24. Vivian
Chapter twenty-four
Vivian
He hums in acknowledgement of my statement before replying, “The truth is … I was hoping to come up with a reason to see you, so it kind of feels like your sister did me a favor.” Why does that make me feel like I owe my sister even more now?
“I like that reason.”
“Yeah? Well, I think it’s safe to say I like you, but that’s not surprising when you’re so damn sweet, almost too sweet … like sugar.” He moves slightly closer and leans next to me against the kitchen counter. I nod, not trusting my voice. His eyes darken and— oh Mylanta, is he going to kiss me right now?! His hand slides up my arm and he brushes a piece of hair off my face, tucking it behind my ear. My traitorous body leans toward him, and a small whimper escapes at his touch. I seriously have zero cool when it comes to this guy. Just as I think he’s about to kiss me, his phone rings, jolting us both out of the magical moment.
“Uh, excuse me, I need to step out and take this.” His eyes are filled with regret, as he squeezes my arm before walking toward the door. I find myself hoping he regrets the interruption and not what almost happened. “This is Agent Bennett.” He closes the door and steps on the porch. I press on my cheeks and forehead. Am I sweating?
Very sexy, Vivian. Way to be play it cool with Sexy Special Agent Man .
I rush over to my purse and quickly spray a few spritz of my travel perfume on my wrists before he finishes his call then pour myself a glass of ice water to cool off a little. I think he should come with a warning: may result in drenched panties or potential explosion from hotness. I chuckle at my own joke as he walks back in a few minutes later.
“Unfortunately, that call means I’m needed back at the office. But I am grateful I was able to deliver your coffee, or … your sister’s coffee to you?” Walker scrunches his brows and tilts his head, both of us obviously figuring out my sister’s angle. I move to the front door to walk him out and lean against the door as he turns to me.
"When do you think you’ll be in Nashville next?”
“Eloise has an appointment at the end of next week, but I have to be honest, I’m debating cancelling it or seeing if we could do a virtual therapy session instead. Even though they are never as effective as in-person for her.” I hate that I’m even debating cancelling it but I must put our safety above all else, and with the escalation of the anonymous threats and Trent’s murder unsolved, I don’t feel like I have another option.
“Why would you cancel it? I thought you said it was starting to really make a difference.”
“Oh, it is, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable going go to a park in Nashville with everything going on.” He narrows his eyes trying to connect the dots. “Her therapist suggested incorporating some physical play after sessions to help Eloise process everything, giving her a physical outlet for feelings she may not be able to articulate. So, I like to take her to the nearby park instead of riding in a car for an hour immediately following a session, but to be honest, I just don’t know that it’s safe for us to do that right now.”
“Will you do me a favor? Don’t cancel it yet, let me check on something first.”
“What did you have in mind? ”
“Oh, I have an idea, Sugar.” Walker starts texting away on his phone and I’m not sure what his goal is, but I think I love that he is willing to try and solve a potential problem, if only to give me peace of mind. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he just made me swoon again. He looks up and gives me one of his dazzling smiles that makes me feel more things than I should.
Oh, crap on a cracker, he definitely made me swoon again.