“I’m not so sure that’s necessary.”
“Well, it is,” I reply firmly before clenching my fists to calm down. “It’s important for you to know the surrounding area.” She presses her lips together in contemplation.
Standing, she fills my plate with salad—taking care of me. I stare until she finally brings those big brown eyes to mine. I miss you. I fuckin’ love you, babe. Come back to me. Forgive me. The words sit on the tip of my tongue, but I refuse to mess this up. I can’t push her.
I clear my throat as she takes her seat. “I don’t want you thinking I’m doing illegal shit here, anymore.”
“I don’t think that, Vincent.” She shakes her head from side to side, her words sounding genuine.
“Well, you should know the score. If you’re going to work for me, I don’t want you ever wondering if you’ll be implicated in something.” I continue, giving her the details of how I set everything up in order to safeguard the Mile from any possibility of seizure. She listens quietly as I fill her in on details. I make sure to include the fact that I’m no longer in the family and have cut myself out of all their dealings, legal and not. She listens intently, seemingly hanging onto every word.
“Well, that’s pretty crazy. I mean, I never thought you could—”
“Well, I have. Thank you for taking this chance on me. For working with me on the Milestone. Seriously.”
We stare at each other, an emotional and heavy silence between us. Her brows furrow before she lifts the glass to her lips. Slicing up her meat, she brings a piece of it to her lush mouth. I blink, knowing that I’d do anything to have this woman’s lips on mine. She catches me staring, but I don’t look away. I can’t.
When we’re finishing up, I pull out a set of architectural plans for one of the spas. The designers submitted their ideas a few days ago, and I’ve been reviewing them to decide the best option.
I move our plates to the end of the table before unrolling the large sheets of paper, securing them with our glasses on opposite corners. “I wanted to hear your opinion on this. There are two spa companies that want to take over the space, but each of their lawyers put in clauses that I’m not so sure about. They also have different visions for the space.”
“Retail leasing. One of my specialties.” She smiles confidently, moving to my side of the table so we’re both looking at the plans from the same view.
An hour passes and we’re pouring over the minutia, keeping focused as a team. Fuckin’ heaven. I keep letting my arm brush against hers and yet, she stays by my side.
When we finally leave to take her back to the hotel, I don’t even remember to clean up the table or bring the dishes in. All I see is her.
12
EVE
Vincent brings me back to my hotel, the perfect gentleman. I check my phone, seeing three missed calls from Janelle and one from Lauren. Nosy girls they are; obviously both want to know about the day. I take off all my clothes before walking into the beautiful bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. The cold marble feels amazing against my feet, hot from riding.
The next morning, I wake up with my cell next to my head—I forgot to call anyone back. Picking up the room phone and dialing in-room dining, I order a hot coffee and an egg-white vegetable omelet.
I take my time in the shower before finding a plush bathrobe hanging behind the door. I try it on, reveling in its softness. Dropping in the terrace chair, I let myself daydream about Vincent’s life out here on the rez—simple, yet straightforward. No frills, yet incredibly satisfying.
No one has ever taken care of me in the way Vincent has. Behind the size, the strength, and the tough façade, he gives me this…warmth. I’ve been stressing so much about him lately, and I just want to relax. He isn’t pressuring me, and I have no reason to feel nervous.
My doorbell rings, and I pad over to the door barefoot. I open it, expecting breakfast.
“Rise ‘n shine.” His black hair is windblown, and his skin a perfectly dark tan. My throat dries. “Gotta get going early before sun gets too hot,” he tells me with a smile.
“You could have called.” I’m annoyed. Tightening my robe around my waist, shyness comes over me. Vincent, on the other hand, doesn’t seem fazed in the slightest.
“Nice room,” he states casually, welcoming himself inside. Taking a seat on the white couch in front of the bed, he leans back cool and calm as though he’s the one staying here.
