“Business?” I guess.
“Unfortunately.” Vic gestures for me to join him and I plop down on the couch, snuggling close to his side. His arm wraps around me, holding me tighter to him.
“Want to talk about it?”
“No,” he says into my hair, kissing the top. He lifts his free arm and peers at his watch, “Our appointment’s in an hour.”
“Appointment?”
“Mm,” is his confirmation.
“What kind of appointment?”
“You’ll see.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head, moving to straddle him, “Do you purposely try and be mysterious, or were you born that way?”
Vic lifts my top over my head, “Both. I like the look on your face when I’m confusing you. It’s cute. I like it when you’re cute.”
“As opposed to other times…I’m what? Not cute?” I joke, squealing when Vic swiftly moves us, my back slamming against the couch cushion, his body weighing down on me.
“Sexy,” he mouths along my skin, lips voyaging downward. “Sexy and forbidden.”
“Forbidden?”
He stills, dropping his forehead to my thigh, his breaths shallow and heavy. “Yes,” he confesses, low and deep.
I stroke his hair, growing uneasy, “Vic…”
“I shouldn’t be falling for you.”
Falling for me.
I wonder if he can hear how fast my heart is beating.
“I disagree.” If I’m falling over that cliff, I’m glad he’s going with me.
“Do you?” I can feel him smirking, head still to my leg, but now it’s turned to the side and he’s laying along my leg like it’s a body pillow while I continue to play with his hair. “My job forces me to travel a lot. Can you handle that?”
“Yes.”
“I could be gone as long as a month.”
“Can you call me?”
“Sometimes yes, sometimes no.”
“And what is it you do exactly…” I trail off, remembering our conversation from before.
“You can never repeat what I am telling you. To anyone. Not ever. Are you ready for that?”
“Yes,” I respond with firm assurance.
He sighs, his breath hot down my leg, “I find the impossible.”
“Oh, so you’re like a private detective.” That’s not so bad. I had far worse ideas running through my head.
“In a sense…”
His guarded tone has me uneasy again. “What happens when you find them?”
Another heavy sigh, “Nothing good.”
I swallow a bit too loudly, “And that’s why you’re here? To find someone?”
“Yes, but that’s all I can tell you. You will never be able to know who or why, or who I’m even working for.” Vic lifts up his head, resting his chin above my knee, eyes on mine.
He has worry in his brown eyes, darkening them. I smooth out the crease between his brows. “You don’t kill them do you?”
“No. I only find them.”
“Are they bad people?”
“Mostly,” he states unapologetically.
“Are your employers bad?”
“Some…” He pauses. “Except now. I will be taking a permanent position with a company so I can stay here with you.”
“Will it be safe for you? For us?” I can’t believe he’s finally opening up to me and actually talking about who he is.
“Yes. He’s one of the few people I trust.” Vic slides up my body, his sudden intense stare making my breath stop. “You’re a part of it now. There’s no going back.”
I feel like I should be scared, that I should be worried about his character, but I’m tired of worrying about all the “shoulds”. I’m tired of being confused about us because it doesn’t fit into the way love and relationships should be. So what if we’re moving fast and he doesn’t have a conventional job? Screw anyone who judges us. The only thing that matters is how we feel about it, and I’ve never felt more alive since meeting him.
Vic enters me, taking his time with long, slow strokes, closing the contract with his final statement, “You’re mine now, Freya.”
~~~~~
“Should I change first?” I ask Vic as we put our clothes back on. “You know, into something nicer?”
He fastens the tie that I hadn’t noticed when I first came in. He’s professionally dressed, in slacks, a button-up with complementary tie, and gray peacoat with the collar popped up. His hair’s slightly unkept from the way I was just tugging and pulling on it. He looks delicious. Like can’t-stop-staring-brain-jumbled-seriously-orgasmic delicious.
“You’re fine.”
“No.” It’s obviously an important appointment if he’s dressed up. “I’m changing.”
