Chapter 9
nine
. . .
Miles
Watching Vicky’s car until I couldn’t see her brake lights anymore, I leaned my head on the doorframe.
What just happened?
With a loud exhale, I pushed off and walked into the house, my feet feeling heavy. I practically collapsed onto the sofa, resting my elbows on my knees, head in my hands, and let out a groan. I wasn’t even sure which part I was referring to.
Let’s see.
Was it when I laughed like I hadn’t in years with a woman who wasn’t a family member?
Or was it the moment I got to hold her hand as she let herself be open and unguarded with me?
No, maybe it was when I lost my mind and confided in her about Katy and how inadequate I felt.
I tugged on my hair at the memory. What was I thinking, being that vulnerable?
Roughing my hands over my face, I leaned back, my head falling onto the impossibly comfortable sofa. The sofa Vicky had chosen for me. Turning my head, I saw the spot where we had held hands minutes earlier, my mind and heart roaring to life with emotions.
This woman.
She had invaded my mind and rewired my brain like an unexpected code that quietly fixed everything I thought was broken.
I groaned again when I thought about Luke making fun of that metaphor, but it was true.
Vicky was quiet, yet she had entered my life with the force of a hurricane.
Grabbing the pillow she had pulled onto her lap, I slowly raised it to my face like an idiot.
As I expected, her perfume lingered on it.
Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes in bliss.
Tonight proved that my feelings for her went far beyond my initial physical attraction. She was an incredibly beautiful woman, clearly visible to any man with eyes. But I had just begun to see deeper into who she really was.
Kind, with a sense of humor that matched mine, deeply emotional and insightful. She had it all. Everything I’d ever wanted. When I opened my eyes, my chest tightened at the bombshell she dropped. She’d never had a boyfriend, never even been kissed?
How was it even possible that this gorgeous, perfect woman had never had a man take her out and bring her flowers? Listen to her stories and make her laugh, nervously hoping for a chance to kiss those full lips?
White-hot jealousy surged through me so quickly that I gasped.
Illogical thoughts of some sleazy man touching her, kissing her, and hearing that melodic laugh I got to hear tonight flooded my mind.
I visualized her taking off her shoes at some man’s house and moaning with pleasure as she stretched out her arches.
I couldn’t sit anymore. Shooting up like a rocket, I started to pace around the room.
When my phone started to vibrate in my pocket, I grabbed it and answered without looking, hoping it was Vicky.
“How’d it go tonight?” Luke asked, amusement coloring his tone.
I hung my head and stopped pacing. “What do you mean?” I grumbled, annoyed that I hadn’t checked the caller ID. It was clear he knew who had been here.
“Come on. Mom told me Vicky was coming over to show you sketches. Oh shoot, is she still there?” he asked quickly. I should’ve lied but couldn’t.
“No, she’s not,” I answered, my anger subsiding. “I messed up and she left.”
I heard Sofia in the background shouting, “What did you do to her?” Of course, my dumb brother had it on speakerphone.
“Nothing, nothing. Calm down. I…just reacted to something she said and…”
“Miles, just tell us what happened. You’re too hard on yourself. Probably isn’t as bad as you think,” Luke said, no doubt trying to calm his usually sweet wife.
I knew neither of them would stop this line of questioning, so I gave in.
Plopping back down on the sofa, I told them the highlights, leaving out what Vicky had said about her lack of experience.
I had no idea if that was something she’d shared with Sofia and her friends, and I’d never betray her trust.
“So, you were having a great time, shared some sweet moments. I don’t see the problem. What could you have done that was so bad?” Luke asked.
“Well, in the middle of sharing something private with me, she mentioned Enzo.”
The deep groan from Sofia, followed by Luke’s “oh, no” made it clear they understood.
“Yeah,” I exhaled sharply. "Mentioning Enzo was like a death knell. I backed away so fast, it looked like skid marks. I’m such an idiot. I mean, there’s no sense denying it. I’m so attracted to her it’s ridiculous, but she’s eight years younger than me and her brother hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you. But it was evident at our wedding that there was a spark between you two, however small.
Enzo is fiercely protective of her because of their father’s death so early in their lives, not to mention his own brush with death.