“I’ll wait. Get dressed,” he states succinctly. I roll my eyes before taking a good look at the man before me. Scanning him, my feet suddenly grow heavy, keeping me rooted to the spot. Every single thing in this room from the slept-in white sheets to the beautiful terrace to the gorgeous floors fade away—everything except him.
The old Vincent would give me a smirk, telling me with a cocky expression that he’s reading me like an open book. Instead, what I see in his face shows something closer to yearning.
I clear my throat and turn around, entering the small changing area that’s connected to the bathroom. I change into a pair of Lululemon black leggings, a fitted sports bra that gives me great cleavage, and matching spandex tank top. Finishing off the outfit with a pair of sneakers and my hair in a high ponytail, I check myself out in the bathroom mirror.
Feeling confident, I step back into the bedroom, noticing my room service already arrived.
Vincent looks me up and down. “Sorry babe. As good as you look in those pants, you’re gonna need jeans to ride.” He shrugs a huge shoulder as a sexy half smile forms on his lips.
I groan, turning back into the bathroom to change, albeit grudgingly. Truthfully, I loved riding on his bike. I’m itching to get back on, but he doesn’t need to know that. I come back into the room, updated. “Better?” I ask, my voice syrupy sweet.
He stares at me mutely as his eyes rove up and down my body. “I want to take you to the Mile,” he starts, his voice rough. “After, we’ll hike the valley of Fire State Park.”
Sitting up and turning his eyes away from me, he pours two cups of steaming coffee from the large silver carafe, finishing mine with cream and sugar.
“Where’s the park?” I ask as he hands me a mug. Putting my nose to the coffee, I smell the sweet and nutty aroma. With just a whiff, I feel refreshed.
“It’s a nature preserve about sixteen miles south of Overton. I’d show you a photo, but it’s better if you’re surprised.”
“Are there snakes?” I ask nervously. “I’m not down with snakes.”
“Nah,” he shakes his head. “I mean, they exist. But chances are slim we’ll see any.”
“Slim, like, slim to none? Or slim, like, there’s a possibility greater than two percent?”
He lets out a deep chuckle that I feel straight down in my belly. “Chill, city girl. I’ll be with you the whole time. Nothing to be afraid of when I’m with you, yeah?” His words come out slow and thick, feeling and sounding like truth.
“Okay.” Lifting the coffee to my mouth, I watch as his gaze moves to where my lips press against the cup’s rim. It dawns on me that this man—New York City mobster, has morphed into an outdoorsy biker. I try not to smile at the irony.
“What are you thinking about?” He leans closer to me.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” I sass.
“No, actually.” He shakes his head in mock seriousness and I slap his arm, laughing.
Sitting down beside him on the couch with nothing but a sliver of space between us, I lift my fork and knife to enjoy my omelet. He’s scanning headlines on his phone while I eat and read my own work emails. Our quiet is filled with comfort. Everything about this moment feels natural.
We get off his bike and I immediately take out my phone to see if I have any missed calls.
“I forgot how obsessed you are with being on time. Do me a favor and give me your phone.” He puts out his hand.
“No way,” I exclaim, looking up into his face, warmed and slightly sweaty from the helmet.
&nbs
p; “Come on. What are you afraid of? Missing a call from work? If anyone complains, just say the phone service was shit.” His eyes are mischief.
I bite my lip, considering his dare. I haven’t taken a vacation for myself in years, choosing instead to spend any days off just lounging in my apartment and reading. What would happen if I actually listened to Vincent right now? Normally, I am diligent in following all timelines and schedules. Every billable minute counts. Truthfully, I’m tired of it.
I do the unthinkable, handing him the phone.
“Ah!” he shouts. “The girl listens.” His voice is triumphant. I roll my eyes as he opens a bottle of water and hands it to me.
I look around. “My God, Vincent. This is...” I’m at a loss for words. I simply cannot believe the beauty of what’s in front of me. Other than the size, the style is similar to the Freedom Towers in New York City. Four low buildings nestle into the mountains. With glass and steel façades, they act as mirrors, picking up the oranges, reds, silvers, and golds of the mountains. They’re incredibly modern, but because of the play of light, look seamlessly woven into the Nevada desert. Simply unbelievable.
