23. Walker
Chapter twenty-three
Walker
Vivian opens the door like a slow-motion goddess from an 80s music video. I appreciate that most women go through ridiculous steps to get ready with their hair and makeup and whatnot, but there is something about this woman and her natural gorgeous beauty that has the ability to bring a man to his knees. As my eyes take in her just-tight-enough T-shirt, I notice her yoga pants aren’t the only thing skintight right now. Pushing off the railing, I try to adjust my hips and shift some of the growing pressure.
“Hey, sorry for just dropping by, but your sister wanted you to have this coffee?” Great, I sound like a twelve-year-old boy that just saw a girl’s bra strap for the first time. Hmmm … I wonder if she’s wearing a bra under that T-shirt right now…
Dentures.
Cats vomiting hairballs.
Listening to people chew loudly.
Shit.
Vivian takes the drink and laughs. “Hey, uh, that’s funny because this is my sister’s coffee order. Did she give you the wrong one? Wait, why did she give you a coffee in the first place?”
Her sister set me up—not that I’m mad. I might owe her a thank you.
“I was in town for something with the case and ran into her outside the coffee shop. Before I knew it, she handed me the drink with instructions to deliver it and was walking away. Savannah is a force, isn’t she?”
“Oh yes, that’s one word for it. Come on in. Did you get yourself a coffee too or just pick up your delivery order?” She grins and I might have discovered a piece of heaven on earth. I want to see that smile every single day.
“She didn’t ask what I was doing, so I didn’t think it was an option to deviate from her demands.” Vivian’s beautiful laughter rings through the small living space as she grabs a coffee mug and starts the coffee machine. The guest house is cozy, and a massive sectional couch takes up most of the living room area. I notice her Kindle open on the coffee table and can’t help but pick it up. I’m curious what she was reading before I dropped in but I barely read two lines before it’s snatched from my hands.
I thought a smiling Vivian was beautiful, but I had no idea how endearing I would find a bashful Vivian. “Why Miss Vivian, what in the world are you reading?” I tease.
“It is a very popular contemporary fiction novel, if you must know.” She straightens her shoulders, lifts her chin, and raises a finger to point at me, while clutching her Kindle to her chest. “I will not feel bad for what I love to read, Walker.”
“No judgement here, Viv, it’s okay if you like to ready some spicy smut. Maybe you can introduce me to your favorite authors.” I wink as the blush deepens on her face. Sassy and bashful? My pull toward her just seems to increase the more I’m around her.
“I prefer cliterature, thank you very much.”
“I think I would too.” My comment makes her burst out in laughter, which in turn makes me laugh. “But I am sorry to drop in unannounced. Although, does it count if the owner of the property told me to come over? ”
“She likes to get her way, but her heart is usually in the right place. What business did you have in town?” Vivian’s head tilts as she leans her hip against the kitchen counter.
“Do you want the professional answer or the truth?”
“Mm. I’ll always pick the truth, Walker. Life has taught me secrets just end in pain.” She would know more than anyone.