked.

I had no choice but to get out of the car and let him take over. I did not know how to check the engine and stuff like that. I only knew how to drive.

“It won’t start,” I said. For a change, I felt grateful that he was there to help out.

The parking lot was deserted. It was three in the morning.

Drake might be an asshole, but I still felt safer with him than all alone with a broken car.

“Let me check,” he said. He inspected under the hood with the flashlight from his phone. Then he went behind the wheel and tried to start the engine. Still nothing.

I sighed. It was really late, and I still had an appointment to go to the following day.

“I think the battery’s dead,” Drake said. “We should call for a replacement.”

He dialed a number on his phone and talked to someone. “What? Why?” he said in an annoyed tone after a while. “Can’t you have someone come earlier?”

He paused for a while, then put the phone down. “They don’t have available staff at the moment. They can only come after an hour or so.”

“What? That sucks…” I muttered. Then to Drake, I said, “I’ll just take a cab and have this replaced tomorrow. Anyway, the car will be safe in the hotel parking.”

Of course, he didn’t agree. “Why take a cab at this hour when I can just drive you home?” he said.

Now I had no choice but to ride with him. I needed to get home and rest.

So I eventually agreed. I knew he was ecstatic, but he tried his best to look forlorn for my sake.

“I’m sorry about your car,” he said. “I can actually come back here and wait for the replacement, then bring it to your house afterwards.”

It was a very tempting offer, but I did not want to impose, and I certainly did not want to owe him anything.