Chapter 32
Chapter thirty-two
We rode the subway from Central Park and the car was practically empty.
Vivienne insisted we ride the subway back to Brooklyn.
She loves it and secretly so do I. It reminded me of all the time I spent riding the subway writing this album and promoting it.
Heck, I’m pretty sure I even filmed a few videos on the subway.
Vivienne takes a bite out of my hot dog while we stand at the ferry docks looking out at the Statue of Liberty. The frozen water sloshes against the cement barriers, softening the sounds of the busy city.
“That’s your third bite.” My voice is low, meant only for her always. There are small crowds coming and going. We weren’t the only ones who ventured out on a slow day where many people opted to stay inside.
She giggles. “I’m so glad you’re counting. When you didn’t count my bagel bites I was worried.”
I side-eye Vivienne. “You’re lucky I share.”
“What would I do without you?”
“Starve,” I scoff. “Do you want the last bite?”
“No. I only wanted three bites, not four.”
“Brat.”
“You love it.”.
She’s right. I do love it. I stuff the last bite into my mouth and finish off my bottle of water. “I’ll be right back.”
Vivienne nods her head and I walk over to the trash. On my way back, I can’t help but stare as she leans against the cement, arms resting on the rail, completely mesmerized. I fall into place behind her, my hands resting on the rails and caging her in. “I remember my first time.”
“I didn’t know we were discussing our first times. Doesn’t it fall into the inappropriate park topics category?” she says with a laugh.
“It does, which is why I meant my first time seeing the Statue of Liberty.” I give her a shameful wink.
She blushes. “This is on you.”
“How is it on me?” I throw up my hands to show my innocence.
Vivienne turns to face me, her smile running so deep it reaches her eyes. “It’s your fault for being too good in bed. My body’s been worshipped in ways I’ve never imagined, and now I can’t get enough of it.”
“I’m going to need you not to talk like that when you’re in such a compromised position. All I have to do is take one step into you and you have no way of escaping my arms.”
She throws her head back laughing before meeting my smoldering gaze. “I don’t want to escape. I’ve been a willing victim this entire time.”
“And just what is it you’re a victim of exactly?”
Vivienne’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “Falling for you.”
“So first you admit I’m your boyfriend, now you’re confessing to falling for me. What’s next?” My voice is husky and raw.
“You tell me. I thought you had the entire day planned.” Flirting with this woman never gets old. I adore her spicy personality, just like I’ve enjoyed the chase.
We spend a few more moments admiring the statue, and then I tug her hand. “How about a stroll through the city. Or are you ready to head back?”
“If we go back to Brooklyn, what are we going to do?” She shrugs casually.
“You know exactly what we’re going to do.”
“That’s my vote, but I want hot cocoa for the subway ride…please.” She bats her lashes at me.
“I suppose we can find some hot chocolate on our way.” I reach for her hand and she takes mine.
Together, we stroll down the street in search of a bodega.
It doesn’t take long to find one, and once my girl is happily sipping her hot chocolate, we’re on our way to the subway entrance.
About half a block down the street, I surprise Vivienne, pressing her against the stone exterior of a random building. “I believe you owe me a kiss.”
“Do I?” she quips.
“Absolutely.” As I lean in to kiss her,, I hear the soft click of a camera.
I turn. Another click. Paparazzi. I guess it was only a matter of time before they found us. “Vivienne, come on,” I shout, pulling her away and down the street.
The man taking the photos gives chase. We’re almost to the subway steps when Vivienne’s hand slips out from mine. I turn. The man is gripping her by the elbow. Her face is twisted in fear. I don’t think—I act.
In a fury of rage, I grab the man by his jacket, shoving him against the wall of the building hard.
People passing by turn to watch our encounter.
Bringing my face close to his in a menacing display of dominance, I snarl, “Never put your hands on my woman.” The words come out cold, devoid of all emotion but anger. “Give me your memory card.”
“Wha…what?” he stutters.
“Give me the memory card, and I won’t smash the camera,” I snarl.
His hands shake as he pops the card out of its slot.
“Cas,” Vivienne tugs at me. “Let’s go.”
I release him, allowing her to pull me away, clutching the card in my fist. “I better not ever catch you around here again. Do I make myself clear?” He nods as Vivienne pulls me down the subway steps.
Miraculously, neither one of us spilled a single drop of cocoa. We pick a spot on the empty subway train and each breathe a sigh of relief.
“Cas,” Vivienne looks at me wide-eyed, “I was fine. He didn’t hurt me.”
“I saw the look on your face. You weren’t fine. You were terrified. Don’t try to explain it away,” I snap, not meaning to.
She recoils. “I guess it caught me off guard and reminded me of when I got stabbed. I was surprised by it all, but I promise he didn’t harm me.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I reply through clenched teeth. “He doesn’t get to touch you. I won’t apologize for how I acted.”
We pick our seats and she rests her head on my shoulder. “Thank you.”
“For what?” I ask, confused.
“For looking out for me like that,” she mumbles.
I put my arm around her in reassurance, holding her to me for a few minutes of silence until the adrenaline calms and I’m once more in control. She relaxes into my embrace. When I remove my arm, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Look at me, Vivienne.”
I grab her by the chin gently. “I promise, I’ll never let anything happen to you.”
Vivienne gazes at me intently as she appears to think things over. To my surprise, a few seconds later, she whispers, “I know.”
We ride in silence for a few minutes, sipping our cocoa.
“Cas,” she starts.
“Hmmm,” I answer simply.
“I appreciate you showing me the city today. I love it here. I can see exactly why people visit and fall in love. There’s something strangely enchanting about it.” Her confession tugs at my memories. I know the feeling of never wanting to leave.
“I’m glad you had a good day.” I genuinely mean it.
“Maybe I should move here. You know, instead. I can work from anywhere.”
“Absolutely not.” I stop her before she gets too far down this hole.
She sits up, shifting her body away from me defensively. “Why?”
“For starters, I’m almost never home. Plus your place is way bigger, and you have that amazing pool.” I side-eye her to see if she’s going to accept defeat.
She’s not.
“I don’t want you to give all of this up for me. This was your dream, and your happy place with your grandma. I want it to be our happy place too,” she argues.
There it is. again. OUR. A stupid three-letter word and I’m hanging on to it for dear life because it makes everything we’ve gone through worth it.
She’s seeing a future with me and I can’t help the way it fills me with purpose.
I haven’t had a purpose since my grandmother.
“Vivienne, I’ll be happy anywhere as long as you’re there.
I’m not asking you to give up your life for me.
You’ve built a phenomenal career. You’ve lived next door to your best friend your entire life, and I’m pretty sure if you move here either Roxy’s coming with you or she’s hiring a hitman to take me out. ”
This earns me a deep belly laugh. “Bullshit. She wouldn’t hire a hitman, she’d take you out herself.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “Exactly. I guess that settles it. We keep both places. You spend the holidays here with me and I spend the rest of the year at your place.”
“Who invited you to move into my place?” she teases.
I give her a cocky look. “Where else am I supposed to stay? It’d be wasteful to buy a second house.”
“Oh, you sound just devastated.” Her tone is mocking.
“It’s a tragedy. Honestly, I was looking forward to house hunting.”
“Liar.”
“So?”
She opens her mouth to argue, but I kiss her before she can.
“No fair,” she complains when I pull away. “You cheated.”
“There were never any rules about how to get what I want. It’s settled. You can help me pack.” My tone is light and playful, but deep down I’m serious.