“Crowe, I need to go to the mall.” It sounded almost but thankfully not quite like a whine.
He didn’t answer my question, instead, he said, “I’ll meet you at your house in time to take you to the party.”
“We don’t know when or where that’ll be.”
“I’m sure we’ll find out.”
I was sure he wasn’t wrong. Most of the party planners were in the very same room and he worked with their boyfriends.
“All right,” I gave in.
“Pack a bag. I want you at my place tonight.”
That got a Grade Three flutter right off the bat. I wanted to see where Vance lived. I knew I shouldn’t want to but I did. I also wanted him to “want” me at his place. I knew I shouldn’t want that either but I did.
And it was my birthday so I should get what I wanted.
It was then my emotional Rottweiler started panting and whining.
Damn.
“Vance –” I started.
“Pack a bag.”
My eyes narrowed. “Seriously, you’re going to have to do something about that macho-speak.”
“Jules, pack a bag.”
I frowned at him. He stared at me.
Then I gave in.
“All right,” I said.
He kissed me again softly and I was a bit disappointed at getting a soft, sweet kiss. Not that it was a bad kiss, not at all, but it was my birthday.
When his head moved away, he was wearing his shit-eating grin like he knew my thoughts.
“Later, Princess,” he said.
Then he was gone.
No sooner had he vanished then the Rock Chicks descended.
“Let me see that bracelet,” Indy said, grabbing my wrist. “That’s gorgeous! I want one!”
“I see you didn’t break up with Vance last night,” Jet said, smiling at me.
“I did,” I told her, “he just kinda ignored me.”
She was still smiling.
Whatever.
“I have a problem,” I told them, “I need to go to work and I need to train with Luke at five thirty and then there’s the party and somewhere in between, I need to go to the mall and get a party outfit.”
“You have a lunch hour?” Indy asked immediately, dropping my wrist.