Page 64 of Let Me Love You

Both my husband and the woman turn to me, but the stranger speaks. “Yes, the auction. All proceeds go to the children’s hospitals in the city. Mr. Barlowe is always our most generous—”

At Victor’s bristling, the woman stops talking. She didn’t have to finish her sentence for me to put it together. If he started doing this after he met me, I’d say he was trying to impress me, considering he knows how passionate I am about helping people.

I glance up at Victor. “How long have you been donating?”

“Ever since I became CEO,” he says softly.

The woman looks between us. “If you have any questions about the items up for auction, please don’t hesitate to come to me. For now, enjoy the refreshments.”

We say our thanks, and she heads back down the stairs. I keep my gaze on Victor, but he looks down at his interlocked fingers.

“This is why you wanted to come back today instead of tomorrow, right?”

He nods once. “I was going to just donate a lump sum, but since we have the extra time tonight, I thought it best for us to come for the actual auction.

My chest squeezes, and I offer a brittle smile.

Victor definitely has more layers than I originally thought—no matter how much I hate to admit it. But I can’t think about that now. Watching him here, I know this is where he belongs. Not stuck in Granite Falls with Summer and me.

I almost started to let myself believe, and I was so, so stupid.

But I don’t fit in his world. And I never will.

Chapter 29

Serenity

We left soon after the auction ended, deciding to stay the night at Victor’s house outside the city. Somehow, he listened when I encouraged him to purchase some of the art pieces. The house is too bland and depressing for my tastes.

If I had my way, the pieces would already be decorating the walls, but the art wasn’t ready to bring home yet. Home. I haven’t thought about this house as my home until now. It sounds too … permanent.

I don’t think my heart can handle the thought of us lasting past a year, especially after watching him tonight at the auction. He’ll never belong in Granite Falls, and I can’t fool myself into thinking otherwise.

Victor’s gaze burns into the side of my face as I sit down on the rock-hard sofa, and I can imagine him pushing me back on this concrete slab, his hands on me. Thoughts about sex shouldn’t even be entering my thoughts. It’s as if my mind is boggled after he reawakened my desires that laid dormant for years. I try to focus on anything other than my sexy husband. Or the fact that we’re alone inside our home.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” Victor asks, moving to sit beside me. His voice is gentle, as if I’m a baby animal and he’s afraid he’ll spook me. “I’m up for anything.”

His leg brushes mine as he adjusts, but neither of us moves away. I’m not sure if I should be relieved we have clothing in the way of our skin touching, or if I should burn everything. Okay, I might be exaggerating, but Victor … He knows how to make me feel alive.

“Are you sure you don’t have to work?” I ask, praying he doesn’t pick up on how my voice rises an octave.

He nods. “I’m handling all the day-to-day work, so I promise I’m not behind.” He picks up the remote from the coffee table and turns on the TV, completely unaffected by me. “I haven’t watched a lot of movies. The only other time I watched something was when I was with Elias.”

I think back to the night where Harmony, Summer, and I had some much-needed girls’ time. “Are you talking about the night of the break-in?”

He nods. “I’ve never sat down with a friend and had a beer while watching a sporting game.”

I laugh, tears springing to my eyes. Victor really is one-of-a-kind. I don’t think I’ve ever met a man who didn’t enjoy at least one sport. “Did you even know what you were watching?”

“Nope.” He says the single word so seriously, but a grin forms on his lips.

I don’t break eye contact as I turn fully to him, placing my hand on his hard leg. Even through his slacks, heat radiates off him, warming me to my core.

The tension in the room thickens immediately as his normally light blue eyes darken a shade or two—almost like an approaching storm is moving in. I’ve never been one to storm chase, but I’m considering it now.

I’ll never get over the fact that I can drive this man wild.

Victor clears his throat. “We don’t have to do anything tonight other than enjoy each other’s company.”