Page 69 of Vince
Of course, a three-year-old knows how to work the TV better than I do—which I find completely comical. She gets the show started and settles into Vince’s bed with ease. Then in an almost mom-like voice, she says, “Go take your shower. You’re starting to get smelly.”
“Gee, thanks,” I grumble. I’ll never have to guess what’s on Julia’s mind, that’s for sure.
As I walk into Vince’s bathroom, it smells of him. On instinct, I take in a deep breath and revel in the scent as it pulls me into my favorite memories of being close to him. Knowing I don’t have a lot of time, I don’t let myself dwell on those delicious thoughts but get to work on the business at hand.
Though as I step into his large walk-in shower and begin to wash, I find myself lifting the lid of his shampoo and body wash to figure out which one he smells like most.
Damn, they both smell good, but my favorite is definitely his body wash.
Lathering my hair with his shampoo, I quickly go through a shower routine.
I’m not gonna lie.
I totally fantasize about sharing this shower with him—but I can’t let myself linger on those thoughts because Julia’s waiting on the other side of the door. After getting out and toweling off, I realize I brought my other bra but didn’t bring any clean underwear.
Shit.
There’s no way in hell I’m putting dirty underwear back on, so I guess I’m going commando under my black leggings. I can’t say I’ve ever done this before, but I’m sure it won’t kill me. Besides—who’s gonna know?
Grabbing my brush from my bag, I enter Vince’s bedroom and am relieved to see Julia’s relaxed and completely consumed with her show.
When she finally does notice me, she pats the bed beside her. “Wanna watch with me?” Her pleading expression makes it difficult to resist.
“Sure. Hand me that pillow, Jules. There’s no way I’m letting you hog them all.”
She takes the top pillow from under the two she’s been lounging on and hands it over. Propping myself up against his wooden headboard, I slouch into the pillow to make myself more comfortable.
Damn. Even his pillow smells like him.
“Lie down like me, Syd,” Julia encourages, and I happily oblige as I take in a deep breath. His bed is huge—a California king. It’s the perfect combination of firm and cozy. It feels like I’m floating on a cloud.
Julia yawns as she settles into her pillow further. Maybe if we lie here long enough, she’ll take that nap Vince teased about.
“You want a blanket?” I ask, barely above a whisper.
“Naw… I’ll just crawl in the covers.” Within seconds, she’s pushed the down comforter past her hips and squirms her way under the blankets. “You getting in, too?” she asks in a sleepy voice.
Should I? Will it make her fall asleep faster?
“I think I’ll just stay here,” I say as I roll on my side and adjust my position to see the television clearly. “I’m pretty cozy.”
“Unks’ bed is the best. It’ssobig.”
“Yeah, it is,” I agree as I take another deep breath.
“This is my faborite part!” she squeals. It’s absolutely adorable how she can’t pronounce her v’s in favorite. “You gotta see this.”
We watch the movie in silence. The characters dance in the street to a catchy tune in the musical. I can see why she likes it. The song is powerful, and the choreography is addictive to watch. Even I’m sucked in.
When the song ends, I notice Julia’s breathing is long and steady. Her eyes droop and if I’m not mistaken, she’s about to conk out at any moment. My heart melts when she reaches out to hold my hand.
As she loses her fight with sleep, I stay as still as possible, so I won’t wake her. Before I know it, her eyes are completely shut, and I think she’s asleep. I attempt to untangle our fingers, but when her eyes jolt open, I think better of it. Instead, I close my eyes and pretend I’m falling asleep, too. I feel her body relax further, and her breaths get deeper with each intake.
Eventually, she lets go of my hand and rolls away from me, sound asleep.
Not wanting to risk the chance of waking her, I let myself get lost in the movie. Eventually, I must succumb to the comforts of Vince’s bed, because I, too, lose the battle with my heavy eyelids and drift to sleep.
The next thing I know, I hear Vince’s deep, sexy voice in a dream. But when I pop my eyes open, all I see is his beautiful face staring back at me.
