Easy. Alluringly so.
Look at you having such an intense discussion in your head. He began to eat again.
She could have told him it was too risky. His cousin was now living in her house. Utterly besotted with her sister who adored him right back. Vic also happened to be close as brothers with Alexsei so if things went very badly between them it would impact pretty much every aspect of their lives. His parents lived next door, along with his sister. He only lived half a block up. They saw one another at the various events the bakery had booths at, as well as at the barbershop Alexsei owned and Maybe worked at too. Which was four minutes door-to-door from the tattoo shop Rachel worked at.
But she didnt say any of it. Because he knew all that already.
Its just dinner. We can work our way up from there. If you were going to try to talk yourself out of it, you should have done it earlier, he added.
Youre right. She snapped free of her internal argument and snorted. Fine. I just want to be sure youre going into this realizing what youre doing.
I always know what Im doing, Rachel. Im deliberate. I always have been. Ive wanted to go out with you for quite a long time, he said in an infuriatingly calm voice.
She tore off a piece of toast and jammed it into her mouth, chewing a while before finally asking the question thatd been nagging at her. So why now? What changed from yesterday? Or the day before?
She couldnt deal with pity. Not from him.
I let you have yesterday because after that fuckery on Sunday you needed a break. I also knew you and Maybe took the day off to hang out and I left you alone. But Sunday is when I knew. Ill give you all the reasons why when youre ready to hear them.
When Im ready to hear them?
Thats what I said. Tell me, how is work? he asked, changing the subject. She began to demand he tell her but hesitated.
Busy. Lots of people like to get ink around Valentines Day.
Romantic gestures theyll have to get covered up in a year?
I thought I was jaded, she said.
He blushed and she couldnt help the way it moved her.
Im not jaded. I can see the appeal of getting ink for your sweetheart. I know several people with horror stories, but theyd have horror stories either way, I suppose. The bakery does a brisk business for Valentines Day too. This year Evie is making heart-shaped vatrushka and she uses strawberry in the center.
Oooh! Did you bring one of those? It doesnt have to be shaped like a heart as its already a pastry and Id just eat it anyway.
I didnt. For our second date, Ill bring you some to go with the roses.
That the normally easygoing Vic was coming back to the second date thing clued her in to the fact that he also could be like a dog with a bone when it came to getting what he wanted.
Damn it. Every second that passed he just got sexier.
Thankfully, since she wanted it too.
The moment stretched out between them as they finished brunch. Rachel tried not to jump up to clear off the table and clean the kitchen, telling him since he cooked shed clean. It gave her some physical space and something to do while she processed the way he made her feel.
Vic eased back, watching her. Giving her silence but not taking his focus away. Once hed fully stepped into her world, he apparently wasnt going anywhere.
Which, she had to admit, was a nice thing. She wanted to be wary of it. Look for ulterior motives. But...he wasnt that guy.
Ready to go? I took what I needed to drop off next door on the way here so I can take you straight in. My mom isnt home or Id take you over there first, he added.
Really? A flush of happiness hit that Irena wanted to see her and say hello. Vics mom had become more and more involved in the lives of the Dolan sisters.
Actually, it was more that Rachel and Maybe had been involved in their lives. The Orlovs and their wonderful, giant, loud family whod begun to treat them as if they were family too.
Yes, really. She likes you and Maybe. You listen to her stories and let her teach you things in her kitchen. That means a lot to her.
It was totally mutual. Being able to hang out in Irenas kitchen had been a reasonably new experience in her life. Rachel loved it there. Vics mom knew so much about so many things and was always happy to share her expertise. She was hilarious and nurturing and in general, a lot of fun.
Its the other way around. Shes always so patient even when Im terrible at something. Rachel grabbed her things and made one last check to be sure the stove was turned off before they headed out.
Vic said, as they reached her front door, Its what moms do. It must have been her snort in response because he paused and then said, What they should do.
Even though hed reassured her that she had nothing to apologize for after that scene with her parents, it still embarrassed her that hed witnessed it.
