Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

Vaughn

I f I'm not mistaken, Valentina is turned on by me just touching her. I've had a lot of experience, not bragging, just telling the truth. I've had a lot of fun in my life, especially with the bucket bunnies when I have to travel out of state. It's easy to have a quick fling, and then come back here to my normal life without having strings.

I haven't had strings since I was a teenager and my mom cheated on my dad. She ruined our family because she was bored. We have a better relationship now, but I still harbor ill feelings toward her. Dad has never been the same since she left.

From everything I understand about Val, she's sheltered, but I didn't realize how sheltered until her pupils dilated when I grabbed her hand and stroked it with my finger. I might be fucking oblivious to a lot, but one thing I know is when a woman is hot for me. Valentina most definitely was.

We went to the grocery store. "You want your own buggy, or can we share?"

She eyes the cart I've picked. "I guess that's big enough for the both of us."

"Considering I make it on cereal, frozen waffles, and makeshift charcuterie boards, I think we're good." I turn it toward the front of the store. "Can we start at fruits and veggies first, or do you have an objection? Are you one of those people who wants to start on the aisles first? If that's the case, we might not be friends anymore, Val." I put my palm on my chest. "And that would break my heart."

Her laugh causes her to wrinkle her nose. It's so damn cute. "No, I don't like to start in the middle of the aisles. What kind of person do you take me for? There is a very particular process for grocery shopping. There's no way you do the aisles before you do the outside perimeter."

"Oh thank God, I was worried we wouldn't be able to see each other anymore." I exaggerate, putting my forearm to my forehead and act like I'm about to pass out.

"You're ridiculous." She reaches over and slaps her hand against my stomach. "I can't believe you'd let that affect our friendship."

I'm torn between trying to figure out if she's serious or if she's playing just like me. There are so many times when I look at her and think she's in on the joke, but ?I know there are other instances where she's completely confused. "I wouldn't, you know that, right?" Instead of trying to determine what she's really meaning, I'll ask her.

She nods, swallowing, but her mouth in a line shows that she doesn't, really.

"I'll make a deal with you, Val. You be honest with me, and let me know all the things you're confused about, and I'll tell you about them. I've watched you a lot." I grip the handle of the cart, trying to figure out how I want to say these things to her. "Sometimes you definitely get what's being said to you, there are others, where you're unsure. I'm curious why you aren't sure, why you seem to not have the same normal life experiences as other people. I have my theories." I lean in so that our faces are close to one another, and it wouldn't take much for me our lips to meet. "But I'm not sure if you're ready to hear those yet. I promise I'm not trying to push you into doing something you don't want to. I want to know you, Val, on your terms, on your time, but I am curious. Beyond curious."

Her eyes dart from side to side, almost as if she's afraid that someone is looking for her. "I realize you want to know, and you deserve to know, but I'm not ready for that yet, Vaughn."

I grip the handle of the cart tighter. "What is it going to take for you to trust me, Val? I want to know not because of you, but because of me. Let me be the person you come to when you have a problem, and if you're scared about something. I don't know why, because I've never felt responsible for another person in my life, but I want to be responsible for you." I'm breathing heavily when I finish my words to her, as if I've run a marathon or worked out with the guys.

She smiles slowly. "You don't realize it, but you're already that for me, Vaughn. So many look at you as if they're scared to get too close to you, when all I want to do is to be close. I just don't trust myself enough with you yet."

Which is funny because I don't trust myself with her either. "You can always trust yourself with me, Val. There aren't many things I've done in this life that are good, but what I can tell you is that the people I care about, I fuckin' care about. The minute I walked into Get Baked and saw you standing behind the counter, I wanted to get to know you."

Her cheeks pink as she gazes at me. "I wanted to get to know you too, and I promise I'll reveal more about myself soon."

"I don't need you to reveal the heavy stuff, Val. I just need to know..." I point to the fruits. "Are you a honey crisp or granny smith kinda gal?"

She tilts her head to the side, seeming to think about it. "Depends on if I'm having a pie or not. If it's a pie, definitely granny smith. Anything else, honey crisp. What about you?"

Somehow I'm worried this answer will change everything between us, but I have to be honest. She's trusting me with this. "Red delicious."

Her eyebrows raise, a sexy smirk quirking up the edge of her lips. "The most basic of basic apples, Vaughn? Really?"

I don't expect the joke from her, especially with it having a connotation of basic. I laugh hard, throwing my head back. "Yeah, really. Come the fuck on, you're on my nerves." I roll my eyes and put my hand in front of me, palm up. "After you, gorgeous."

She cocks her head to the side, and moves to the front of the cart. With a glance over her shoulder, she puts one finger up and makes a come hither motion. "C'mon Vaughn. Let's see how well we mesh with our groceries."

As I follow her, I can't help but think this is some sort of litmus test. Like it'll base the rest of our relationship on whatever this proves. I don't think I've ever been more nervous, but here we are. Watching her as she carefully picks out a few processed meals, but keeps close to whole foods. There must be a reason for it, but I don't want to push her. I keep this in my back pocket to ask her later, especially when she gives me shit for the Hamburger Helper I toss in the basket.

"Please tell me you're going to add spinach to that, or a real tomato, or something, Vaughn."

A grimace spreads across my lips. "I don't. Should I be?"

She sighs. "Yes, you need a little something that is whole and good. Mostly because you have such a physically demanding job. I'm sure you expend a lot of energy, so you should replace that." She pushes her hair back behind her ears.

I shrug. "Can't say I've ever cared."

"Let me cook you dinner then." She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. "Show you what you can do with something like this, as well as a few fresh ingredients. It'd let me thank you for bringing me today, too."

"You don't have to thank me. I'm happy to hang out with you."

"Please?"

Those eyes of hers are so hopeful. "Alright. I can't tonight. I'm meeting the guys at Monroe's, but tomorrow. Does that work for you?"

"Yes." She smiles brightly. "I'll make it worth your while."

I know she doesn't mean this sexually, but my cock tightens and takes notice. Being alone in her space with her is going to be very interesting.