Chapter 22
Wearing her winter coat,Vivian slept in the passenger seat while I drove her old Toyota RAV4 home. I pulled into the parking garage and turned off the engine. She needed an update to this car. I didn’t want her stranded somewhere, especially now that winter was in full swing. With her dentist salary, she could afforda newer car. Why didn’t she?
I glanced over at her, all curled up in the seat. She had a smile on her face. I reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
She cracked her eyes. “Are we there yet?”
“Yes, we’re home. Ready to get out?”
She studied me and reached over to touch my chin. “You have a gorgeous face, you know that?”
“You think so?” I smiled, loving how open she was because of the wine. I could stay here just chatting with her, but it was cold and late and she needed to rest. “C’mon, I’ll help you get home.”
I’d get an Uber to pick me up later so I could retrieve my car from Remi’s place.
Vivian traced my jawline with her finger like she had done before. Her touch ignited all kinds of sensation in me. “I dreamed about you the other day.”
My smile widened. “What was the dream about?”
“I was furious with you.” She pouted. “You wouldn’t give me a piggyback ride.” She giggled, and her cheeks bloomed a bright pink, but that could’ve been the wine’s effect.
I’d never given anyone a piggyback ride in my life.
My eyebrows furrowed with fascination. “What’s up with the piggyback ride?”
“I don’t know.” She sat up in the seat and clasped our hands together on her lap. “It’s just something casual and friendly, kinda like holding hands.” Her eyes fluttered closed again.
It was not like holding hands, but I would not debate that with a drunk woman right now.
She opened her eyes, looking sad. “I was very mad at you the other day.”
“Is that why you didn’t reply to my texts?”
She nodded and shifted in her seat. “I was hurt. And angry. And confused.” She placed a hand on her head. “Ugh. I shouldn’t have drunk so much. It’s your fault.” She settled back into the seat.
I didn’t like knowing I had hurt her.
“Let’s get you home, and you can tell me what I did wrong.”
“I’m comfy here.” She smiled and snuggled into her coat, looking too adorable.
“No, it’s too cold. We’re both going to get sick.” I couldn’t believe what I was about to say. “If you comply, I’ll give you a piggyback ride.”
What had gotten into me? I’d think about that later.
Her eyes widened with excitement. “Really? This must be a dream, but it’s a happy dream and I don’t wanna wake up yet.”
I got out of the car and went over to her side. She opened the door, swung her legs over and stretched out her arms like a baby wanting to be carried. Her trusting smile did something to my chest.
I knew she was drunk, and that she wasn’t acting herself, but having her look at me with warmth and trust made me yearn for her affection even more. Was this a version of Vivian that she hid from people? The lighthearted woman radiating with carefree joy and trust?
Alcohol manipulated the mind, and I couldn’t believe the girls had drunk so much of my wine. Some people told the truth when they were under the influence. Others got violent or retreated into a corner, shutting the world out.
Something told me Vivian had a desire to break free from all the restraints holding her back. I desperately wanted to know what they were. I wanted to unchain her so she could be free.
I knew what being trapped felt like.
Gripping her hands, I pulled her out of the seat, shutting the door. She embraced me and snuggled into my chest. “You’re like a blanket. So warm. So perfect.” Then she sniffed at me. “And you smell so good.”
Go on. Keep the sweet talk coming, baby.
I’d be a fool if I didn’t capitalize on this affection. Only a stupid man would let this opportunity slip by. I wrapped my arms around her, protecting her from the cold.
She peered up at me. “Are you sure you’re strong enough to carry me? I don’t want to hurt your back.”
“I’m strong enough for you, Tulip.”
She giggled. “I like that nickname.”
I crouched. “Hop on, baby.”
She climbed onto my back and wrapped her arms around my neck. Her warm breath tickled my ear and sniffed me again. “I love the way you smell.”
Grinning, I secured her legs around me and walked into the building, heading to the elevator. The security guard glanced at me, recognized who I was, and smiled.
I owned this building so I could do whatever I wanted, no matter how silly it seemed. But a piggyback ride was reserved only for her. I got to the elevator and waited. No one was in the hallway. Not that I cared if someone walked by.
She pinched my cheek. “You’re so adorable! I love piggyback rides.”
I laughed. “You’re so weird.” The elevator opened, and we got in.
Her floor arrived, and I made my way there.
“I’m gonna cling to you forever.” She tightened her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. “Thank you for being so nice.”
I paused a moment, allowing her words to settle in me.
When I walked again, I slowed my steps.
“This is the nicest dream I’ve had in years.”
She slid off my back, and I missed the connection. She dug into her purse for the key and opened the door. I kicked offmy shoesand hung up my coat. She wobbled, so I removed her coat and shoes and helped her to the couch.
“You should goto bed,” I said.
“No.” She grabbed my hand, dragging me down beside her. “I want to keep dreaming. I enjoy holding your hand.”
The admission made me smile. She was confessing so many things tonight.What would happen when she found out tomorrow? Would she even remember anything?
“So what did I do that made you ignore my texts?”
She sneered at me. “Are you back with your ex?”
“No. Why do you think that?”
“I saw you and her at Ormon’s. She was all over you. I didn’t like it.” She extracted her hand from my grip. “You lied to me. I thought you liked me.”
“I do like you.” I snatched her hand back into mine. “Very much. Let this sink in: I’m not seeing anyone. I was at the restaurant for business. Just networking.”
She scowled. “But Isaw you and her on the sidewalk earlier today too. Why are you always with her?”
“You’re the one who’s always on my mind.”
“I am?”
“Yes, Tulip. I can’t stop thinking about you.”