She used the excuse of locking her door to get herself together again. But when she turned, he was there, a hand out to stay her.
Wait, he murmured as he bent to zip her coat. Dont want you getting cold.
It was so unexpectedly sweet it knocked her off balance a moment. Thanks, she managed to say right before he gave her a quick kiss. Right there on her front porch.
His hand, warm and sure, sat at the small of her back as he steered her to his car and opened the door for her.
On the way to the south end of downtown that made up Pioneer Square, where Ink Sisters was located, she could have told him she didnt need a ride to work. She could have driven. She could take the bus and still make it on time.
But the truth was, she wanted to spend more time with him. He smelled good and it was really cold and parking was expensive.
And she wanted to be able to be honest about her life with someone other than Maybe and their best friend, Cora.
He lightened her mood just by being around. Accepted her without expectations that felt like a burden.
If it helps any, my mother is bossy and nosy and insufferably meddlesome sometimes, Vic told her, surprising a laugh from her lips.
It used to feel sort of rusty when she laughed. Like an old hinge on a door not often used. But it didnt feel like an act to laugh with him, didnt feel unnatural to guffaw or snicker.
I may have noticed that a few times, Rachel told him, deadpan.
* * *
HE DUG HER sense of humor. Dry and sarcastic with a sense of darkness he undeniably clicked with.
What time do you get off tomorrow? For our date. He figured it was time for another pass at nailing down details.
She blushed, ducking her head slightly so her hair slid to partially screen her face. Tomorrow is Wednesday so Ill be done by seven.
Ill drop by the shop at seven, then, to pick you up. Ill drive you home and then you can come to my house when youre ready.
Im fairly sure you must have gotten this bossiness from your mother. I can just get home and meet you after that. Or we could go straight to dinner from Ink Sisters.
I know you can. Ill pick you up at seven tomorrow night but Im sure Ill see you before that. He hoped.
He pulled to a stop in the loading zone in front of the shop.
I know you can. Ill pick you up at seven tomorrow night but Im sure Ill see you before that. He hoped.
He pulled to a stop in the loading zone in front of the shop.
He wondered if she was going to argue and then wondered whether it would be a disappointment or not if he had to coax her into the plan. Coaxing her was rather pleasurable. And her crankiness was hot.
Fine, she agreed at last. Thanks for brunch and the bread delivery. And the ride.
Wait just a moment, he told her, reaching back to grab the bag hed placed there for her earlier. Shortbread cookies made this morning. Just in case you get a craving for something sweet later.
Her mouth curved up into a smile before she leaned in to quickly brush her lips over his and scrambled away and out of the car. She held the bag aloft. Thanks for these too.
With a grin, he waved before heading back into traffic once he got an opening.
* * *
NEEDING TO TALK to Maybe immediately, Rachel hurried through the shop to the back where the lockers were.
He gave me cookies, Rachel told Maybe over the phone the moment she answered. She was so giddy she was past being embarrassed at how giddy she sounded.
Who gave you cookies?
Vic! He came over and made me food and then grilled me sort of and then he told me we were going on a date. Our second one. Which we are tomorrow night and Im not sure how it all happened. Hes very smooth and possibly he mesmerized me with his forearms. Maybe, have you seen the mans forearms?
Her sister laughed. Took him long enough. I honestly was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to jump to it or if I was going to have to manufacture something to get you together. Jeez. And of course Ive seen his forearms. Theyre like art. They need to be appreciated.
So say we all, Rachel told her. Itd be a crime not to.
So you have a date. A second date, which means you declared brunch a date, which means there was at least some smooching today. Tell me everything right now, Maybe demanded. Did you do below the underpants stuff? Or is that what the second date is for? Probably second date.
Rachel laughed so hard people in the shop most likely heard. He made me food and kissed me stupid and gave me a ride to work and when we got here, he handed me a bag of cookies. You know, if I wanted something sweet today. Its pretty hard to resist, she admitted.
So dont. Why resist at all? Maybes voice had softened.
