I Won't Fall For You | ✔️

▪︎\\Chapter Thirty Seven

VANESSA COLLINS

I wasn't dressed to impress.

I was dressed to look above average as the restaurant was a bit fancy. It was only a black dress that hugged my body perfectly and a pair of strapped up slippers that I bought two days ago. My hair was in a bun and I had in a pair of silver earrings.

I just wanted to get this date over with. I wasn't interested in Keith but I didn't want to not show up.

I went downstairs and saw Devin staring at his phone. I didn't bother to see what had his attention, instead, I stopped in front of him. He looked up slowly, and a wide grin spread across his face as his eyes swept over me from head to toe.

"Well, Keith will certainly be drooling over you," he said with a teasing tone.

I gave him a small, half smile. "It's bound to happen. I just don't know if this date will turn out good or not," I replied, my voice laced with uncertainty.

"Don't worry about it. If he tries anything, just give me a call and I'll have his teeth on the floor in no time," he said in the most serious voice ever.

"I can handle myself Devin. But if I do need your help I'll call you," I told him with a small smile.

"Do you want me to drive you or-

"-No, I'll take a cab. Don't worry I'll be fine and I'll be back before you know it," I cut him off by saying. I didn't want to bother him.

"Fine. Take care and I'll see you later. Oh, and maybe I won't be here when you get back. I'm going to see a friend and might spend the night."

"Alright, be safe. I'm leaving now. Take care," I said before turning and walking out.

The cool night air brushed against my skin as I closed the front door behind me. I took a steady breath, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.

Just to be safe, I had slipped a small pocket knife into my bag before leaving, because you never really know what could happen out there.

***

After paying the driver who wouldn't stop staring at me through the rear view mirror, I made my way inside the restaurant. The place was beyond words and I knew better than to dress simple and casual.

I spotted a table toward the back and made my way over, but I couldn't ignore the way the men's eyes followed me. Their stares lingered, heavy and uninvited, making me shift slightly in my seat once I sat down.

The worst part of it was that their dates were looking at me like I was trying to steal their partners. I didn't ask them to look but I didn't pay them any mind.

I took out my phone. I received a message from Keith saying how late he was going to be. I groaned as I felt a wave of discomfort washed over me. I will be sitting alone for the next couple of minutes.

My phone started ringing and I saw that it was an unknown number. At first I didn't want to answer it, but it wouldn't stop ringing so I did.

The voice on the other line sent shivers down my spine.

"Vanessa."