Page 38 of Damien
My chest tightens at the fact she cares.
Me: We’ll Uber. But I’ll let you know when we get there. I can’t wait to go to the game with you tomorrow.
To my surprise, I’m blessed with my first picture of Vanessa in the form of a selfie. She’s wearing a pair of dark-rimmed glasses that gives off the sexiest librarian vibe imaginable, and I’m hard in an instant.
Me: Keep sending pics like that, and I may be tempted to crash your study session. Damn, you’re gorgeous. Do you wear glasses for reading?
I wait a few seconds before I see the dots of her reply.
Vanessa: No—they’re for blue light reduction. They help my eyes not hurt when I’m forced with screen time. Now stop talking to me and go spend time with your brother. I’ll see you tomorrow.
So that she won’t worry, I offer.
Me: Hope you get to bed soon. I’ll text you when I get home.
But in reality, I’m just counting down the minutes until I see her again.
13
Vanessa
God,it’s been one hell of a week. I manage to finish my paper, study for my exam, and most importantly, talk to Damien every night before bed. Thank God, I’m good at completing class work during the day, while Jules is in class, or there’s no way I’d be able to talk with Damien as much as I have. Who needs sleep, right?
Vince has no idea I’m going out on a date with Damien again, but neither he nor Sydney said anything when I asked if they could watch Jules this afternoon. Damien’s invited me to watch the opening game for Portland’s baseball team. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of this team, but time with Damien is worth the sacrifice.
I’ve learned many things about Damien over this past week. Not only does he make me laugh, he’s also an amazing listener. He’s not bothered when I talk about Jules and her incessant need to get a cat, or how she managed to track paint all over my house when she tried making a footprint for me with fingerpaints. Thank God, I got the paint off my kitchen floor and she sat still long enough so I could clean her up.
As I pull up to his home, I’m far more eager than I’d ever admit. I haven’t been able to kiss him since our last date. But every freaking morning when I’ve seen him at the diner or talked with him on the phone late into the evening, I’ve wanted to do nothing but. What is it about this man who keeps me wanting more? I swear, it’s like I’m never satisfied with my limited time with him.
Of course, it’d be much easier if he met Jules. We could have dinner together or go to the park after he got off work or something, but I’m not sure I’m ready to take things to that level. It’d also be easier if Vince knew because I hate keeping things from my twin.
There’s no reason to hide Damien. But meeting someone’s family is big under normal circumstances. But Vince and Jules would take things to a whole new level for him. My track record hasn’t been the greatest when it comes to men, so I’m sure Vince will grill him—like Dad would’ve.
My heart pangs at just the thought.
I know without a doubt, Dad would’ve liked Damien. Yeah, he may have thought he was a bit old for me, but I know Mom would have made him see just how happy I am. Maybe it’s because we’re forced to get to know one another by talking late into the night after Julia’s gone to bed. But I’m quickly learning, the more I get to know Damien, the more I like him. He’s smart, funny, and extremely considerate. He wants my success just as much as I do. He was thrilled to hear I should’ve aced my test today and even offered to help me study—though I didn’t take him up on it.
When I walk up to the porch, his front door swings open, and I’m greeted by the beautiful man himself. “Hey, Vanessa,” he practically growls as he closes the distance between us. His hand reaches for my hip as the other cups my face as he pulls me close and devours me. When his tongue slides along the seam of my lips, mine part. I’m sure we’re putting on quite the show for his neighbors, but who the heck cares. I’ve waited way too long for this.
“So good,” he moans between fevered kisses.
Running my hand through his hair, I pull at his neck, keeping him close. His arm around my back lifts me with ease to make up for our height difference. I have no idea how long I’m suspended in the air, but after all too short of time, I feel my feet touch the ground again, and Damien breaks our kiss.
“I’ve been dying to do that all week,” he growls after putting me back on the ground.
Grinning, I nod in agreement. “That was well worth the wait,” I admit.
He runs a thumb over my bottom lip as he grins. “I… uh… could get quite used to that. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining…” He shakes his head as if he’s reliving the memory as I am in this moment. “But if we’re gonna make it to the game on time, I’d better give you a quick tour so we can leave.”
I’m not sure what look I have on my face when suddenly Damien says, “You’re so freaking adorable,” as he kisses me chastely once more. “Come on… I’m beginning to think you might be a bad influence on me…” With that, he grabs my hand and pulls me inside the door.
I’m the bad influence?
“What does that mean?” I say through a laugh.
Shaking his head, he rolls his eyes and sighs. “It’s nothing. I’m just highly distractible around you, that’s all. I’m used to being able to keep my wits about me… but when you look at me like that…” He points to my face. “I just want to kiss the living hell out of you.”
“Well, there are worse things…” I tease as I point my finger to my chin and pretend to look to the sky as if I’m contemplating something serious.
