Page 6 of Holiday Plus-One
“But you’re thinking about it.”
“I wasn’t…” I look at Vic. “Now, I am. Is she single?”
“Leave her alone.”
“Why? I’m a good guy.”
“I didn’t say you weren’t. Don’t you think it's too close?”
“We’re not fucking related. Like at all.”
Vic chuckles and rolls his eyes at me.
“Shut the fuck up, you know what I mean.”
“I’ve never felt like I was your brother a day in my life plus, the second I saw your sister, that was it. I really think that this is going to be worth your father’s death stare.”
“What if she’s not interested?” Vic asks me.
“You don’t know your sister very well, do you? I’m pretty sure she’s interested and if she isn’t, then I’ll make sure to leave her the hell alone. I am a perfect gentleman.”
“You’re annoying.” Vic rolls his eyes just in time as his dad looks our way.
“Vic, go see if your sister needs any help in the kitchen, she’s taking a little long.”
“I got it.” I stand up without being asked and walk off before anyone can say anything,
I’m not some needy, snot-nosed kid but I’m also not a pushy dude. It doesn’t mean that I’m going to back down and not make sure she sees that I’m interested in her. Sure, her beauty enticed me but there’s just something about her. When I look into Valentina’s eyes, it’s like I’m seeing something else, and I don’t know what it is, but I like it. There’s nothing scary about it.
Walking into the kitchen, I don’t find her there, but something guides my feet further to the sliding doors leading to the backyard. When I look out into the night, I see her staring at the sky. It’s not exactly hot outside right now but she’s out there enjoying what the holiday season is bringing us.
Stepping out, the crunch of the snow announces my presence, and she turns to look at me for a second then back up at the sky.
Neither of us say anything for a moment after I stand next to her. She smiles though as if she can see me watching her every move.
“I miss it out here sometimes.” She confesses then her big brown eyes collide with mine and for a moment, I’ve planned our entire life ahead of us.
I can see it clearly, two more damn kids running around driving us nuts while our oldest, who I’ll happily accept as mine, is grumbling about having to babysit while I sneak my wife away for dinner. One we haven’t been able to get because we’ve been too busy with work, life, and our family.
“Riley?” Valentina calls my name out and the way she says it in that sultry, gravelly voice.
“Yes, Valentina?”
“You spaced out for a second there, I was wondering if you were doing alright.” She laughs and it’s the most alluring sound I’ve ever heard.
“Has anyone ever just stood in front of you and told you how looking into your eyes has them planning out their entire life?”
Her brows lift in shock.
“No.”
“Oh, then they’re fucking stupid as hell. I’m scared that I never saw this before in anyone else’s eyes and now, I’m wondering how many kids you want to have and if you’d like me to build you a house.”
“Wow,” she laughs and tries to hide her blush. “You’re honest for sure.”
“That’s my biggest issue in life, really.”
“That’s your biggest issue?” she asks, and I can tell she’s being playful.
