Rodger's Bold Move

When I pulled into my driveway, I was startled to see an expensive sports car parked in my spot. I was positive the tints were a few shades darker than what was aloud, and the engine revved so loudly that I almost went deaf. I was angry at first because of all the noise. But then I got excited, thinking that maybe Bentley had beat me home.

I grabbed my heels that were sitting on my passenger seat, my clutch, and headed for the ride. Just as I got to its door, it swung open to reveal a large cloud of smoke, loud music, and someone I never expected to see.

“Rodger!?” I frowned and folded my arms across my chest. “Hey! Turn that down! I have neighbors!”

“Oh! Sorry, sorry, sorry!”

His large, lanky frame leaned into the car and shut off the engine. He took one last puff of his cigarette before smashing it into the ashtray, then removed the keys from the ignition. He turned to me, flaunting a large smile as if he were drunk and happy to see me, and it instantly turned my stomach.

“Rodger, what are you doing here so late? And how did you even know where I lived?”

“I gave you a ride home one night, remember?” He chuckled nerdily. “You were drunk at the company party.”

I did remember that night. But it happened so long ago, I thought that he would have forgotten.

“So, how was the party? Did you find out anything?”

I huffed and brushed past him as I fiddled for my house key. I didn’t feel like having company, but since I was in the middle of an investigation and Rodger was actually someone insightful to talk to, I let him inside. I didn’t have much information about Ivy, but I did have the SD card.

“The party was fine,” I rolled my eyes as I pushed open my front door.

“Did he make you sign an NDA? I heard his parties get so crazy they make everyone throw their phones into a bag and collect them at the end of the night like some kind of teenager.”

Already, Rodger had gotten on my last nerve. I had a beautiful night, and he was ruining it with his rambling. I didn’t see any of the rumors the town spread about Bentley. Until I thought about what was happening to me.

“I got to keep my phone. And no, I didn’t sign any NDA. It was a normal party. There were celebrities there and top businessmen. Nothing unusual. At least, not until the end of the night.”

Rodger gave me an awkward look. The kind of look a guy gets when he thinks you cheated on him. When I saw that his eyes were scanning my messy hair, bare feet, and unzipped dress, I quickly remembered that the back was unzipped and pulled its string.

“Ugh! Nothing like that happened.”

“You sure?” Rodger teased. “Looks like you’ve been doing a lot more than partying.”

I ignored Rodger and plopped down on the couch. He took a seat on the love seat across from me. I didn't think much of it at the time because I didn’t see Rodger the way he saw me. I saw him as an annoying little brother or the nerdy guy friend that I had to look after. Not a potential mate.

“It was a regular party then, huh?” He sat back and let his eyes roam all over me. “What got unusual at the end?”

I shifted so that my legs were tightly pressed together and covered the view of my breast with my arms. I didn’t know why, but Rodger’s gaze over me made me feel unusual and uncomfortable.

“I told him that I knew about his family’s ties to the mob and that I knew Isaiah. He seemed to tense up when I mentioned his brother. I don’t know if they’re having some kind of sibling rivalry or something, but he didn’t like hearing about him. I can tell.”

“Isaiah Thomas?” Rodger looked surprised. “I don’t know why I never made the correlation. Thomas. Both arrogant assholes.”

“Bentley wasn’t arrogant at all,” I said in his defense. “He was actually a lot different than I expected him to be. He was chill and funny. Very light energy.”

“Wow,” Rodger nodded slowly. “Seems like you two are getting close already. Don’t let the good looks and charm fool you. That’s how a lot of women end up like.”

I jumped to my feet before he could finish his sentence. I already knew what was coming. I just didn’t expect it from Rodger.

“Like who?” I asked sharply. “Like Ivy? Is that who you were gonna say? Because I can assure you, the only reason I’m doing what I’m doing right now is because of her.”

“Hey.” His voice and eyes softened as he stood to comfort me. “That’s not what I meant. I’m just saying. Be careful. Please. I’ve seen a lot of bad cases in this field. I’m sure you have too.”

His hands rested on my shoulders as I stood before him, wallowing in my own pity. Rodger was right. A lot of women did end up hurt because they trusted the wrong man.

“Just keep your head in the game, okay?”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “Okay. sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.”

Without warning, Rodger leaned in for a kiss. My reflexes sent me flying backward, knocking a lamp to the floor. Rodger looked confused, as if I were overacting. His hands were raised in a manner of retreat, but I still wanted to pummel him.

“What? What’s wrong?” he tensed. "Did I do something wrong?”

"Rodger, I don’t see you in that way. We’re just co-workers. That’s it. I’m not looking for a romantic partner right now. This is just work.”

He backed away somberly. I felt sorry for him. Hurting his feelings or embarrassing him wasn’t my intention. I just wasn’t that into him.