Love at the Right Tempo by Michael Mandrake & Remmy Duchene

Author:Michael Mandrake & Remmy Duchene [Mandrake, Michael & Duchene, Remmy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“Shit, Vaughan!” Kelliani swore. “Didn’t you hear me calling you?”

He blinked and looked up into his best friend’s face. Her expression went from anger to concern in a heartbeat. She sat beside him on the sidewalk before their building. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”

“Everything,” Vaughan whispered. “Everything is fucked to hell, and I—why do I expect men to want to … shit. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Sin, you were happy a few hours ago when I saw you. What could have happened between then and now?”

“I’ve only known Frederick for a little while,” Vaughan said. “And in that time I feel like there could be something between us, but he’s gone—or rather will be gone soon. And he’s going to be out there and meet someone and he’s going to forget all about me.”

“Did he say something? I’ll kill him.”

“No.” Vaughan couldn’t help laughing. “No. Nothing like that. I have nothing to offer him. He’s filthy rich, and I work slinging booze to overworked idiots with too much money in their pockets. He has a pick of any man he wants—men that aren’t scared.”

“Stop it!” Kelliani snapped. “You stop that right now! None of this woe is me bullshit. D’you hear me? You are a wonderful man, Vaughan Emmanuel Singleton. Your parents may not have seen it. Your brother may not have seen it and Sam may not have seen it, but you have to realize that I know how good you are, and I believe so does Frederick. You can’t let those scars define you.”

“But…”

“‘Oh but’ my ass! If you’re going to let them be the reason for your life, let them show how strong you are. You survived hell, Sin, but you’re still standing—so to speak.”

Vaughan turned to look at her. She smiled then cuddled into his chest, her pink and black dreadlocks tickling his nose. He wrapped his arms around her, welcoming her warmth. “Then why do I feel so unworthy?”

“Because we’re humans, and we’re idiots.”

He had to laugh then. “You sure have a way with words.”

“You’re welcome. Now, why aren’t you inside?”

“I went in and fed the queen. But my bedroom smells like Freddy.” Vaughan sighed. He was working the next night so he should get some sleep, but first he’d have to change his sheets.

“You can’t stay out here all night,” Kelliani said, leaning from his arms and standing. She extended a hand. “Come on. I’ll help you change your sheets and even tuck you in.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Vaughan assured her. “I just needed some time and fresh air, that’s all.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. Besides, you look tired. Get some sleep and come by and see me tomorrow?”

“It’s a date.” Kelliani looped her arms with his and the two walked through the front door of the building. In the elevator, Kelliani rested her head against his shoulder. “I really thought you two would have been good together. I see the way he looks at you, and there’s no way to fake that.”

“I’m not saying he’s lying when he says he wants to be with me,” Vaughan said.

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