She shifted her feet, clearly nervous. Then she bit her full bottom lip, and it was my turn to look away. It felt like we were engaged in a dance only we knew the steps to.
“I think I might need lessons. It’s obvious I don’t know what I’m doing,” she whispered, leaning toward me, our eyes locking again. That electrical storm that built when we were this close, eyes locked, was about to spark and fry the grid in my neighborhood. Maybe the whole city.
“You need lessons in what?” Sofia asked, her words making Vicky and me spring away from each other like teenagers caught kissing at prom.
Vicky coughed, grabbing a bottle of water from the ice and took a big gulp.
“Games. She was saying she needs help learning games. Not used to them,” I blurted out like a moron. Vicky mouthed a “thank you” after she swallowed.
“Oh, I can teach you. Well, when I get back from Positano, that is. We can have a game night. You’re going to love Ticket to Ride. Miles stinks at it,” she said with a cackle as I narrowed my eyes at her.
Several of my guests headed inside then, including Leyla, saying theyhad to leave and thanked me for the party. When a few more decided to go to a local bar, the crowd kept getting smaller.
“Hey, boss, thanks again for the invite. Had a great time,” Nathan said as he strode up to us in the kitchen. He was talking to me but it was evident his attention was on the beautiful woman in white next to me.
“Glad you could make it,” I answered, with as much enthusiasm as I could.
Reaching for her hand, he said, “Vicky, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
When she slid her soft hand, a hand that I’d been lucky enough to hold, into his, I wanted to set his khakis, chambray button-down and stylish navy-blue Vans on fire.
I really needed to explore this new tendency toward pyromania.
“Fix your face,” Sofia whispered, leaning close to me. Apparently, I was snarling.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Vicky answered with a polite smile, side-eyeing me.
He nodded and looked at her for a moment longer before heading for the front door.
Yeah, get out, buddy. And don’t come back.
Soon, everyone was filtering out, laughter filling the house as they hugged and said their goodbyes to me and each other.
“Well, we’re headed out too, son. Great party. I know you’ve had your fill of socializing. The catering staff will clean up before they leave. Get MJ to bed; she’s trying so hard to stay awake," Mom said, her head pointing to my daughter, who was curled up on the sofa, trying hard not to close her eyes.
“She put up a valiant fight. Once the adrenaline of competition was over, she was done for. Thanks for everything. You did a great job. Love you both.”
“We’re out too. I’m overdue for my nightly foot rub,” Sofia said, holding up her foot to me with a cocky grin while I shivered and stepped back.
“No one touches your feet but me, babe,” Luke crooned, while I gave them both a look of disgust. “Love ya, bro. Let me know if you need help with anything the caterers miss in the morning.”
We hugged, and he pounded my back a bit too hard just to annoy me before whispering, “Don’t miss out on something wonderful.”
I slapped the top of his head, causing Mom to call out from the door, “I heard that.”
Vicky covered her mouth, but her infectious laughter couldn’t be suppressed.
Yeah, Nathan, that’s her real laugh. The one I get to hear.
Sofia hugged Vicky tight and said something in her ear that made her blush.
“Night, Miles. Make good choices,” Sofia said with a snicker as they left.
“My family, ladies and gentlemen. Misfits and comedians.” I shook my head, loving the sound of her laughter, and led her away from the cleanup that was starting in the kitchen.
“Well, my job here is done. I’ll head out, too.”
My intention was to put MJ to bed before spending a few minutes with Vicky. I didn’t want her to go yet, but had no idea how to make her stay. “Oh, so soon?”