He clears his throat and I stare back up at his strong and serious demeanor. “You like it?”
I nod my head.
“It occupies roughly one mile of land, hence the name Milestone...” He continues, and I listen, completely enraptured. The boy I knew has evolved into a captivating and mature man.
He brings me to each of the buildings, showing me what’s completed. Everything is both modern and five-star, but the complex stays true to the mountains and the desert; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Vincent has really done it. He’s astounding. After the tour, we jump back on his bike and head toward the State Park.
We arrive, and Vincent steps off his bike first before helping me down. It occurs to me that he doesn’t need to carry me, but I can’t seem to tell him no. Once he sets me onto the ground, he pulls out some food from his saddlebag. I walk by his side until we reach the park.
He points forward and I look up. “Red sandstone. Amazing, right?”
In front of me are red-and-silver-swirl mountains. He takes my hand gently, bringing me over to a shaded picnic table and sets out our lunch, making sure I’m sitting with the best view.
We eat and joke around, my mood lightening. All of our past is on the backburner as we get to know the updated versions of ourselves.
He tells me more about Slade, who he says is like a brother to him. It turns out that Slade had a rough stint after spending over six years in special operations.
“He seems really decent,” I tell him in all seriousness.
“Yeah. The more you get to know him, the better he gets.”
I raise my eyebrows and purse my lips, a facial combination that’s got New York City Blue Houses written all over it. “Don’t tell me you’ve got a bromance.”
Vincent laughs. “Well, he’s a good-looking guy. Can you blame me?” We both laugh as he squints his eyes in that cocky New York way and here we are again, just two city kids playing around.
He gives me a wicked grin. “It’s getting hot, right?”
Before I can answer, he pours a bottle of water all over my head. I take a sharp inhale before screaming, and he just laughs.
“You’re gonna pay for that,” I exclaim. My hair is going to frizz like crazy now that it’s been doused with water. I didn’t even bring my hot tools with me, figuring that dry shampoo would secure me for the week. Shit!
I get up, pouring my own water over his head and feeling highly vindicated. The water drips off the tips of his black hair, hitting his sharp cheekbones. He stares up me hotly. Holy shit. Vincent is so sexy it’s insane.
“You still like looking, huh?”
His comment makes me angry and I give him the stink eye, which makes him laugh louder.
We spend the rest of the day hiking. Each time he helps me up a tall rock, my heart patters. His hand is just so massive and swallows my tiny one so easily. My body loves it.
Over a few hours, we get to really talking. Vincent tells me about his life in prison and how the Mile came to be; he talks about his unlikely friendship with the warden and how much that support meant to him. I know there’s more he isn’t telling me, but still, he’s opening up more than I would have imagined.
We find a nice large, high, and flat rock to take a break. Sitting down together, our legs dangle off the side as we stare out at the setting sun.
I want to talk to him, too. Something inside me aches to connect; it’s been so long since I’ve had that with anyone. “You know,” I say nervously. “I worked so hard to be in this position at work—” I pause, giving my attention to a group of three making their way up the mountain, packs on their backs. I let myself take another second or two, needing to sort through my thoughts before continuing. Vincent sits quietly, giving me time.
“I should feel fulfilled, right?” I question. “Instead, though, I just feel exhausted and totally...burned out.” I put my finger on the rock, moving some dirt around.
“After my first large paycheck, I bought myself this beautiful silver desk clock from Tiffany’s. Actually, I bought myself a lot of stuff. And now, when I see them, I want to burn it all. I thought those things would make me happy, but they don’t. It’s like…” I lift my head and hands in aggravation. “Whenever I hit a milestone, I find myself looking to the next thing, because the satisfaction I was supposed to have never comes. When can I just stop and be happy where I am? I thought once I had the material things, I’d feel like I arrived or something. I worked for this. I bled for this. But it’s not…enough.”
