Chapter 24
Having cleaned up in the bathroom, Blake returned to the bedroom with a warm washcloth and towel for Vi. She wasn’t there. Huh. “Vi?” he called out. “Where’d you go?”
“I’m in the living room.”
Wondering at that, he descended the stairs. “I brought you a washcloth and towel,” he said, holding them out.
“That’s so sweet. I took care of myself in the bathroom down here.”
She seemed okay, but he sensed she’d pulled away, although he couldn’t put his finger on what was different. She was dressed in the outfit she’d worn to the store that afternoon, which made sense. It was that or dirty cycling clothes.
Disappointment flooded him. He wanted to have sex again. Apparently, she’d had enough. Must be having regrets.
“You’re sorry about the sex. Maybe we should’ve waited longer before we jumped into bed.”
“Are you deaf? I said it was great, and I meant that. Really, the best I’ve ever had.”
Her smile and the words eased his misgivings, yet she still seemed somewhat distant. “I agree, it was way up there. I love your body and the way you respond to me. You’re a dynamo in bed.”
“I am?”
“The way you took charge and let me know what you wanted, then when you climaxed? Super-hot. No one has mentioned that to you?”
“No, but the guys I’ve been with never turned me on much.”
Weird. “Because?”
“They were more interested in themselves than me. But you’re not like that.”
“If you want to do this again, I’m available now.”
“I can’t, Blake. I have to get up early tomorrow and should probably get home.”
That made sense, even if it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. “Not without eating something first. It’s way past dinnertime, and I’m sure your belly’s as empty as mine.”
“Yes, I’m starving, but sitting in a restaurant or waiting for takeout could take a while.”
“Forget that. Why don’t we grab something to eat on the way to your car. Burgers, hotdogs, tacos or whatever, if that works for you.”
She licked her lips. “Let’s do that.” On the drive, they chatted. “I feel so much better than I did when I left work. The bike ride, making love…”
“I enjoyed all of it, too. We should do this again soon.”
“I agree.”
They pulled into a fast food place, ordered from the car and ate in the Lexus, wolfing their meals in record time. “A cheeseburger and onion rings—exactly what I needed,” she said as she crumpled the paper and put it in the bag that’d contained their orders. “Sorry to eat and run.”
“I get it. I should go to bed early myself.”
He pulled up to her car. “When will I see you again?”
“Not until Saturday. I’ll probably work that morning just to keep up, but I’ll be done well ahead of the wedding.”
“Let’s carpool. I’ll pick you up.” If all went well, after the festivities they’d spend a few dynamite hours together.
“Okay. See you then.”
She leaned in and kissed him lightly before exiting the car, a brief brush of the lips that left him hungry for more. Moments later, she was gone.
On the drive home, he thought again about the subtle changes in her he didn’t understand. Most of the women he’d been with tended to hold on tight, often signaling they wanted to stay the night or out-and-out asking. Since Sammi, he rarely spent a full night with anyone. He didn’t want a clingy woman, which Vi wasn’t.
He didn’t doubt for a second that she liked him. His confusion stemmed from the changes after she’d dressed, when the warmth and affection she’d shown him for weeks had cooled. More mixed messages.
What was up with that? He wanted to know. Sooner or later, he’d find out.
To Vi’s amazement,the first week in her new position ended on a high note. Yes, she was tired, but the job was going better than she’d expected. Mr. Iglesias was pleased with her, Todd called her a natural leader, and Linda said she was great to work for. Positive feedback that boosted her confidence. Extra bonus: she didn’t need to go to the office Saturday morning after all, which meant catching up on rest and sleeping in.
Now, if she could just stop thinking about Blake… She needed to talk to someone. Not Rose—she didn’t need more advice from her little sister. Carmie didn’t answer her phone. No doubt she was doing something with Chris. Vi left a message. After dinner, she fell asleep and slept until morning.
As she finished dressing for the wedding, her friend phoned her back. “Hey, you. Got your message. Chris and I were out last night. We went back to the Highway Club for comedy night, which has been switched to Fridays, and had a great time. What’s going on with you? How was your first week at the new job?”
“Surprisingly good. Mr. Iglesias is happy with the way I’m quickly adjusting.”
“I expected no less.”
“Thanks. Gran and Malcom are getting married in a little while. Blake and I are carpooling.” Vi glanced at her watch. “He’s picking me up soon.”
“Are you worried about the wedding?”
“It’ll be interesting, but we’re resigned to whatever happens.”
“How are things with him?”
“That’s why I called. A few nights ago, I slept with him.”
“You said you might. And?”
“It was amazing, but—” Vi broke off.
“But what?”
“I’m not falling for him anymore. I’m totally in love with him, and that’s a problem.”
“Does he know?”
“No, and he never will.”
“Ah, you’re still afraid he’ll leave you.”
“That’s a given, but I want to have sex with him again. I’m already looking forward to being with him after the wedding. Am I crazy for enjoying it while it lasts?”
“I think you know the answer to that.”
“Yes, but I want your opinion anyway.”
“All right. No, I don’t think you’re crazy. If it were me, I’d do exactly what you’re doing. If you keep a level head about the future, you might not even get hurt.”
Too late for that. The doorbell chimed and Vi’s heart lifted. “He’s here.”