Page 79 of Fresh Canvas
“Kate, I’m kind of crazy about him. Val is sweet, thoughtful, and caring. You probably won’t understand any of this, but he’s the kind of man I want in my life.”
“You’re right. I completelydon’tunderstand.”Kate took my hand. “But I don’t need to. If you’re happy, then I’m… Well, I’ll get over it. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll shank him if he hurts you. But I trust you.”
I hugged her with a light laugh. “Thanks, Kate. Both for the violent offer and your trust. We should get back before anyone comes looking.”
“Anything for you, of course. And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. I’m planning on burying it deep into my subconscious anyways.”
We went our separate ways as I completed a few tasks before returning to my desk. I deflated at the sight of Val’s darkened office before my phone buzzed. Heat pooled in my cheeks at Val’s text.
VAL: Meet me in Rick’s closet. Five minutes.
Kate shot me a quizzical look before hitching a seductive eyebrow. “Is that him?”
I coughed an embarrassed laugh, nodding. Kate was right. Iwasacting like a teenager. “He’s asking me to meet him. Will you cover for me?”
“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about, but of course I’ll cover for you.”
I snorted at the lie, squeezing Kate’s shoulder as I passed. After nonchalantly strolling the Vanderbilt hall, I slipped into the cracked door of the closet. Blackness engulfed me, as did a strong pair of arms from behind.
I grinned as Val’s cologne filled my senses, his curls tickling my jaw as he buried his face into my neck and kissed it.
“Well, hello to you too,” I murmured, then found his lips with mine.
After a few heated, delicious minutes, Val held my shoulders as he stepped away. I heard him searching for the light switch a few seconds before the bulb turned on. A surprised laugh escaped me at the sight of his disheveled hair.
“Oh, Val. Your hair is screwed.”
He grinned sheepishly, trying to comb it back into place. “Worth it.”
“Is that the only reason you asked me here? To make out?”
“No, of course not. That was only my first reason. I happen to have three.”
I laughed again, straightening the hem of my pale blue blazer over my skirt. “By all means, continue.”
“Second, you told Kate about us?” His eyebrows rose, though he didn’t sound angry.
“How did you know that? I literally just told her and?—”
“Then she promptly marched into my office and let me have it,” Val finished.
I paled. “She didn’t.”
“Thank goodness Blythe and Kendra didn’t seem to notice anything.”
I stifled a giggle. “Oh my gosh. What did she say?”
Val ran his finger down the length of my cheek, the whisper of his touch sending tremors through my body. “That she has a contact in her phone that will kill me if I hurt you, no questions asked.”
“Straight to murder, huh?”
“I told her she has nothing to worry about, though I’m still surprised you told her so soon.”
“I didn’ttellKate, she found out.”
“How?”
I grabbed his hand, holding up the evidence. “The stupid green paint. I missed some on my neck and she put two-and-two together.” I turned my back to him, running my hands over the spot. “That crap is like cement. I swear?—”
