32. Olivia

Chapter thirty-two

Olivia

“ D id Ansley text you?” Caroline asks as we walk into the breakroom to grab a cup of coffee.

“She did. I’ve never been to a baseball game before.”

She leans against the counter as I stick my cup under the Keurig and hit the button to begin brewing.

“I haven’t either. Sebastian is coming, and he says we’re pulling for the Braves. He got me a T-shirt and everything.” She sighs and rubs her hands over her stomach. “I told him I could just wear one of his since I’m becoming so big.”

I scoff. “You are not.” She frowns and looks away. “Caroline, you’re pregnant. Don’t let all the things your ex used to say get into that head of yours. I know for a fact Bass adores you and can’t get enough of you.” By the time I’m finishing my pep talk, she’s smiling.

“You’re right. I hate that I still let it affect me so much.” I grab my cup and she puts hers underneath it.

“There isn’t a deadline on how long it takes to overcome what you went through with your ex. He was an abusive bastard.” I stir in some sugar and take a sip. Caroline scrunches her nose at me.

“I don’t know how you drink your coffee without any milk or creamer.”

I chuckle and shrug. “Sometimes I put creamer in it. Depends on my mood.”

Lincoln walks into the breakroom and looks between Caroline and me. “Hello ladies. How are you today?”

Caroline and I exchange a look. He’s in a better mood than he’s been in.

“We’re fine,” I answer for Caroline and me since she just took a sip of her coffee.

“How are you?” Caroline asks.

He walks over to the Keurig and begins to make himself a cup of coffee as well. “Good. Will you two be going to Atlanta this weekend?”

Caroline arches her eyebrows at me. Does Ansley know he’s coming? I shrug and shake my head. This could be bad. I tilt my head. Or it could be really good.

Lincoln looks between the two of us. “You two just had an entire conversation without even speaking. Women are weird.” Caroline and I laugh, but don’t comment.

“We’re both going to Atlanta this weekend and my boyfriend Sebastian is coming too,” Caroline tells him.

I want to warn him that Ansley is bringing a date, but keep my mouth shut. Caroline and I told him a few weeks ago that she was coming into town and she was not happy that he showed up at the pub. So, this time I’ll let them work it out.

Lincoln grabs his coffee. “See you ladies in the conference room.” He walks out of the breakroom and Caroline sighs.

“I don’t think he knows Ansley is taking a date, but I wasn’t about to tell him,” she says.

“Me either.”

“You look really pretty today. I like your dress. Is it one you bought Saturday?” Caroline smiles at me.

For once I don’t feel self conscious. Even though Victor and I haven’t signed the contract yet, he told me last night when he dropped me off at my house that he’d pick my outfit for today if I’d like him to. I showed him the dresses I bought, and he chose this one.

It’s black with a crew neck, sleeveless, fitted in the body, and flares out at the waist, stopping at my calves. I’m wearing nude heels with it. I put my hand that isn’t holding my coffee in one of the pockets to show Caroline.

“It is, and it has pockets.”

I was surprised Victor chose this one because it’s black. I bought a few blue ones too because he likes me in that color. But I think he picked this one because it covers the scar on my collarbone and it’s long enough that it doesn’t make me wonder when I sit down if someone might be able to see my scars.

“Have you heard from Bailey? Did the professor like her dress?” I ask.

“I think her class starts in a few minutes, so I haven’t heard from her. I’ll call her during lunch to check on her.”

We get to the conference room, find our seats, and prepare for the meeting. As everyone files in, I take my phone out of my pocket and glance at it, smiling when I see Victor has sent me another text. There was a text waiting for me when I woke up telling me good morning and reminding me that Lane would be keeping an eye on me today.

Before leaving for work, I sent him a text with a picture of me in my dress, but he hadn’t responded yet. He did tell me he was going to be in several meetings first thing in the morning to work through shipments and inventory for a couple of his restaurants. I glance around to make sure no one is paying attention to me before swiping open my phone.

Victor: You look breathtaking. I can’t wait to see you tonight. I’ll pick you up in the lobby at five.

Olivia: Thank you. I can’t wait to see you. Did you know Lane is a brainiac when it comes to technology?

