Chapter 30
Chapter thirty
There can’t possibly be anything better than waking up to my girl tangled together with me in my bed.
It’s my new favorite place. I marvel at her while she sleeps as my fingers trace over her body.
She looks so peaceful, like she hasn’t slept this good since the last night we spent together.
Maybe it’s because I know she hasn’t and neither have I.
There were so many times I almost left the tour to hop on a plane back to Denver.
So many times I fought with myself and almost gave in.
She was worth the wait. This was worth it.
No matter how much I hate it, I have to accept that Vivienne needed space and time to process everything.
I hold her while she sleeps, dreaming up our future and planning all the things I want to spend the next few days doing.
We snuggle like this for at least another hour, until she stirs.
Vivienne rolls over to face me. “Are we snowed in?” she whispers.
“I don’t think so,” I answer.
“Did you look?”
“Did I look? No, I don’t have to. The sun’s peeking in through the blinds, and earlier I heard the trash truck. The city is definitely awake and moving. Looking must be a Colorado thing,” I tease.
She ignores me, then throws the blankets off herself and pads over to where the curtains hang, blocking her view. She cautiously pulls them back. “Oh my gosh. This is a door. You have a whole rooftop patio.”
I cup my morning wood with one hand, following her to the french doors. When I slide in behind her, I wrap my free hand around her waist, and lean in to whisper, “Maybe next time it snows we can go skinny-dipping in the hot tub.”
Blush heats her cheeks. She gulps against my cheek. “Do you like that idea?” I rasp.
She nods her head. “Words, Vivienne.” My voice a low growl.
“Yes,” she answers.
“Why?” For some reason, I want to hear her say something, anything, about why she wants to be with me.
“I’ve never done that before.” Her confession is soft, embarrassed almost.
I don’t want to make her feel inadequate, and I can sense her discomfort as she shifts her weight, waiting for my reply. Her ass cheek grazes against the hand cupping my dick when she moves, stealing my focus.
Once I recover, I bring my lips against her ear again, dropping my voice, husky and low. “What makes you want to experience it with me?”
My question catches her breath, stealing it from her.
Against me, she stiffens and her pulse races.
Slowly she turns to face me, giving me a long, hard stare before answering.
“Because life with you is the adventure I didn’t know I needed.
” Her hand lands against my chest, then trails down, caressing my abs, leaving a burning desire for her in its wake.
My other hand instinctively drops to join the other. The movement catches her attention, and her gaze falls with it. Laughing, she sidesteps. “Go pee. I promise I’ll still be here when you come back.”
I nod sheepishly, taking myself to the bathroom.
When I return, Vivienne is right where I left her, perched on the edge of my bed. “You don’t happen to have a pair of winter boots in your luggage, do you?” I ask.
Vivienne laughs. “Yeah Cas, I totally packed snow boots for my trip to Florida.”
“Well, get dressed and we’ll have to get you some after breakfast.” I shrug.
“What happened to locking me in your bedroom? Not going to lie, I’m a little disappointed.” The look on her face is completely serious.
“I’m still satisfied from our Mile High Club induction. It’s going to live rent-free in my memories forever.” I allow my eyes to glaze over and grip my chin, pretending to think. “Speaking of, I believe we have a tattoo date. I’ll have Arty schedule something.’
“If you don’t have to keep your promises, I shouldn’t have to keep mine.” Vivienne crosses her arms over her chest playfully and sulks.
“Maybe if you agree to leave with me, I’ll make it worth your while with a happy ending.” I wink. “How long do you need to get ready?”
To my surprise, she replies, “Forty-five minutes.”
I sit on the bed to book a ride and email Arty about more than a few things.
When I look up a few minutes later, Vivienne’s wearing one of my black waffle knit sweaters and a pair of holey jeans with what looks like black leggings underneath.
She tucked the front of my sweater into her jeans and is in the process of slipping on a pair of shoes.
Quietly, I sneak up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “I like you in my clothes.”
She giggles. “All I have are tank tops and T-shirts.”
“I’m very disappointed in your packing skills,” I tease, releasing her so I can get some clothes on.
“Hey, not fair. My packing is perfect for Florida,” she argues, her gaze flitting over me and lingering as I dress.
Once we’re both ready, we head downstairs to meet the driver.
After getting situated in the SUV, I go over the itinerary with the driver.
First, a stop for bagels and coffee, then a trip into Manhattan for a pair of boots and a winter coat.
She’s going to need a jacket and a pair of boots for her stay.
I already know she’s not going to want me to buy them, which is exactly why I need caffeine first.
A few minutes later, we glide to a stop in front of a bagel shop. I asked the driver just to pick one at random since there’s plenty to choose from on our way. He opens the door for us and lets me know to message him when we’re ready to be picked up.
Vivienne hasn’t stopped staring. It’s a cute little shop nestled in with a few other stores and buildings.
I grab her hand and gently lead her inside.
There are a few customers eating at tables and one person ahead of us in line.
Behind the counter, two college-aged girls are working together, toasting the bagels and taking orders.
“Good morning,” the girl at the register says as we step up to the counter. She looks at me, then to her co-worker, who is also staring then looks back at me. “Are you, Cas Wilder?”
I nod, flashing my rockstar smile. “Any chance this can be our little secret?”
