Heat radiates through my chest. He smiles down at me before leaning down and kissing me softly. I could kiss him forever. I had no idea how nice it could be just to kiss someone. He brings his other hand up to cup my cheek and rests his forehead against mine.
“I like you,” he whispers.
“I like you too, a lot.”
He kisses me one more time before pulling back. The rest of the ride to his house is in a comfortable silence. As I rest my head against his shoulder, he rubs his fingers up and down my arm. I’ve never felt peace like this.
Chapter thirty-three
Victor
Today was a busy day, and I am beyond tired. I didn’t like the idea of Olivia staying at her house last night, even though Arden was there, so I didn’t sleep well. Though I want to ask her to stay with me from now on, her independence is important to her because she wasn’t able to have it for so long. I also don’t want to become so pushy I scare her. I want to take this slowly for her sake because if it were up to me, I’d have her moved in tonight.
I’ve had Olivia’s thumbprint uploaded to the keypad, so I show her how to do it. The joy on her face was worth the fee to have it expedited. “Your car is also set up with the gate. Leo had it done today while you were at work.”
“So, I can come over whenever I want?” she asks as she walks into the foyer.
“Absolutely.”
I follow behind her, closing the door. Lane and Leo are going around the property to make sure there aren’t any areas Donovan could get in through. We didn’t find out much more today, but we found the main neighborhood where he likes to do his business. The next thing we want to find is what businesses wash money or move products for him. I tried to reach out to Connor again today, but he’s still not responding. I’m going to have to figure out a way to knock him off his high horse and make him speak to me.
We walk into the kitchen and are greeted by Crystal and Betsy. I can tell Crystal wants to hug Olivia in greeting, but I warned her to wait until Olivia is comfortable.
“Olivia, you get to meet my husband,” Crystal says, motioning behind us.
Olivia and I turn around to see Grant coming in from the back. He smiles at his wife before looking at Olivia and I.
“Mr. Valentine.” He nods in greeting to me. “Olivia?” he asks, looking between me and her. He’s asking if it’s okay to call her Olivia.
She nods and waves in greeting. “Hi.”
“I’m Grant, Crystal’s husband. I help take care of the horses as well as anything else Mr. Valentine might need.”
Olivia smiles and looks up at me. “Can we go see them?”
“After dinner.” I look back at Grant. “Have they had any sugar cubes today?”
“No, not today,” he answers. “I’m going to wash up then Crystal and I will be going for the day.” Olivia glances at Crystal and I can tell she’s feeling slightly guilty about the other interactions she’s had with her. I smirk. I actually liked the jealousy a little, but I’m pleased she’s seeing she has nothing to be jealous about.
I turn to Betsy. “Whatever you’re making smells delicious.”
She smiles and shakes her head at me. “You always say that, Mr. Valentine.”
I share a look with Olivia. “It’s always true.”
She chuckles and glances at Betsy. “It does smell delicious.”
“It’s chicken tortellini with garlic bread and salad because you have to eat your veggies,” Betsy tells us.
“There’s a bottle of wine chilling in the refrigerator for you two.” Crystal motions to the refrigerator.
“Thank you, both. Olivia and I will go wash our hands and we’ll be back in a few minutes.” I lead Olivia out of the kitchen and to the guest bathroom downstairs, motioning for her to go first. She walks in, but leaves the door open as she washes her hands.
“Does the tortellini have mushrooms in it?” she asks as she dries her hands off and walks out so I can get in.
“No. I let Betsy know what foods you don’t like.”
When we get back to the kitchen, Grant is back from washing up and Betsy is plating the food. “You two go sit and I’ll bring you your plates. I’ll clean up in here while you’re eating, then go to my quarters to leave you two alone,” Betsy says.
