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I walked her to the open door of my office, hugging her. “I’m sure everything’s fine.”
“It feels as if she’s been a part of our family for years, not weeks. She could be the best thing to happen to you if you let her.”
That was what I feared. And the last thing I wanted to do was disappoint Dad. He’d been upset when Liam stepped down, even though he hid it well. I knew I was the second choice. The fill-in son.
I’d worked extra hard to become worthy of the position. I wanted to make him proud.
Despite my best efforts to concentrate on work, my worry for Vanna drove me out of the office early. I usually stayed until at least nine. Today I left at five.
My assistant, Leslie, was still there and shot me a startled frown when I walked out with my coat over my arm and briefcase in hand. “Mr. Olysses. Did I forget about an appointment? There’s nothing on your calendar.”
I waved her off. “Everything’s fine. I’m leaving early. You should do the same.”
She stared at me as if I’d just told her someone ran over her beloved cat that she wouldn’t shut up about and had photos of all over her desk. “What do you mean, you’re leaving early?”
“Have a good night, Leslie.”
She stuttered before collecting herself. “You, too, Mr. Olysses.”
The last thing I saw before the doors of the elevator closed was her blinking at me, not moving so much as a finger.
She was usually unflappable. Didn’t care when I gave her one-word answers. But it seemed I’d finally accomplished the impossible and thrown her off course.
The drive to the house took longer than it should have for how close it was. When the gate came into view, everything inside me settled.
I hadn’t realized how worried I’d been. But knowing Vanna was at the end of the curved driveway made the irritation of the evening traffic become a distant memory.
I stopped the car in front of the house, making a note to organize a garage door opener.
How often do you plan on coming over to need to use the garage?
The voice in my head had become a constant companion.
My phone dinged with another incoming message, and a glance at the screen showed me Liam had sent another ultrasound photo. Quin must have had another scan to make sure their baby was doing well.
I didn’t know how many months along she was or if she was having a girl or a boy, but Liam insisted on sending us blurry pictures every time they had a scan. I couldn’t make out a thing.
I made my way to the front door, texting my brother back with a thumbs-up. The door was locked, something I wasn’t expecting.
I typed in the entry code and went in, taking in the indoor water feature that now covered a good portion of one of the walls.
Voices were coming from the kitchen, and I moved closer. When I rounded the corner, I spotted Vanna standing side by side with Cleo, facing the counter, their backs to me.
Cleo laughed at something Vanna must have done. “If you don’t want to touch the meat, use a fork.”
“I think that might be best.”
Vanna turned to the island, opening a drawer. I stepped into the kitchen, and her head shot up, a loud scream escaping her. I ducked to avoid the fork she threw my way.
She pressed her hands to her chest, her face drained of all color and her breathing heavy. “You scared me.” She glanced at the entry to the kitchen, her eyes flitting back and forth. “Are you alone?”
An amused grin spread over my face, replacing the frown I’d worn all day. “I am. Are you expecting someone else?”
Finally dropping her arms to her sides, she cleared her throat. “Not at all. I just didn’t want to get another surprise.” She crossed her arms and mumbled under her breath loud enough for me to hear, “I should get a dog so nobody can sneak up on me anymore.”
I took in her rumpled clothes and messy hair. She’d never looked better. Vanna’s creamy complexion and thick dark hair didn’t need any enhancements, her natural beauty enough to mesmerize me.
And I’m staring again. It seems I’m developing a habit.