But he treats her like a child. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, but he’s as stubborn as an ox,” Sofia said gruffly.
Her voice softened as she said, “Aw, thanks, honey, that feels good.”
“Oh, geez, what the heck are you two doing?” I asked, my face grimacing.
My brother laughed hysterically before replying, “Don’t be an idiot.” With his voice lowered, he added, “I’m rubbing her feet.”
“That’s just as bad,” I mumbled.
“Well, that ox sent us a text, as I’m sure your husband has shared with you. Message received. Besides…”
“What? Besides, what?” Luke asked.
“Like I said, she’s young. Just starting her life, her career. She shared how there are things she wants to experience and see.” My voice drifted off as I remembered her words.
“Ah, okay, I see. This is about Katy.” Luke was too intuitive for his own good.
“No! Yes. Maybe. I…I can’t do that again, Luke. I can’t open myself up to falling for a woman who may not be ready for a serious relationship. Won’t do that to MJ.” I rubbed my temples, but the pressure made my headache worse.
I heard rustling and my sister-in-law’s calm voice got louder.
“Miles, I probably know most of your story with Katy, but no, I don’t know what it must’ve been like for you to see your life and marriage fall apart like that.
And I’m sorry. I hate that you had to go through it.
But you and MJ have built a beautiful life together.
She’s surrounded by so much love. I promise you’ve given her a life that most kids with both parents would be thrilled with. ”
“Vicky said something similar,” I murmured. “Thanks, Sof. It means a lot. But I just can’t risk it. Not again. I would love to explore being in Vicky’s life. It’s insane how quickly we connected, but it can’t be more than friends. It just can’t.”
“I understand that. Yes, Vicky is young and just starting out. I’ve gotten to know her better with the group’s get-togethers.
She has the biggest heart. I think she’s more mature than people give her credit for.
She should be allowed to decide who she spends her time with.
And yes, Luke and I know all about that unexpected, powerful connection, don’t we, amor?
” Sofia said, the last part directed to Luke.
I could picture them cuddled together, reminiscing.
Their story was nothing short of miraculous, and in that moment, I wished I could’ve known Vicky from the time I was ten years old, too.
That thought was followed by the sobering realization that she would’ve been two.
I groaned loudly, pushed off the sofa, and started walking around, turning off lights. I was done with this night.
“You okay, man?” Luke asked.
“Yeah, all good. I’m beat. Thanks for listening.
Both of you. Just do me a favor, please.
I’m begging you to keep this to yourselves.
No telling Mom or Leyla, and for all that is holy, don’t tell Aria and Alex.
They’ll tell Enzo, and before you know it, a raging boxer will be on my front lawn challenging me to a duel. ”
They both laughed loudly, promising to keep my secret. I hung up and headed to my bedroom. I took a few steps, then stopped, turned, and grabbed the pillow from the sofa like it offended me, slowly bringing it to my nose.
Yeah, I apparently liked to torture myself.
A few days later, I was working from home with MJ because my parents had a charity luncheon to attend. My team and I were refining new features that helped users track their wellness goals and improve daily habits through data-driven insights.
My office party was scheduled for that weekend, and the painters were working inside while MJ and I hung out in the backyard.
We had been on the back patio for hours to avoid the paint fumes.
I checked my watch and realized the painters would soon be taking their lunch break, so I was about to offer to get them something.
“Dad, what do you think about architecture?” MJ asked as she looked through the sketches Vicky had sent to us. “I’m interested in how Vicky sees a home and how it’s built. I’d like to understand how to build things for her to decorate.”
It made my heart melt that she was interested in something related to Vicky and that she had been excited to see her again on Saturday.
I still wanted to protect her heart and mine, honestly, but I did want Vicky in our lives as a friend.
I just needed to figure out how to make that happen.
I hadn’t heard from her since the other night, nor had I reached out.
It was for the best.
“I think architecture is a great subject to explore. What are you thinking?” I asked, setting aside my laptop to give her my full attention.
“Hmmm, maybe we could call Vicky and ask her how to add it to my room ideas? I can’t wait for them to start on my room next week,” she said excitedly.
It was no secret that my daughter was as smitten with Vicky as Vicky had been with MJ after just one encounter.