Page 32 of Damien
I swear, as long as I live, I’m not gonna let Dani live that one down. Of course, they’ve had their moments where their fame has gotten in the way but overall, they’re perfect for one another. And let’s face it… as long as she’s happy, I’ll be happy for her.
My phone buzzes with an incoming text, and I’m instantly pulled from my memory.
Vanessa: Are you busy?
For her—never.
Me: Nope.
Instead of replying, the phone rings, and I’m blessed with Vanessa’s sultry voice. “Hey, you.” Her voice is deeper than in person, but it could be that she’s tired from an extremely long day.
“Hope you don’t mind. I’d much rather talk than text,” she admits.
“I’d rather talk in person—but I’ll settle for the phone,” rolls off my tongue. So much for playing it smooth. But really? Why wouldn’t I tell her? After last night, I’ll always choose the option where I get to kiss her at the end of the night.
“Sorry. Julia’s in bed by eight usually—and although I can talk on the phone, I don’t get much of a social life.”
Shit. I never meant for her to feel guilty. Quickly, I backpedal to explain, “You have nothing to be sorry for. You’re a mom, and Julia will always come first. That was just my pathetic way of telling you I enjoy being with you in person.”
“Oh.” She’s quiet for a moment, and fear sets in that I’m blowing it.
“Oh, what?” I clarify.
Please let me be wrong.
“I… uh… just wasn’t expecting that.”
“Expecting…” I draw out because this isnotthe time to make assumptions. I’ve likely already made an ass out of myself, and I don’t the need to dig the hole further.
“Expecting you to say you want to spend time with me?” she questions.
Holy shit. She couldn’t be more wrong.
“For the record—and so we’re clear. I like being around you. I’m kind of a selfish bastard and will take you any way I can get you. If it’s just time at the diner in the mornings, in person, or on the phone. I just want the chance to know you better. If you don’t want me around, you’d better tell me. After last night, I hope we see a lot more of each other.”
“Okay… wow,” she whispers on the other end.
Fuck, what does that mean?
Thankfully, I’m quickly put out of my misery when the most beautiful laugh fills my ears. “Okay… I guess I can live with that. Thank you for your honesty. I guess I’m so out of practice, I was trying to give you an out.”
“Vanessa,” I say firmer than I expect, “if I don’t want to be around you—you’ll know; life’s too short, and I’m too damn old to play games.”
“On that we can agree.” She’s quiet for a moment but then changes the subject unexpectedly. “So how was the rest of your day? I didn’t get the chance to text because my classes were back to back, and Jules wanted to go to the park to ride her bike until nearly dinner. Then of course, it was bath and story time before bed. I still have a paper I need to work on due later this week.”
Holy shit. She ran circles around me today. Is this what her life is like every day? “Well, my day was nothing compared to yours, Wonder Woman. I just had a few meetings, came home, and installed a few cabinets in my kitchen.”
“You mentioned you were flipping your house. What all have you done?” she asks with interest.
I fill her in on my progress. She asks questions, and I explain the state of the house I bought it in. She surprises me by saying, “Wow, I’d love to see that someday.”
“I’d be happy to show you anytime you’d like. Speaking of seeing you, do you have any time free soon?”
Vanessa sighs heavily. “Uh… I probably won’t have time until the weekend. I have an exam and a paper due on Friday. But you’re busy with your sister then, right?”
“Are you free Sunday?” I ask, filling with hope. Maybe we can make something work. I meant what I said about being okay only seeing her at the diner, but she typically doesn’t work much in the later part of the week.
“Can I check with Vince and get back to you?” Regret fills her voice, and that line of thought needs to stop.