“Hurry.”
I do, knowing how he is about time. I quickly throw on dress pants and a pink cashmere sweater, leaving my hair loose and wild, hoping post-sex hair makes mine just as sexy looking as his.
Vic appears impressed with my speediness. He tells me the appointment’s close by, so we walk a few blocks up and a couple blocks more to the right, taking us into my favorite area of town (or at least, my favorite neighborhood).
I sometimes walk this way just to be surrounded by all its beauty. The homes are older, from somewhere in the early nineteen hundreds. They are either cottages or ranch style. The fronts are expertly cared for with rich landscapes and bounties of flowers and plants. The trees lining the streets are usually the most incredible during fall and spring, except now as we reach the end of February they’re blooming with pink cherry blossoms. At Christmas time it’s simply picturesque with all the homes eloquently done, making you feel like magic might possibly exist from the way all the white lights twinkle from house to house.
Vic stops me in front of a simple one-story ranch style home, the yard full of lavender plants that complement the rich wood framing of the house and the moss green coloring, “What do you think?”
I love it, just like I love every home on this block. That’s when I notice the For Sale sign. “Are you thinking of buying this place?” My mouth has dropped open. These homes are a fortune and extremely hard to buy into.
“Only if you like it.”
“I love it,” I gush.
“You haven’t even seen the inside.”
“I don’t have to.” I’m trying not to hyperventilate with excitement that I might possibly know someone who lives on this street; this neighborhood is my dream.
Vic smirks, then turns straight-faced as a blue BMW pulls into the driveway and a woman in her mid-forties steps out in a gray business suit and chignon coiled brown hair.
She smiles a bleached-out-fancy smile, “Mr. Vitalle. On time as usual.”
“Nadine,” Vic greets curtly and they kiss each other’s cheeks.
“This must be Miss Brennan,” the woman acknowledges, extending a hand. “It’s a pleasure. I’m Nadine.”
I accept her hand, “Nice to meet you.”
She motions to the house, “Are you ready to see the inside?”
Vic leads the way. Nadine gestures for me to follow, and as I’m turning I see her admiring Vic’s backside. Naturally my possessive instincts kick in, but the reality is he has one of the nicest asses known to mankind and I can’t fault the woman for admiring it.
She opens the front door that looks like it was designed by an artist, with wood carvings all around the frame that instantly make you feel all warm and homey from the intricate designs.
“Original hardwood,” Nadine says with pride as we step inside.
I gasp at the home’s beauty and it echoes through the vacated space. Nadine guides us around, pointing out where things have been updated and what has been with the home from the beginning. There’s more windows than walls, the natural sunlight lighting up the place and making it glow. It has crown moulding and built in shelves, antique door knobs, and latte painted rooms. The main living room has a bay window with a window seat, enticing me to grab a book and
read. The dining room has a beautiful antique crystal chandelier already in place. The kitchen hasn’t been updated, which to some would be a disappointment, but to someone like me it makes me swoon and fall in love with its old-style charm of shabby but chic. It has a big window overlooking the side of the house with a view of the street and the backyard. Next are the two bedrooms, which are small but enough for the necessities like a bed, a dresser, and perhaps a desk or bookshelf. The bathroom across from them could use an update, but the bear-foot-clawed bathtub makes up for it.
Vic has his hand resting on my lower back as we explore, spending more time observing my reaction to each room than taking the time to notice it for himself.
We stop in the master bedroom, which has an attached bath and his and hers closets. French doors lead to the backyard that despite it being winter is a haven of furniture so comfy it looks like it should belong in the house, with a fire pit in the middle ready for cold nights or days.
Vic begins interrogating Nadine about things I could care less about: plumbing, electrical, and such, so I step outside, taking in the crisp fresh air. I can already recognize that come spring it will be blossoming with flowers, filling it with color.
The sun is brightly shining and I close my eyes for a moment, letting it warm me. If this was my place I would spend most of my time out here, reading, relaxing, having friends over.
