Chapter 38
I satat his kitchen table, which was smaller than the dining table. The turn of events baffled and excited me. I didn’t come here this evening to end up being his girlfriend.
I glanced out the window where fat snowflakes covered the sky. “Can I help you with anything?”
“Nope. Just sit and watch me heat up food.”
I smiled at his quick movements. He was warming up meat lasagna and Thai chicken basil fried rice.
I picked up my phone, texted Grace about being stuck at a friend’s house because of the storm, apologized for the inconvenience, and asked if Kaylee could stay over until I got back. Grace responded immediately, telling me not to worry and that Violet was thrilled to spend more time with Kaylee.
Next, I texted Kaylee, who was probably asleep.
Vivian: Hey, how you doing? I’m stuck at a friend’s house, thanks to this blizzard. I’ll see you on Monday when the roads are cleared and it’s safe to drive. You can stay with Violet and Grace until I come back.
Kaylee: Okay. Where are you?
Vivian: At Arrow’s house.
Kaylee: Tell him I said hi!
Vivian: What are you doing up?
Kaylee: Watching a show with Violet. Going to bed soon though.
Vivian: Don’t stay up too late.
Kaylee: Ok. Are you and Arrow dating?
Vivian: Yes.
Kaylee: Yay! Can I tell Violet?
Vivian: Okay. Good night.
Kaylee: Night. Love you!
Vivian: Love you too.
My heart warmed at her response.
“What are you smiling about?” Arrow placed down the steaming containers of food on the table. Then he got plates, utensils, and some napkins.
“Kaylee is thrilled we’re dating. She’s sharing the news with Violet.”
He bent down and stole a kiss from me. “She knows I’ve had my eyes on you for a while. I always get what I want.”
I rolled my eyes, and he laughed. “What do you want to drink? I have wine, tea, juice, and water.”
“Water is fine, thanks.”
He got me a glass of water and one for himself, then sat across from me.
“Thanks for the food.” I scooped some lasagna and the fried rice onto his plate and some for me.
“You’re welcome.” He dug in, looking smug as he ate.
It felt oddly strange how comfortable it was being in his kitchen eating with him. My A Kiss is Not Enough mission popped into my head. I couldn’t wait to share this news with the girls soon. For me, the mission wasn’t complete yet. It needed time to settle. Would his attraction to me fizzle out eventually? Or was he truly serious about this relationship?
I didn’t know him well enough to determine anything yet. But I knew he made me feel alive, loved, and protected. Those were emotions I hadn’t felt with any man in a while. I wasn’t referring to parental love because my dad provided a safe haven for me growing up after that awful incident that killed my mom. This powerful affection Arrow showed me was different.
My dad would be elated to know I was dating again. Now, he could stop asking about it. He didn’t like my previous boyfriend, Connor, whom I punched in the face when he put his hands on me in a drunken fit.
“I can see your mind going a million miles an hour. What are you thinking?” he asked as he spooned up some fried rice.
“Wondering if my dad will like you.”
“What’s there not to like?” He grinned. “When can I meet him? Isn’t he retired now?”
“How do you know?” I arched an eyebrow.
“I know a lot of things about you. But I still have some questions.”
“You looked into me?”
Why wasn’t I surprised?
Because you also looked into him.
But my information was just stuff splashed on the internet. The information he retrieved was confidential.
I had a feeling it was going to be a long night of talking. But that would be okay because I wasn’t going anywhere. I could sleep in tomorrow.
Crap.I only had the clothes on my back.
I looked up at him with embarrassment. “Do you have anything I can change into?”
“My T-shirt, sweatpants, and sweatshirt are on the chair in my bedroom for you.”
I gaped at him. “How did you know I’d ask?”
He tapped his forehead. “Because it’s logical. You’re staying here for the next two days. You didn’t bring clothes, so you need them. You also need a toothbrush, which I have.”
I supposed a billionaire who ran a successful empire had to think ahead and anticipate his next step.
“You had a strategy with me, didn’t you?”
He smirked. “Of course. Things worth having require strategy, patience, and the ability to pivot when necessary.”
When we finished eating, I changed into his clothes, which were loose on me. I rolled up the sweatpants, and the T-shirt fell below my knees, as did the sweatshirt.
“You look cute. Come here.” He opened his arms to me.
I sat down on his lap. “I have three questions for you.”
“Hit me.”