Page 48 of Damien
She leans in and presses her lips to mine once more. There is zero innocence in the way she lights me from the inside out. Just as things are getting good, she pulls back and smiles like the Cheshire cat.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then… Dame.”
The vixen that she is hops out of my truck and has a lot more swing in her step as she walks to her SUV.
Damn. Now I want a hell of a lot more than chocolate.
17
Damien
Eager to see Vanessa,I do everything in my power to leave work at a decent time. I’m not sure what to expect tonight, but if it means being with Vanessa, I’m game for anything. The only wild card for me—is Julia.
I’ll admit I know next to nothing about young kids—except for when I was one. I may have done some sleuthing during my lunch break today to look up some of the cartoons and games Vanessa’s mentioned while on the phone these past few weeks. At least I won’t be completely in the dark if she talks about those things.
I know with my years of being a camp counselor through high school at the Lake Wenatchee YMCA camp, the best thing I can do is relax and be myself. I worked with pre-teen boys on the verge of puberty rearing its ugly head, not five-year-old little girls who are young, innocent, and so impressionable. What worked on the boys most likely won’t work with Julia.
As I pull up to the curb in front of Vanessa’s home, I throw my truck into park. I quickly grab the chocolate-covered strawberries that were calling my name at the bakery and the chocolate chip cookies that looked just at tempting. I’m guilty of having a terrible sweet tooth. Besides—strawberries count as fruit, right?
I stopped myself from buying flowers since I thought it’d be awkward showing up with flowers for Vanessa, Julia, and Sydney—so no one was left out. Three bouquets made it weird. Besides. I’d rather keep official dates with Vanessa special.
When I ring the bell, I hear the sound of feet running, and a “Look to see who it is first,” coming from somewhere inside.
A small head pops into the window beside the door, then I hear the rattle of the locks. “It’s Dame… Momma, can I let him in?” I hear the little voice say.
I have no idea if she gets an answer because the next thing I know, the door’s flung open, and an eager Julia bounces with excitement. “Did you bring that for me?”
“Well… I brought it for all of us to share if that’s okay with you?”
“Of course I’ll share,” she says dramatically. “That’s waaayyy too much for just me. I’ll get a tummy ache if I eat it all.”
“Well… we wouldn’t want that,” I tease in return. “Tell me. Do you like cookies or chocolate-covered strawberries better?”
Julia’s adorable as she puts a finger to her chin and contemplates this decision as if her life depends on it. “I think… cookies. I’ve only had chocolate strawberries once at a birthday party, and I can’t remember what they taste like. But I do like strawberries. They’re yummy.”
“What are yummy?” Vanessa asks as she towels off her hands from behind Julia.
“Dame brought cookies and chocolate strawberries. Can we eat them now?”
“You know the drill, missy.” Vanessa bops her daughter on the nose. “Dinner before dessert.”
“Okay,” Jules whines sadly, and it takes all that I can to keep a straight face.
“Go tell Vince and Sydney dinner’s ready. They’re in the garage putting Syd’s things in the attic.”
“Okay, Momma!” Julia hollers as she sprints past Vanessa, heading toward the living room.
Once she’s out of sight, Vanessa turns and steps to me with a beautiful grin filling her features as she greets me, “Hey.”
Stepping closer, I reply with, “Hey, yourself,” bending to greet her with a kiss. I keep it short and to the point, letting her know I’ve missed her.
When I pull back, she brushes a thumb over my lips. “Lipstick,” she says as explanation.
“Thanks. I’m sure it looks better on you,” I tease.
“Oh, I could get used to seeing my lipstick on you. But don’t get your hopes up. I don’t wear it often.”
“It wouldn’t matter either way,” I admit. “I’ll still think you’re gorgeous.” Not being able to help myself, I slant my lips over hers and chastely kiss her again.
