VANCE Read Online Free

exuded evaporates. I have to fight the urge to reach out and hug him.

    “Yes, thank you,” I say, hearing the shakiness in my voice.  

    “You don’t sound all right,” he replies gently. “Come on, get in the car. I’ll take you home.”

    I let him guide me to the car, and I sink into the luxurious passenger seat. My heart is still pounding hard and I can’t believe that Vance appeared out of nowhere in my moment of need. My head starts to swim and I close my eyes.

    “You don’t look well,” Vance says, getting in next to me. “In fact, you’ve gone very pale.”

    I open my eyes and meet the intensity of his gaze. There seemed to be genuine concern in his expression and I feel a warm sensation go through me. I breathe deeply. “I’m okay,” I say, mustering a smile.   “It’s just the shock. I feel better now. Thank you so much for sorting out that guy. You were amazing!”   I realise how gushing I must sound, and dip my eyes.   “Thank you.”

    “Thank you,” he says. “It’s not every day I get called amazing.”

    “I find that hard to believe,” I blurt out. “Your wife is a very lucky woman.”

    His mouth quirks and his nostrils flare a little. “I’m not sure she would agree.”

    A heavy silence settles, and I sense that Mrs Drake is a sensitive subject. “Anyway, thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. If you don’t mind dropping me at the taxi rank I can get a cab home.”

    “I’m not leaving you now, Holly,” he scoffs. “I wouldn’t be much of a knight in shining armour if I just dumped you now, would I? I’ll take you straight home.”

    I tingle again, impressed by how well mannered he is. I also feel a sense of disappointment that our time together is going to be over soon. I want to get to know him better, though of course that isn’t right. He is married, and therefore strictly a no-go area. My gaze lingers on his strong bare arms, now on display thanks to the tight black t-shirt he is wearing. It flatters his physique, and the dark jeans he wears compliment the shirt perfectly. I edge closer, breathing in his spicy aftershave.

    “Thanks,” I say, trying not to sound too crushed. “It’s real kind of you.”

    He doesn’t answer straight away, and gives me an unreadable response. “Um, if you’re feeling better maybe we don’t have to go back straight away,” he says tentatively.

    My eyes widen. “Excuse me?”

    “What I mean is, I’ve got a few hours to kill and I want to explore your fair town,” Vance goes on quickly. “It’s a little early for me to go back to the hotel. Maybe we could grab a cup of coffee somewhere? I bet you could do with a hot drink.”

    The gears of my mind work through the implications of what he is saying. I want to jump at the chance of spending more time with him, but reservations still gnaw at my resolve. “Won’t Mrs Drake be wondering where you are?” I ask. “Is she still at the hotel?”

    Vance forms his mouth into a thin line. “Estelle has one of her legendary migraines,” he says in a tone coated with sardonic weariness. “She’s resting in our room, and the last thing she wants me crashing around.   I’ve been banished for the duration.” He shoots me a sideways glance and his eyes dance with mischief. “Come on, Holly, let’s go out and play. I’ll buy you ice-cream and a soda pop.”

    He is so impressively sweet-natured, I have to laugh. “Okay,” I say, powerless to resist his boyish charms, “but I still need to stop off at the taxi rank. I need to make sure Jules gets a ride home.”

    “Jules? You mean that crazy maid that works at your place?”

    “You know her?” I ask, surprised.

    Vance nods enthusiastically. “We ran into each other earlier.   She’s a very vivacious soul.”

    “I’m sorry if she caused you any trouble,” I reply, feeling mortified. “She’s been told about pestering guests before.”

    “Oh she isn’t any trouble,” Vance replies. “I