“Oh my gosh, Mr. Wilder, of course we can keep a secret. No one will ever know you were here,” she says, pretending to zip her lips.
The other girl has scooted over next to the register and exclaims excitedly, “I can’t believe this is actually happening!” They look at each other, whisper-squeal, then jump up and down.
“Ladies, ladies. Be cool,” I reply, pinning them with my gaze.
“Okay. Okay, we can be cool,” they say practically in unison.
“Is that…” the girl at the register whispers, nodding her head at Vivienne.
“Yeah, this is Vivienne,” I squeeze her hand, introducing her.
She gives an awkward wave.
Toaster girl gushes, “Oh my god. You’re, like, so cool. What’s it like to be super famous?”
I chuckle under my breath as Vivienne replies politely, “I’m not that famous.”
The girls look even more star-struck. “No way you broke into a male-dominated industry and were one of the first female artists to do so many things.”
“That’s Callie,” register girl says, “She’s a huge nerd and loves to cosplay.”
“Guilty,” Callie laughs. “Do you think it would be cool if we took a picture and maybe you could sign something for me?”
I look at Vivienne with pride as she smiles warmly and says, “Heck yes, of course we can.”
Register girl must feel bad for me because she chimes in, “Don’t worry, Cas, we’d love a pic with both of you.”
I shake my head with a smile. “I wasn’t worried, just super proud of my girl.”
“Awwww,” they melt.
“You guys are so cute.”
“The cutest,” Callie agrees.
After we’ve taken a photo and signed a few random things, we grab our bagels and devour them at a quiet little table in the corner of the store. Before we leave, we wave goodbye to the girls and thank them for a fun breakfast. When we step outside, the driver is waiting to pick us up.
“Brrrr.” Vivienne shivers. “It’s a lot colder than I expected.”
“Which is exactly why our next stop is to pick up a pair of boots and a warm winter jacket,” I say as I climb into the car behind her.
“It’s fine, really. I’ll be okay in my sneakers and my hoodie,” she argues.
“It’s not up for debate. The last thing I need is to be responsible for you catching a cold.
” I run a nervous hand through my hair. “Roxy made it explicitly clear I am not allowed to let anything happen to you, or I’ll never have permission to kidnap you again.
I’m pretty sure if you get sick, she’ll count it against me. ”
“Oh, she’ll definitely count it against you.” Vivienne laughs, “She’s downright ruthless, and you don’t want to get on her bad side.”
“So it’s settled. Our next stop is Mazie’s in Manhattan.”
“You got it boss,” the driver answers.
Our drive is perfect. We hold hands, sipping our coffee, and Vivienne stares out the window in awe as I point things out to her. We are so busy enjoying the city that it feels like the drive flies by.
We arrive at Mazie’s, and Vivienne gushes, “Wow! I never thought I’d actually find myself standing here.”
“Why’s that?” My curiosity getting the best of me.
“It’s just, the city is…” she pauses, searching for words. “I’ve spent my entire life immersed in an industry where New York City is the setting or inspirational setting for so many storylines. Now that I’m here, I understand why.”
“Yeah, it grew on me fast too,” I confess, helping her out of the car.
“We’ll be fast,” I say to the driver as he closes the door. “Stay close.”
He nods his agreement, and I drag a reluctant Vivienne into the department store.
I really hope no one recognizes me. As we head toward the shoe department, I keep my focus on Vivienne.
Luckily, the shoe department is full of options.
I motion with my hand at the boots, “Pick a pair. The sooner you do, the sooner I take you on a romantic ride through Central Park.”
She starts to protest, but I place a finger against her lips. “Trust me, darling, you’re going to be here a while, and it’s not going to get any warmer. Now, what kind of boots does a Colorado girl wear?”
Defeated, she answers, “There’s really no talking you out of this, is there?”
“Nope, go pick something.” I sit down on one of the seats for trying on shoes and cross my arms.
“You’re impossible,” she moans, stomping off.
A few minutes later, she returns with a box tucked under her arm. “Where to next?”
“A proper jacket, a hat, and gloves,” I smirk. I could really get used to this feeling of taking care of her. If only she’d let me do it more.
“Lead the way, daddy,” she teases.
“Careful, little muse. I’m perfectly content being called daddy outside of the bedroom. It just means I get to do this.” I slide my hand into the back pocket of her jeans and give her ass a squeeze.
“Stop it,” she hisses, swatting my arm. “We’re in public. What if someone else recognizes us?”
“I believe a wise woman once told me, and I quote, ‘fuck it.’ Are you familiar with the motto?”
She shakes her head. “You’re terrible.”
“Nah, terrible would be asking if you got the boots with the fur.”
Vivienne throws her head back, laughing. “You’re diabolical then.”
“Guilty. Now go pick out a jacket. Remember, it’s only going to get colder.” I watch as she wanders into the display of jackets, waiting for her to return with something.
Once she finds a jacket, we head to the register to pay, stopping to grab a hat and gloves on our way.
I pay Mazie’s to ship Vivienne’s sneakers back to the house so she can wear the boots out.
Thankfully, our trip to Mazie’s was uneventful.
My strong, independent woman allowed me to do something nice for her, and no one recognized either of us. It’s definitely a win in my book.
Back in the car, the driver heads towards Central Park. I can’t wait to show Vivienne all the famous spots, and nothing says romantic gesture like a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park.