Wicked Things by Yolanda Olson
Hollis
“Last call!”
I glanced over at the bartender, then at Bates with a raised eyebrow.
I hadn’t realized that so much time had gone by, just from talking to someone who didn’t see me as anything other than what I presented him.
I watched as he raised his arm and let out a shrill whistle to get the bartender’s attention.
Once he had it, he pointed between us and held up one finger, then gave me his undivided attention again after the bartender nodded in understanding.
“You don’t have to pay for my tab,” I said with a smile, “I was drinking alone until you showed up.”
“I don’t mind,” he replied with a shrug as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “I don’t usually have anyone to talk to, so, at the very least, I figure I can pay for the company. Before and after.”
Bates was being nice to me, and I didn’t know why.
I wasn’t used to anyone being kind to me outside of Melody, and the occasional visits from my brother.
I liked the feeling enough that I knew I would try going out again tomorrow night.
I stood up after Bates cleared our tab and grimaced, placing a hand to my side.
“You okay?” he asked curiously as he reached down to take my hand in his.
It was the not so gentle reminder that I needed, to realize he would more than likely finish what the men from last night started if I didn’t end our evening before it went too far.
I pulled my hand out of his and blinked back tears when I saw how disappointed he immediately looked.
His shoulders slumped slightly, and the warm glow of his green eyes became muddled and sallow.
He chewed on the inside of his mouth as he shook his head, and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Can I at least walk you to your car?”
I shook my head, and when his shoulders slumped even further, I reached forward and placed a hand on his forearm.
“I didn’t drive tonight, Bates.”
“Oh.”
He stood up a little straighter and the grin started to shine again on his handsome face.
“Do you want a ride?”
I looked away and thought of my options.
I could tell him ‘no’ and walk home like I always did, or I could let him take me home and hope that would be the end of it.
As people started to walk by us, one of them drunkenly stumbled into me, tossing me against Bates.
When he caught me, he wasted no time in pulling me close against him and resting his forehead against mine.
I winced, doing my best to bite back the pain because I didn’t want him to think it had anything to do with him.
“I told you that I won’t hurt you, Hollis. But I can’t let you just leave, either,” he whispered before he took a deep breath and pressed his lips against mine.
