Page 78 of Damien
When Julia returns to the living room, Vanessa turns to me.
“Rain check on that nearly orgasmic bliss?”
Like I didn’t need an excuse to love her more. God, she sure knows how to keep me on my toes.
Leaning in, I kiss her once more. “Just wait until we’re alone—I’ll show you orgasmic.”
Thank fuck, she’s feeling better.
27
Vanessa
The next fewweeks fly by. Between cramming an entire semester’s worth of work into five weeks, work, and balancing my time with Jules and Damien, I’m running myself ragged. Plopping into my favorite chair, all I want to do is curl up with a great book for the day and relax.
That’s exactly what I plan to do with an unexpected Friday off.
Before knowing my class had been cancelled, Syd and Vince invite Jules to go up to Mt. Hood for the day. Apparently, they’re driving through the Columbia Gorge first, so Syd can pick up some fresh berries to make pies and cobbler.
I could’ve gone with them but seeing how tired I am, Vince insisted I enjoy a kid-free day. Hell, he even encouraged me to make plans with Damien tonight and told me he’d see me in the morning. I could’ve kissed him for being so thoughtful. And I’m not missing this opportunity. Damien doesn’t get off until six and at the rate I’m going, I see a long nap in my future.
But first, I’m diving into my long-lost book by Charlotte Ann. It’s been ages since I’ve been able to binge read. It doesn’t take long before I’m completely immersed in the story. I feel each and every emotion along with the character. Gah, Charlotte Ann always does this to me. I can’t believe what her characters have to endure to find their happily ever after. My heart breaks into shards before she puts me back together again—I’m sure. It’s what she’s known to do. Tears stream down my face as I frantically race through the pages.
When there’s a knock on the door, I groan in frustration, quickly rushing to the door so I can get rid of my unexpected visitor. It’s only three o’clock, and I’m clearly not expecting anyone.
Grabbing a tissue on the way, I brush away the tears, so I don’t look like a complete wreck. Swinging open the door to greet what I’m sure is a solicitor—who can’t read the sign, I’m shocked to see Damien’s beautiful brown eyes mirroring my expression.
“What’s wrong, Van?” comes out before I can even say hello.
Rolling my eyes, I bat at the air. “Oh, don’t mind me. Just got lost in a book.”
Apprehension is clear when he asks, “Seriously? You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”
Widening the door, I pivot to return to my chair.
“Of course I’d tell you. Brody—the character in my book just had to make the ultimate sacrifice so Lanie could follow her dream. I’m not even close to halfway through the book. But they have to end up together—they have to.”
Shaking his head, he sits on the couch beside me. “You have no idea how much you sound like my sister right now.”
“I think I’ll like your sister,” I admit.
“Speaking of my sister, I just got a text—a text no less—saying that I need to bring a suit for family photos—something to do with my parents’ anniversary. She couldn’t be bothered to call, so she group-texted all of my brothers. We all have suits, so it won’t be a problem—but why would we want family photos in clothes we only wear to weddings and funerals?”
“I think that’s sweet,” I gush, quickly forgetting my book—now that I’m picturing him in a suit.
“If you say so,” he states, though he clearly doesn’t agree.
“I wish I had more family photos,” I remind him. “Don’t take this opportunity for granted.”
Sighing, he agrees, “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t ruin my sister’s fun. But If I’m dressing up—so are you.”
“Whoa… why would I need to dress up foryourfamily photos?”
“If we’re getting dressed up—I’ll at least take you and Jules someplace special, so we have a place to go. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.”
“Wow—way to make a girl feel special,” I tease.
“If you want to dress up for every meal, I will. I’m not opposed to it. I think I’m just pissy because Dani pulled rank as older sister and is bossing us around.”
