She reached up, traced her hand along his strong, angled jaw, and willed her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Duke had a way of putting her at ease. Always. So why did tonight have to feel so different?
“Have you sent the article in yet?” he asked then. “I know that’s been nagging at you.”
Yes, it had. But not because she wasn’t happy with the interview. In truth, Viv felt it was one of the best she’d written. It contained raw insight to the man Duke was when no one was watching. And hidden pieces that revealed his actions while in the spotlight too.
“I’m about to hit send on it,” she said. “I don’t know why, but I don’t like sending out a piece before I leave the house. It makes me wonder—the whole time I’m gone—if the agency or editor has written me back. I can get kind of anxious about it.”
She traced her thumb over Duke’s well-defined lips as she mused some more. “You know, I wondered if I’d feel conflicted about the interview, seeing that we started dating in the middle of it all, but I never did. It’s what allowed me to see who you really are…”
Stirs of heat rushed into her center as she contemplated the words coming from her heart. Her next breath came out broken and hitched. Duke had told her not long ago that he was falling in love with her. That had taken bravery on his part. Honesty too.
“It’s what made me fall in love with you,” she confessed, her heart beating to near madness now.
A smile crossed his lips, a wide one she could not only feel along his cheeks but also see as her sight adjusted to the shadows.
He surprised her by pumping a fist and giving out a cheer. “Woo hoo! Vivia loves me!”
Viv couldn’t stop the genuine laughter that pulled at her throat. She shook her head as he proceeded to roll down the window and give out another cheer. “Woo hoo! Yes! She loves me.”
He settled back into his seat, a slight breeze whooshing in as he did, and turned that triumphant grin back on her.
Viv folded her arms and gave him the expectant lift of one brow.
“Oh,” Duke blurted. “I love you, Vivi. I’m not sure I ever stopped loving you. I’m crazy about you.” He rushed in and pressed a kiss to her lips. And then another, mumbling between each touch.
“I…” A short pause and a kiss.
“Love…” More pausing, more kissing.
“Really really reallylove…”he added before giving her another kiss.
“You.” That one came out in a whisper. This time, Duke tilted his head and reminded her of how good those kisses could be. Slow, sensual, strong. A measured passion behind each touch and taste that confirmed what he’d said.
By the time Duke walked her to the door and kissed her goodnight once again, Viv was floating on a layer of clouds. With the kids staying at her parents for the night, she kept her focus on that heavenly exchange while brushing her teeth, changing into her nightshirt, and finally, sitting down to her laptop at last.
After one final read through, Viv reread the email she’d attached to the article.
Riley, thank you for the opportunity to interview yet another fascinating subject.
It was a true pleasure getting further acquainted with Duke Benton and, as always, a pleasure working withSlipper Magazineas well.
Sincerely, Veritå.
Vivia Tripoli
Viv moved the curser to thesendbutton and gave the mouse pad a satisfied click. A swoosh followed, and Viv let out a sigh.
Perfect.
The feature would hit both virtual and physical magazine stands alike on the day after the gala. Which would be nice. There had been three outside milestones connected to her relationship with Duke. Milestones she looked forward to having behind them.
First was getting the article finished and sent in.Check.
Second was attending the gala—an event she should look forward to rather than dread, but Viv didn’t know how. All she wanted to do was check that night off her list and move forward.
Third was the anticipated release ofSlipper’supcoming issue.
Come next week, all of those hovering events would fall by the wayside, allowing the two of them to pursue their relationship in peace.
