Page 14 of Unravel You

I chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. The dividends they get allow them to do whatever they want.”

“There’s so much about you I still don’t know.”

“Our trip would be a good thing. We’ll have time to get to know each other better.”

“We’re getting to know each other now.”

“You know what I mean.” He planted a quick kiss on my hand.

“So your mom didn’t invest and lost you anyway?”

“Right. We talk on the phone. Mostly when Dad makes her or when she needs me to sign off on renovation stuff. We’re decent to each other, but it’s not like it was before. I was sort of her favorite. I miss that. All this distance between us is all my fault. You reminded me how important family is. I want them back.”

Mom had my brother Wesley. She didn’t need me, and I didn’t need her. But I still missed her. I missed talking shop with her, getting her advice, and having her listen to mine. If that wasn’t the biggest confidence boost, I didn’t know what would be. She taught me to listen to my gut and follow my instincts. The goddamn instincts I got from her right before I left her to be my own person. What a fucked-up way to say thanks. I took a long swig of wine.

Truth was, I could’ve apologized a million times over the past few years and I hadn’t. Mom was right to be mad at me. Or maybe not mad? Disappointed? Disillusioned? She’d always said I’d go far. That I could conquer the world if I wanted to. Yeah, I got far, then proceeded to turn into an asshole who pushed everyone away, who only had time for work and time to make more money.

Valentina swiped her finger across my eyebrow before she kissed my forehead. I’d seen her do this to Max many times—when he got hurt or did something he’d already been told not to do. How did a six-year-old manage to find the courage to say “sorry, Mom”? Better question was, how could a grown twenty-eight-year-old man not have the balls to apologize to his own mother.

“Your mom loves you no matter what.”

In Valentina’s eyes, what I’d done was of no real concern. Would Mom feel the same way?

“I think you’re right.” She beamed at me.

“Am I now?”

“Yes.” She stepped back to meet my gaze. “A month with them is probably what you need. I can be your buffer. I mean, I can’t fix this for you, but I can be there for you. Talk to her.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

“You do. You know what else you deserve? Pie.” She made her way to the oven.

The sweet scent of baked apples wafted out of the oven when she opened it. She walked around the kitchen counter and set the pie on the cooling rack the chef had left out. She had also left vanilla ice cream and champagne in the fridge. I knew because I’d asked for those things. Images of the last time I drank wine off the groove along Valentina’s spine flashed in my mind.

She patted the buttery crust before she stuck her finger in the thick filling. “Ouch. Maybe we let it sit for a bit.” She sucked on her finger, while her gaze stayed on mine. I rose to my feet and ambled over to her.

I pressed my lips to her. By now, I should know that with Valentina, it can never be just a kiss. It was always so much more. I always needed so much more. I hooked my finger on her oversize knit sweater and let if fall off her shoulders.

“Okay, no dessert, then.” She whispered.

My mouth didn’t leave hers as I stalked her back to the sectional sofa. She sighed and lay down on the cushions, waiting for me to do my thing, waiting for me to remove her clothes, kiss her legs, her sex, and those breasts that drove me insane every time they fell into my hands. But did she like that because I liked doing that to her, or did she like it because she didn’t know anything else?

I placed my knee on the edge of the couch and caressed her neck. She rubbed her face on my palm. Her big brown eyes on me. The heat that emanated from her was such a turn-on.

“Take off your clothes.” I ordered.

She blew out air, as if she’d been holding her breath while I decided which way to go. “When is the helicopter coming back for us?” Valentina, the project manager. She could never let go unless she had a plan of what to do and where to go next.

“I told you. We have all the time we want. Pants.” I braced my hands on my hips. “Unless you want to try something different.”

She combed her hair away from her face, leaving a few sweaty strands stuck to the side of her neck. I could take her right now and she’d be content, but she deserved more.

“Like what?” Her voice was a whisper laced with anticipation.

“I don’t know. You tell me.” I flashed her a smile that said I’d be up for anything.

“Um. I don’t know.” Her chest rose and fell.

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