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Red grinned, pleased with her reaction. “It’s a hidden talent. I find cooking to be therapeutic, and it’s a nice way to unwind after a long day. Besides, a lot of women find it very sexy. Oh heck, why did I say that? I know I’m just another target in need of protection to you.” He laughed as she saw Viv’s lips turn upward into her beautiful smile.
As they enjoyed their dessert, Red suggested they watch a movie together. They settled onThe Breakfast Club, a classic film they both loved. They curled up on the couch, the flickering screen casting a soft glow over the room.
As the movie played, Red couldn’t help but provide his own commentary, offering insights into the characters and sharing his favorite quotes.
Viv glanced at her phone, drawing her attention away from the screen. She turned to Red, her voice steady.
“Pineapple, Red. Now.”
Without hesitation, Red sprang into action, his heart pounding as he remembered their safety plan. He darted to the closet under the stairs, slipping inside and locking the door behind him. He hoped that whatever threat they faced could be resolved without harm to either of them. He knew that Viv would do everything in her power to keep him safe. The role reversal struck him as odd—every instinct in him wanted to stay and protect her, but disrespecting her rules would be disrespecting her and everything she worked for. He couldn’t do that. He believed in her.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
After Viv microwaved popcorn, she settled back onto the couch, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth as she reveled in her prank. There was no threat, unless it was her taping his mouth closed. The code word had been perfect for getting Red to stop talking during the best part of the movie, but she hadn’t expected him to react so quickly, disappearing into the closet without a second thought. That he had taken her safety plan so seriously was amusing and endearing.
In the dimly lit room, the flickering light from the television screen cast shadows on the walls, painting them in a soft green hue. The scent of the chocolate lava cake still lingered in the air, a warm and inviting aroma that reminded her of the closeness they had shared earlier. The sound of the movie’s dialogue filled the room, punctuated by the occasional laughter of the characters on screen.
As she watched the movie, she couldn’t help but steal glances at the closet door, curious how long it would take Red to realize it was a false alarm. Her heart pounded in her chest with anticipation, and she held her breath as she waited for him to emerge.
Finally, fifteen minutes later, the closet door creaked open, and Red stepped out into the living room, his eyes wide with confusion and surprise. He looked around the room, taking in the peaceful scene before him, and then turned his gaze to Viv, his expression a mixture of disbelief and amusement.
“Viv,” he said, his voice filled with mock indignation, “did you seriously use our code word just to get me to stop talking during the movie?”
Viv couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Guilty as charged,” she admitted, a grin spreading across her face. “I had to do something to get you quiet during the best part. And I had to test our plan. I’m happy to say it worked.”
Red shook his head, chuckling as he walked back to the couch and sat beside her. “You got me good,” he said, reaching for a handful of popcorn from the bowl on the coffee table. “But I’ll get you back.”
Viv raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how do you plan on doing that?”
“If I told you, you’d be anticipating it.” Red winked at her, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It’ll come when you least expect it.”
As they resumed watching the movie, Viv couldn’t help but notice the warmth that radiated from Red’s body as he sat beside her, the heat seeming to fill the space between them. She found herself drawn to him, her senses heightened by his presence. The sound of his laughter, the feel of his arm brushing against hers as they reached for the popcorn, the sight of how his eyes crinkled when he smiled—all of it made her heart race in a way that she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
The movie continued to play, but Viv struggled to focus on the screen, her thoughts consumed by the man beside her. She knew it was dangerous to let herself feel this way, that her job was to protect him, not fall for him. But as the night wore on, she couldn’t help but wonder if it was already too late.
Viv was startled by the sound of a soft thud from the room’s corner as the final credits rolled. Turning her head, she spotted Lucky stretched out on the floor, his tail wagging gently.
Red noticed her attention shift to the dog and followed her gaze. “He probably needs to go out,” he said. “The night air might do us all some good.”
Viv hesitated momentarily, wondering if it was wise to spend more time together. But the thought of the crisp night air and the opportunity for more conversation was too tempting to resist. “Sure,” she agreed, her heart swelling with anticipation.
They slipped on their jackets and clipped Lucky’s leash to his collar. The dog practically vibrated with excitement at the prospect of a late-night adventure. Viv took a deep breath as they stepped outside, reveling in how the cool air filled her lungs and sent a shiver down her spine. Or was the shiver caused by Red?
The street was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, casting a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere over the road and houses. The night was quiet. The only sounds were the soft patter of Lucky’s paws on the pavement and the gentle rustle of the leaves in the trees overhead.
As they strolled down the sidewalk, Viv and Red began reminiscing about their favorite parts of the movie. Their voices were hushed as if they were sharing secrets in the stillness of the night.
“I loved how many misfits came together in the end,” Viv admitted.
Red chuckled, his breath visible in the cool air. “I love how the bad boy got the girl.”
“Only until detention was over.”
“You don’t think they stayed together?” he asked.
“Oh, come on, this is the real world. Bad boys win for the moment because they are bad, and women want to live on the wild side, but only for a moment. In the end, they want the white picket fence.”
He laughed. “Look at that. I’ve got both. I can give it all to you. I’m the bad boy with the white picket fence.”
