Page 41 of Vas

Feeling embarrassed by the compliment, she qualified, “Probably from the chocolate pudding.”

He slowly shook his head. “No, my sweet Anya, it’s all you. You’re very distracting. So much so in fact, we seem to have gotten off topic. You were going to tell me why you were fired.”

A mix of anger and resentment filled her. The events of that day were something she hated thinking about, much less talking about. “Maybe we should save it for later.”

His eyes bore into hers, calculating, and his thumb made another sweep across her lips. “You’re tired,” he stated.

“I am.” Though that wasn’t the reason she didn’t want to talk about her old workplace drama, she jumped at the reprieve, even knowing it would be a short one. Vas didn’t seem like the type of man who forgot much.

“Come on, let’s get you home.”

He helped her into her car, waited until it started then got into his. After that, he followed her home, walking her to her door and making sure she got in safely.

Twenty minutes later, giving him enough time to get home, she pulled out her phone.

Why apple pie?It was a burning question she’d always been dying to know.

It took a few minutes but soon she saw him typing his reply.

You know, we didn’t have a lot of money. But my mom associated apple pie as part of the American dream. Every week, without fail, even if it meant spending our last dollar, she would go to the farmer’s market and buy apples. There was always a pie at the center of our table. She said it was a reminder to never give up hope.

She had to blink away tears before typing,That’s a good memory.

Yes. Though a bittersweet one.A moment passed when she saw him typing again.Goodnight, my sweet Anya.

Goodnight.

She stared at her phone for long minutes before carefully setting it on the side table. Then she lay down and closed her eyes. That night she dreamed of Vas and chocolate pudding.

And apple pie.

Chapter 15

The plan Vas set into motion had finally come to fruition. He reread the email with satisfaction. In the next few days, Anya would get some life changing news. Shoving his phone in his pocket, he picked up his keys and headed for the door.

He had a date.

A ding sounded from his computer as he reached for the doorknob. He contemplated ignoring it but knew he couldn’t. It’d been the tone he used for work and the people he dealt with didn’t like to be kept waiting.

Logging in, he pulled up the message and cursed under his breath. The deposit for a contract he’d agreed to weeks ago had just been paid. The timing couldn’t have been more inopportune. Replying to the client, he typed out a response, then slammed the lid down.

He dropped heavily into his chair, tipped his head back, and closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths to control his frustration. He didn’t want to leave Anya. Not so soon.

And definitely not for so fucking long.

Wanting their third date to be special, Vas had booked a table at a seaside restaurant in Malibu, complete with a private room that overlooked the ocean. He didn’t know much about romance, but when taking the tour, he imagined even the most jaded would’ve been impressed. Unpretentious, just like Anya, they’d boasted fine dining in a casual setting. The place had lived up to its claim. He’d felt comfortable the moment he’d walked in. He just hoped Anya liked it as much as he did.

They kept the conversation light for the forty-minute drive out to the beach. Vas knew they had something more pressing to talk about but for that he wanted to give her his full attention. So they chatted about little things—likes and dislikes, her childhood. The subject of her birthday had come up and he’d tucked the date away in the back of his mind for future reference.

“This place is incredible. How did you find it?” Anya said as he pulled off PCH and parked in the small parking lot.

“Google. You can Google anything.”

She chuckled, and he got out of the car and came around to her side to help her out.

“I hope I’m dressed okay. I’ve never been to a restaurant on the beach before.” He saw her straighten her blouse and rub a hand down the front of her pants.

He captured her fidgeting hand. “You’re dressed perfectly. You’ll see.” He opened the door to the restaurant and ushered her inside.

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