Victor: I did. It’s one of the reasons I hired him.

Olivia: I told him about the app I want to create for gardening and he said he could help me. Is that alright?

Victor: Of course it’s alright. Thank you for asking me though. I have to go. I’ll call you later.

Olivia: Have a good day.

I smile to myself, excited to see him later today. Lane is going to begin driving me to work unless I have plans after work where I need my car. Victor said it would put my mind at ease not having to look over my shoulder every time wondering if Donovan was there. He was right. I caught myself checking a couple of times, but Lane would gently remind me I was safe. Other than being with Victor, I don’t think I’ve ever felt that comfortable driving through this town.

When Lincoln begins the meeting, I force myself to pay attention even though excitement about this evening is stirring in my stomach.

I step out of the elevator not surprised to see Victor chatting with James. He’s always early or exactly on time, so it never leaves me guessing. He turns toward me as if he senses me right away. I smile at him, and the smile he gives me in return makes my stomach flip. This is happening. We’re about an hour or so away from entering into a Dominant/submissive relationship with each other. I can’t wait.

He strides toward me as I start walking toward him. His eyes rake over me every place his eyes touch feels like a caress. I stop in front of him, but he takes one more step. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulls me into his body. Leaning into him, my tongue darts out to wet my lips. This is the first time he’s ever been so bold. I love it.

He leans down and kisses me as his free hand cups the back of my head, tilting it so our lips slot together exactly like he wants. I wrap my arms around his neck and melt into him. His tongue licks my bottom lip seeking access, so I open up to him and his tongue strokes mine with such finesse I’m reminded of how much more experienced he is. Every nerve in my body catches on fire, my stomach fills with butterflies and I never want this to end.

Kissing him is one of the best experiences of my life. He breaks the kiss with two more small kisses, like he doesn’t want to stop either. When he finally pulls away, I miss him immediately.

“How was your day?” he asks, his arms still wrapped around me.

I lean my head back so I can look at him. “Probably one of the best I’ve had since coming to this town,” I admit.

“Why do you think that is?” There’s a smile playing on his lips. He already knows the answer.

“Honestly, because of you. You picked out my outfit for me today, so when I got up this morning, I didn’t have to think about that. I knew either Arden or Lane would be outside, so I didn’t have this overwhelming need to check the backyard. It allowed me to get ready and feel at peace.”

He looks pleased with my answer. “Good, that’s exactly what I wanted for you.” He rubs his thumb along my cheekbone. “How did you sleep last night?”

“I slept through the night and I felt good when I woke up.”

Victor smiles and kisses the top of my head. Stepping back, he interlaces my fingers with his and leads me toward the exit. I give James a shy smile and wave. He nods with a knowing look.

“Have a good night, you two,” James calls out as Victor opens the door for me.

“See you later, James,” Victor replies. I almost look around to see if I spot Donovan or anyone else, but force myself to relax and let Victor watch out for me. For all I know, Lane could also be around and watching as well. Victor answers that question when he escorts me to the same car Lane drove me to work in. Lane is out of the car with the back door opened. I slide in first, then Victor follows.

“Does James know about us?” I ask Victor once he gets settled.

“He does. James was at the clubhouse when I was there this weekend and I talked to him about you.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side. I rest my hand on his thigh loving the feel of his muscles beneath his black slacks.

“You talked to him about me?” I ask, running my thumb along the crease of his pants.

“I did. I was feeling guilty having the feelings I was for you and he happened to be there. He helped me to see I wasn’t being reasonable.” I look up at him a little surprised at how honest he’s being. He smirks down at me and rubs his thumb along my shoulder. “I’m not going to ask you to be honest with me and not do the same. If I expect you to answer my questions, I’m also going to answer yours.”

Heat radiates through my chest. He smiles down at me before leaning down and kissing me softly. I could kiss him forever. I had no idea how nice it could be just to kiss someone. He brings his other hand up to cup my cheek and rests his forehead against mine.

“I like you,” he whispers.

“I like you too, a lot.”

He kisses me one more time before pulling back. The rest of the ride to his house is in a comfortable silence. As I rest my head against his shoulder, he rubs his fingers up and down my arm. I’ve never felt peace like this.