Well, youre right. Im not going to.
Duh. Save me two cookies. I want to hear every last detail about the brunch but Ive got to run, my client is here. Dont tell Cora first or shell lord it over me forever.
The sisters had been close, but in the years since shed been kidnapped, theyd become best friends. Without Maybe, and then later, Cora, Rachel wasnt sure shed have made it through some pretty rough spots as she recovered.
The three women had a deep bond and connection that included plenty of teasing and ass-kicking along with the love and support.
Ill tell her you said that. Shes going to ask me what happened the minute she comes in.
Shell understand. Tonight how about we catch up on some shows, eat pizza and hang out? You can fill us both in then. Alexsei will be here until ten and then he and Vic are having drinks afterward so we have plenty of alone time to gossip, Maybe said. I gotta go. Love you. See you tonight at home.
CHAPTER THREE
CORA SMIRKED AS she dumped off her bag and coat before coming through to the kitchen where Maybe was.
I cant believe you wouldnt let her tell me about the brunch. What if something of a sexual nature had taken place? she said, pointing at Maybe.
Maybe said, If something of a sexual nature happened shed have made me come to the shop this afternoon. Or shed have called you to meet her at Whiskey Sharp before she was due in. Crybaby. Pizza should be here in like ten minutes. I called when I got home.
Cora hugged Maybe quickly before she got them all glasses, filling them with ice for the root beer shed brought along.
What are we watching tonight? Rachel asked as she got plates down from the cabinet.
Maybe took one of her hands and tugged her to the couch, where she sat, Cora across from them perched in the big chair. While we wait for pizza you need to tell us what happened with Vic.
Well, he texted me. I told you both about that. And then he waltzes in and smells all good, like bread. Seriously, it should be a cologne, right? Anyway, then he kissed me! And gave me flowers. Rachel indicated the overflowing vase on the table. And he cooked. Not just toast or an Eggo. An omelet!
Back to the kissing, Maybe said. We really dont care about eggs.
Hes a really good kisser as you might have imagined. He tastes good. The beard is soft and smells nice. Self-assured. Confident. All signs point to really knowing his way around a ladys best parts.
Maybe clapped her hands over her mouth, eyes comically wide. Cora stomped her feet as she whooped and Rachel just shook her head at the two of them.
And Im pretty sure he was happy to see me, if you get my meaning, and I know you do because you are both women of loose morals.
Cora wiped a sarcastic tear from the corner of her eye and then flipped Rachel off.
So, was he like really happy to see you? Like big guns happy? Maybe asked.
Proves my point. Floozies, the two of you. I assume youre inquiring about the size of his equipment? Rachel asked, faux pearl-clutching.
Of course we are. So? Is his dick big or will he try really hard to make up for it in other ways? Maybe snickered.
He wont need to make up for anything. I mean, it was like laundry day or something because he felt like he had a few rolls of quarters in his pocket.
The three of them dissolved into laughter for a little while.
Anyway. Like I said, hes a very good kisser. Hes got a great body. Hes smart and funny and I dont know, its easy to be around him. Hes our carb connection and your boyfriends bestie so theres that risk if things go south. But he makes me feel all this really wonderful stuff. You know?
The pizza arrived so they filled their plates and settled in on the couch to continue the conversation.
I do know and Im in total support of it. Maybe shrugged. Its good to see you taking this step. Letting yourself have some romance.
Its not like Ive been a nun since Brad and I broke up, Rachel told her sister.
Cora said, No. But that wasnt romance. That was casualbut prudentsex. You had these long-term fuck friends but none of that was about anything more than sex. Which was all you wanted and so yay for you because fuck pretending a lady doesnt need some sex to clear out the cobwebs and be living our best lives and stuff.
Youve always been happier in a relationship. Even back in high school, Maybe said. You just never had the right guy. Vic though? Hes another level. Hes the kind of person you deserve. Wholl give you the energy and focus you deserve. And hes a grown man. He doesnt need saving or taking care of. If things dont work out, its not going to be weird.