Chapter thirteen
Olivia
At 11:50, I lock my computer and grab my purse. Caroline asked me this morning if I wanted to go to lunch. I was worried because I never say no, but she didn’t ask any questions. She might have an idea that I’m going with Victor, but after our ride home yesterday, she seems to realize I’m not ready to talk about that. I’m not sure what’s going on with us. It could be nothing, but it doesn’t feel that way. Not to me.
As I step on to the elevator, I hear Lincoln ask someone if they’ve seen me, so I immediately hit the close button. Whatever question he has can wait until I get back. He either wants to talk about this project with the city or to see how Ansley was doing this weekend. Stepping out of the elevator, my eyes flit around looking for James. I exhale when he waves and stands.
I’m pretty sure James was a Marine, but he’s never talked too much about it. Just a few things he’s said over the years havegiven me the idea. So knowing that and finding out he’s part of The Outsiders makes me feel even better. I’m sure he’s noticed how skittish I am, but he’s never asked me about it.
“Liv, how are you?”
I give him a friendly smile. “I’m well, James. How are you?”
“Can’t complain.” I chuckle. That’s his answer every time.
“How’s your wife?” I position myself so my back isn’t facing the entry so I can keep an eye out for Victor. I never asked him if he was going to ride his motorcycle or not.
“She’s doing a lot better. She’s fully recovered from the surgery and is up and about.” He comes to stand with me, looking out at the street. “She tried that trick with the newspapers in her garden and it worked. She told me to tell you thank you.”
I smile at James. “Really? That’s great. I try to do it every year, but I ran out for one section and I have to pull weeds all the time.” I crinkle my nose and shake my head. “I won’t let that happen next year.”
He chuckles. “Well, I always have a ton of newspaper, so let me know and I’ll bring you some.”
“Thanks.” I turn back toward the door. My pulse increases.
What if he changed his mind? What if he decided I’m too much trouble? What if Donovan found him and has him?I inhale slowly, trying to calm my racing heart.
“You look pretty today. Do you have a lunch date?” James asks.
“It’s not a date. I’m going to have lunch with Victor. We were supposed to go last week, but I couldn’t get away from work, so he brought me something.”
He puts his hands behind his back, and rocks back on his feet, nodding. “Victor is a good man. How do you know him?”
A gray sports car pulls up to the curb as he asks. I know it’s Victor before he gets out. I’m relieved he didn’t bring his motorcycle. It’s not that I mind riding the motorcycle, but theidea of being on the back of his bike makes me feel vulnerable and exposed. One day when I know Donovan is no longer a threat, I’ll go riding with him.
“He was friends with my parents when I was a kid.” I don’t take my eyes off Victor as he climbs out of his car. Pulling my lips between my teeth, I realize my heart rate has calmed down at the sight of him.How does he do that?James pushes the door open and holds it open for Victor to walk through.
“Thanks James.” Victor shakes his hand before turning to me with a smile. “Olivia,” he greets me, his intense green eyes focusing on me. “The shirt looks better on you than laying on your bed.”
My stomach flips as my face heats up, and he smirks like he knows how that statement affected me. I rub my thumb and forefinger together, unsure of what to do. I want to hug him, but I don’t do that. At least not with anyone that’s not my friend.
Victor looks like a dream in his black pants, white button-up shirt, and black pocket vest. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showing off his tattoos. He reaches his hand out to me and my eyes are drawn to the ring on his thumb again. This time I get a better look at it and realize it is the one I gave him. I gave it to him right before my mom died. Well, it was my idea. Mom paid for it. On the inside there is an inscription that sayslove you big.
Lifting my eyes to meet his, he tilts his head at me like he knows what I’m thinking. “You ready?” he asks.
I put my hand in his and my nerves tingle up my arm to my neck and down my spine. He rubs his thumb along the back of my hand and guides me toward the door. I never want him to let go.
“James, it was good seeing you again.”
“You too. I’m glad she was here this time,” James replies.
I glance between him and Victor, but don’t say anything as I wave my fingers at James, letting Victor lead me to his car. He opens the door and holds my hand as I get in, kissing my fingers and making my heart flutter in a way I’ve never felt before. Once he closes the door, he walks around to the driver’s door.
Why do I feel like this? Victor is my godfather.Of course, the first person I ever feel this way toward has to be unattainable. I rub my hands down my slacks and swallow trying to wet my dry mouth. He gets in, puts the car in first gear and merges into traffic. That’s when I realize I didn’t look at my surroundings as we walked to his car. Glancing in the side mirror I check to make sure it doesn’t look like someone is following us.
I don’t think I’ve ever done that before. Not been completely aware of my surroundings. He shifts gears again as he accelerates and gives me an encouraging smile.
“You okay?”
