Free A Weekend Affair by Noelle Vella Page A

in a deep breath, taking a woosah moment before answering him. “Daniel, I took you in after you showed up at some unholy hour in the middle of the night pissy drunk, interrupting what little sleep I was trying to get, mind you. Now, I didn’t have to do that, but out of concern for you, and because I didn’t want you driving like that, I let you stay. I tried to talk to you, but you passed out before I even had a chance. Now I feel bad about you losing your job, but there was nothing I could do for you. This trip was planned a long time ago, and I wasn’t going to miss it.”
    â€œOh, so you’re telling me that gallivanting around like you’re twenty-one with someone who should be at home with her kids is more important than me?”
    In no time flat I went from annoyed to flat-out fuming. I was trying to be compassionate because of his situation, but Daniel was not making it very easy.
    â€œHey, things look bad right now, but you’ll find something. I’m sure of it. In the meantime, if you need a few dollars to get by, then I’ll help you out. But it will have to wait until I get back.” As the words left my mouth, I had a bad feeling that my promise to help him would come back to bite me in the butt later on.
    â€œI appreciate that, but I want to talk to you now. Are you really that busy?”
    I couldn’t win for losing. I moved the phone away from my ear, looking at it with a confused expression as if Daniel was directly in front of me.
    â€œLook,” I said, all calmness gone out of my voice, “I can’t talk right now. I’m out, and I’m being rude by standing out here talking to you. If I can, I will call you later.”
    â€œYou know what—fuck it!” he yelled. “Go on, hang out with your little girlfriend. I’ll deal on my own.”
    Next thing I heard was a click on the other end of the phone. So much for trying to relax. I was so heated I had half a mind to call him back. I was about to when I felt the presence of someone behind me. I turned to see Diego looking down at me.
    â€œHow long have you been standing there?” I asked.
    â€œNot long. I wanted to see if you were okay. You were gone for a while.”
    â€œI’m fine. Nothing serious.”
    I hadn’t noticed it at the time, but the temperature had dropped quite a few degrees, and while it was still unseasonably warm, the night air had taken on a bit of a chill.
    â€œAre you sure? You seem upset.” He appeared genuinely concerned.
    I put on my best poker face and replied, “Yes, I’m sure. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
    â€œIf you say so.” He looked skeptical. “You’re shivering,” Diego said.
    I should have brought a jacket with me, but I was so excited about Shell and me going out, the thought had completely slipped my mind. “A little, but I’ll be okay.”
    Walking past me, Diego deactivated the alarm to a graphite luster metallic Acura MDX. He had conveniently gotten a valet parking space directly in front of the club. Opening the side door, he took a black leather jacket off one of the seats and placed it around my slender shoulders. It felt heavy, but it did take the chill off. Then he climbed into one of the vehicle’s middle seats, motioning for me to join him. I gave him a look that said, “I don’t know you like that.”
    Catching the hint, he flashed that sexy smile of his, saying, “I’ll leave the door open. And you can even have the keys.” He held them up for me to see.
    I cautiously approached the car, climbing in with my hand outstretched. I took the keys from him, then sat in the seat next to him.
    â€œYou must be from New York,” he laughed.
    â€œWhy do you say that?” I asked, furrowing my brow.
    â€œBecause you’re paranoid just like one,” he teased.
    I laughed. “Oh, is that right? Hey, a girl has to protect