Page 53 of Secret Seduction

Or I could take care of those needs myself.

Vanessa

I thought that’s what you just said—hence using the footage of me naked as your spank bank material.

Lorenzo

I meant your needs.

As the texting bubbles appear and then disappear, I hold my breath, wondering what the hell I’m doing. I haven’t even asked her out on a proper date. Yet I’m insinuating that I want more from her.

If Vanessa didn’t want to go on a date with me, would I be willing to have casual sex with her? I mean, we already fucked—despite me not remembering it—so I could make an exception for her.

But as I consider that option, I know that’s not what I want.

I want more.

More nights of playing cards and talking.

More banter.

More cooking dinner for us because she can’t cook for shit.

More time spent with her and my son.

I want more.

And that starts with taking her out on an actual date.

When it’s clear she’s not going to respond because she either doesn’t feel the same way—which is hard to believe since she said the kiss we shared was the best kiss she’d ever experienced—or I’ve spooked her, I change the subject, remembering the reason why I was checking the cameras in the first place.

Lorenzo

Is Leo okay? Dani mentioned he threw up …

Vanessa

I think he just had an upset stomach because he hasn’t done it again and he doesn’t have a fever. After he threw up, his mood got better, and he fell asleep.

Lorenzo

Thank you for taking care of him. You have no idea how much it means to me to know he’s safe with someone I trust.

As I click Send, I read the words I wrote and realize I mean them. Somehow, in the month that she’s been living with us, she’s managed to win me and my son over.

Vanessa

Keep talking like that, and I’ll be taking care of your needs.

I bark out a laugh.

Lorenzo

That screenshot of you in the hallway will be taking care of them plenty.

She sends me a laughing emoji, ending the conversation, but that’s okay because I’d rather discuss us in person. Which is what I’m planning to do as soon as I get home.

After my assistant brings the Thai we ordered in, the guys return, and we have lunch, discussing business and then moving on to tonight’s plans—as long as Vanessa agrees.