Page 26 of Jagger

Half hour later, Quinn’s dubbed the “Big Loser” for the night when, suddenly, two soft knocks sound off on my door.

Who the hell?

I set my now nearly emptied bottle on the coffee table and shuffle to the front door, squinting through the peephole.

My eyes almost bug out completely.

To say I’m surprised at what, or should I say whom, stands in the brightly lit corridor isn't even putting it lightly.

I can’t open the door fast enough.

"Hey," Vida says softly, green eyes peeking up at me rather sheepishly beneath wet lashes.

She’s drenched, from head to toe, her clothes clinging to the curves of her body. I have to choke back a laugh ‘cause she just looks so fucking...cute.

"Do you enjoy taking walks in the rain often?" I joke, leaning toward her through the jamb.

“Are you kidding me? I hate the rain. Turns this,” she points to her hair, “into a frizz ball."

"Like that would make you any less beautiful."

Vida rolls her eyes. “Can you not do that?”

“Do what?”

“That sweet talking shit.”

“I'm not sweet talking you.” I smirk.

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You are,” she snaps, her growing frustration apparent and utterly adorable.

Leaning all the more closer, I cock my head to one side and grin deviously. “I’m not.”

“Jagger!” She whines, shoving my shoulder. “Are you gonna let me in or not?”

It’s right about then I really notice she’s soaking wet.

At my doorstep.

Rivulets of water running down her neck, her chest, everywhere...

I may have gulped as a result, running a hand through my hair to avoid yanking her into my apartment and thrusting her into the wall. “I’ll let you in…if you tell me why you’re here.”

Vida shrugs noncommittally, offering me a lopsided grin. “I made it home after those dreadful meetings, poured myself a glass of wine, and before I knew it, I was getting back in the car to come see you despite the rain.”

“Just couldn’t stay away, huh?” I quip, waggling my eyebrows, and she surprises me—yet again—with a meek nod.

“Something like that.”

At her reply, I step aside to let her in, only to catch her at the waist and clasp her chin, brushing my lips softly against hers. “I like that answer.”

“You should, ‘cause it’s the truth. It’s like I was driving here blind.”

Smiling, I kiss her again and shut the door. “Let’s get you dry, shall we?”

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