He turns his head, sadness coating his eyes. I wait for him to speak, but instead he stays silent, urging me with his eyes to continue.
“Still,” I say. “I love the independence the job brings. I love the fact that the money I make is all my own. I’m sorry to say this, but I just love making money. Sometimes I check my bank account and I’m like, so relieved. And thrilled. And I worked my ass off to get it, too. After being poor all my life...” I pause a second before continuing. “I also helped Janelle with the down payment on her salon, and...I think I’ll make partner one day…” my voice trails off.
Vincent moves his arm, brushing it against mine. He leans so close, I can smell his scent: dark and woodsy. He’s almost close enough to kiss. I wonder if the dark scruff on his jaw is rough or soft. I drop my hands on the rock, keeping myself from reaching up and touching him.
“I understand your need to feel financially secure,” he says softly. “But there are other things you could do that would give you all of those benefits as well. Something you love that would also give you satisfaction. You’ve worked hard and I get it’s difficult to step back after clawing your way to the top. You thought this is what you wanted, but it isn’t what you thought it would be. Why should you have to make yourself suffer? Fuck it. You’ve got one life, and you are allowed to change your mind, Eve. Money can be made in many ways—trust me.”
“But, what would I even do?” I ask questioningly, eyes fixated on his face. Yes, he’s gorgeous. But in this moment, all I see is the man inside.
“Well, you’re part of the Kids Learning Club, right?” A small smile plays on his lips.
I blink, the new wing coming into the forefront of my mind. Like the sun in front of me, the truth sets. “Vincent? Have you donated anything recently?” I stare into his eyes, wondering if it’s possible he would do such a thing. What I see shining back at me is a definite yes.
“Sure,” he shrugs casually. “I may have donated something for someone I’ve been missing.”
I stare up into his handsome face, speechless. I open my mouth to speak when he lifts his hand up.
“No. Don’t give me that. It means something to you and the truth is, it means something to me, too. Those kids deserve a chance. I believe in the Club’s mission, okay?”
I nod my head, wanting to believe him. He admitt
ed before that he kept tabs on me—which still infuriates me to no end. Still, I’m glad that at least the Kids Learning Club benefited from it.
He stands, wiping the back of his jeans with his palms before taking my hand to help me up. It’s getting dark as we shuffle down the trail. Vincent supports me as we walk; it’s trickier on the way down than it was on the way up. Finally, we make it back to his bike. After handing me my phone and watch, his phone rings. Lowering his head, he checks the caller ID. Instead of answering, he clicks IGNORE. The ringing stops, and I immediately go on alert.
“Who was that?” I ask probingly.
He turns as though ready to speak. But, he doesn’t.
“Well?” I ask again, a little annoyed.
“It was Tom.”
“Oh?” My hands move to my hips as my emotions start gearing up for level-ten-magnitude anger.
“I’m out of the family, Eve. He’s still my boy, though,” he says with a decided finality.
I let my eyes move up and down his body. “Are you packing right now?”
He stares at me, amused, before bringing his hands down and lifting his dark shirt. There’s only gorgeous tan skin and mouth-watering muscles; no guns in sight. My gaze moves down his jeans next, stopping at his ankles. I look back up at him pointedly. “Lift your jeans, Borignone.”
He laughs out loud, the sound lighting something up in my chest that I thought was dead.
“You used to help me, remember?” he winks. Oh God, do I. Bending down, he brings up the bottom of his pants to show me his ankles, proving to me he no longer carries weapons.
I try not to show it, but my heart wildly pounds inside my chest. I want to stop it, but I can’t.
13
VINCENT
We stop at her hotel. I get off the bike first to lift her off, taking an extra few moments to hold her before setting her down. Staring into her eyes, I want to kiss the hell out of her. But the look I see in return is still tinged with some anxiety. I swallow, knowing the key to Eve is still patience.
Redemption (Vincent and Eve #3) Page 10