A hand is placed back on my lower back, Vic’s body snug against it, “Do you want it?”
I watch birds playing in the nearby rock fountain that was handmade and takes up most of the left side of the fence, “Shouldn’t you be answering that?”
“No. This is for you.”
My stomach twists with so many emotions I can’t keep up with them all.
“I have a home,” I remind him, though more to myself.
“With your sister. I want you to share this with me.”
“I can’t afford it.” Not even half the mortgage, probably not even a fourth of it.
“I can.” He’s so matter-of-fact, as though this isn’t some monumental step forward, like this isn’t one of the most important decisions one ever has to make.
“You don’t think this is all happening too fast?”
“No.” Vic brings his lips to my ear, tongue grazing the outer edge as he murmurs into my ear, “Move in with me, Freya.”
I shiver, “Did you know how much I love this neighborhood?”
He tugs on my lobe with his teeth, “Yes. You walk here often.”
“Have you been stalking me?” I tease, turning around and wrapping my arms around his neck, an extra-large smile on my face, not able to contain the happiness soaring through me.
“I couldn’t stop,” he confesses, bringing his lips to mine. “I became obsessed.”
Our tongues wrap around each other as Vic holds me closer, his hands firm against my back. The kiss turns into one of those you know you will remember for the rest of your life, how it took control of all your senses and didn’t let go. The kind that has your skin tingling and your heart feeling like it’s pounding out of every crevice of your body. More importantly, it’s the one that lets you know that it’s not the kiss making you feel that way, but the other person and what they have come to mean to you, how hopelessly you have fallen for them, and suddenly realizing that you’ve landed exactly where you were always meant to be.
“Move in with me,” he repeats.
“Okay,” is all I can manage, too caught up in where his hands are roaming and how he’s making me feel things I never have before.
He smiles along my lips.
Chapter 12
“He’s buying you a house?!”
I cringe from the obvious shock and apprehension on my sister’s face. “Kind of.”
She shakes her head in bewilderment, like this has never happened before, “That’s crazy.”
I’m not going to argue. I agree.
“You told him no, right?”
It’s her turn to cringe at the guilt written all over my face.
“Please tell me you told him no?” Maya pleads, but I can tell she already knows the answer.
I lower my voice, unable to make eye contact, “I can’t.”
“Jesus, Freya,” she mutters, falling back into her spot on the couch, appearing exhausted from it all. “I always thought I’d be the one moving too fast.”
So did I.
There’s one loud, pronounced knock on the door. I know its Vic; he’s here to pick us up to have dinner at my parents. I had been nervous to ask him, but he accepted without hesitation, not at all freaked out by it. I wonder what actually does freak him out?
I get up and keep my voice low, “Be cool about it, okay? Let me tell mom and dad first?”
I had waited to tell Maya about the house until today, nervous and worried she would tell them before I could.
Vic stands there, hands resting in the pockets of his distressed jeans, his long sleeve black sweater clinging to all the right places to show off his physique. He greets me with a kiss to the lips and a soft, “Hi.”
“Hi.” I give him another quick one to the lips.
We go to Vic’s black Mercedes that is parked in front of our place. My parents live on the outskirts of town and Vic wanted to drive. I didn’t mind; his car’s luxurious and we don’t have to go in the VW van Maya and I share. On second thought, it might be funny to see someone like Vic riding in a worn out van.
“What’s this?” I pick up a small gift bag from the floor of the passenger seat that’s next to a bottle of wine.
“It’s for your mom.”
I place it back down, “That’s sweet of you.”
“Let’s go to the bread place first!” Maya shouts, making my ears ring as we slam our doors shut.
“Yes, that sounds so good!” I agree with excitement. “When was the last time we went?”
“Like a month ago,” she answers with a longing as though she’d said years.
“Bread place?” Vic questions, turning on the ignition.
“It’ll be one of the best things to ever happen to you, I swear!” Maya promises.
