How I managed to get furniture into this house during the last week, I’m not entirely sure, but I’m positive money played a role, and I don’t exactly mind, because it meant I could focus on other things, including the dark-haired beauty in front of me.
My mind whips back to my assistant who promises to send me a short list of locations for the dinner by end of day. “Thanks,” I say. “I’ll be back in the city tomorrow, and we can meet at ten to set up the agenda for the months ahead, especially aligning with away games.” After a quick goodbye, I hang up and walk eagerly to the couch where I lean down to steal a warm kiss from Violet.
She gives me a pointed look with a grin hinted on her lips. “It’s Sunday, and you’re all business. Your poor assistant.”
I sit down and drag her legs over my thighs to help with her other shoe. “Rex can handle it; besides, I ignored him all week because I was occupied with you.”
After leaving Violet last week to head back to the city, I had a constant need to see her again. I missed her, if I’m being honest. When I drove up to Lake Spark yesterday, then that was it, we didn’t leave my house since the second she arrived. We ate, laughed, and moved together slowly, except for that moment in the shower which was out-of-this-world intense.
Violet taps my shoulder and fails to control a smile. “A rather good choice.” Her head lolls slightly as she studies me. “I’m also happy to see that you’re stepping into your role. Business-Declan may just surprise you with how much you enjoy it. I’m sure your father would be impressed too.”
“Or upset that I’m flaunting my skills for other uses.”
“Nah, you have a certain element when you’re on the phone discussing your team that’s only admirable. To the point, yet sentiment undertones your demands. It’s kind of hot as hell too.”
I interlace our fingers and approve of the sight of us connected. “I have a big dinner coming up. Will you come as my plus-one?”
Her lips role in but her smile stays put. “It’s kind of public.”
“You no longer mind. You’ve been seen at your brother’s games before. I sure as hell love this.” I’m used to the cameras and also the numerous times the press decided whoever on my arm was a worthy news story. This time I’m casual about it, because with Violet, it feels like the logical next step, and I want to flaunt how lucky I am.
Her brows raise at me. “Which leads us to the elephant in the room that we said we would conquer this weekend.”
I grimace at the thought. “Ford.”
She nods gently. “It’s Sunday morning, so he’s with Connor at the rink doing a little one-on-one time. I told him I would stop by like I sometimes do.”
I swipe my hands through my hair and blow out a breath. “I’ll grab my keys and we can head there.”
Her delicate fingers from her other hand plays with my hairline along my forehead. “I’m not nervous,” she states calmly.
“I don’t get anxious.”
She squinches her face in doubt. “Never?”
Getting lost in her eyes, I realize she’s right. Violet makes me nervous. She makes me want things that I never gave much thought, and I’m not even sure what those things are. When I’m with her, even the happiness outweighs the scary feelings that occasionally breach my bubble where I’m completely enamored by her.
I swallow and pretend she isn’t seeing through me. “Never,” I lie.
Gently, I slide to my side so her back lands on the sofa cushions and I can enjoy Violet underneath me for a minute more. Her eyes twinkle with wonder, and I’m just reminded of how beautiful she is, and as cliché as it is, that goes for both inside and out.
“How am I doing on the boyfriend front?” I run my hand along her curves while I stare down at her.
“You had breakfast delivered after you wore me out last night and had chocolate chip cookies from the Dizzy Duck delivered before bedtime. Meh, can’t complain.” She’s teasing me.
I kiss her again real quick. “I can’t buy you flowers, and the hot air balloon was already booked last night,” I deadpan, and she chuckles softly.
Violet does that thing again, where she glides her fingers down my cheek and soothes me whether she is trying or not. “I prefer lying in bed, wearing your shirt, and reading a book while you go over hockey articles… The cookies were a nice touch, though.” Her honesty creating the perfect answer slays me every time. She seals her sentimentality by tipping her mouth up to kiss me. “Declan,” she purrs against my lips.
“Hmm?” I return the move.
“I…” she begins then pauses for a second. Whatever thought she had leaves, and she kisses me again, this time with a little more fire.
We make a good team that way. We both give and take, letting the moment lead, but always ending with both of us satisfied.
It’s a balance.
For the first time in a long time, I feel grounded, and that’s a damn fine feeling.