“We’re due at your parents in fifteen minutes,” Vic reminds us like we’re children.
Maya gives me a weird look. I shrug, not knowing how to begin to describe Vic to her.
“They won’t care,” I assure him, giving him directions.
It takes us twenty minutes to get there, as it’s on the way to the ocean. Vic does not seem pleased, tapping the clock after pulling into a parking spot.
I roll my eyes and get out. There’s a long line, which is usual. The brick oven bread is made fresh by hand every morning. They have everything from seeded loaves to an orgasmic cinnamon bun, but our very favorite is their fougasse, which is filled with various cheeses, olives, and huge chunks of garlic.
Vic sighs as we wait in line.
Maya points a thumb in his direction, “Is he always like this?”
I smile over at him, “Yes.”
His arms are crossed, features hardened, not acknowledging us (his form of pouting).
“I’m glad we made him come then.” Maya slaps his back. Vic grunts as it smacks loudly against him and pushes him forward a bit. “It’ll be good for you.”
“My dad probably hasn’t even started cooking yet.” I tell him, hoping to get him to relax a bit.
This seems to only bother Vic more as he glowers at me.
I laugh. Maya’s right, this’ll be good for him.
We get two loaves of fougasse: one to eat in the car and one to share at dinner. Yes, it’s that freaking good. A loaf can be demolished in seconds and have you asking for more.
I break off a piece for Vic as we make the drive to my parents. “Try some.”
He opens his mouth and I pop it in. I watch his jaw grind the food. “Good, right?”
“Very.” It seems painful for him to admit that.
“Worth being late good?”
“No.”
I frown. What a grouch.
“It was worth it to make you happy,” Vic adds, resting a hand on my thigh and giving it a squeeze. I place my hand over his, squeezing it back. I almost catch a smile appearing on his mouth. One of these days I’ll see it. I’m determined.
“Hey!” Maya jumps forward in her seat, palm hitting the back of the front seat and jarring Vic. His jaw ticks and he glares at her in the rearview mirror. “Whoops, sorry. I just had a great idea! We should go on a double date!”
That would be quite the experience. Flynn and Maya are notoriously late, and Flynn is Vic’s complete opposite: laid back, friendly, go-with-the-flow, and he smiles all the time. Plus, what would they even talk about? Really, what does Vic talk to anybody about?
I shrug, “Maybe.”
“So what’s up with the house?”
“Maya!” I glare at her. I should have known better than to tell her first.
She ignores me, focused on Vic.
He speaks to her via rearview mirror, “Is there a problem?”
“You’ve only been dating for a couple of weeks.”
“Yes,” Vic agrees, his tone sounding like he doesn’t understand how that’s relevant to the topic.
“You hardly know each other.”
Maya’s sounding like me. This is a conversation we’ve had many times in the past when she thought each new guy was the love of her life.
Vic’s hands tighten around the wheel, Maya testing his patience. “I know enough.”
“Please,” Maya dismisses with a wave of her hand.
I glare harder at her to shut up.
“I know she never closes the cap on the toothpaste so it always leaves some on the counter,” Vic starts. “She can’t stand when people change everything about their order and aren’t satisfied by it even then; she loves to read in bed every night; her favorite tea is Good Earth Sweet and Spicy; she prefers her coffee with cinnamon; she believes honey can cure almost anything; she loves to walk and explore; she hates the color black and loves anything with cornflower blue – yes, I know what that color is, it’s in half her wardrobe and all your baking utensils; she puts avocado on everything; fog and sparkling lights are magical to her; nail polish annoys her because it always chips five minutes after she applies it; she can’t stand purses so all her clothing has adequate pockets; family is the most important thing and she would do anything for them, including extended family that isn’t blood; she’s beautiful, has nipples that beg me to suck them, and she tastes like Sunday brunch…Shall I continue?” His tone is challenging, his brow raised.
Like a Fox Page 7