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CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

ARROW

Wearing her winter coat,Vivian slept in the passenger seat while I drove her old Toyota RAV4 home. I pulled into the parking garage and turned off the engine. She needed an update to this car. I didn’t want her stranded somewhere, especially now that winter was in full swing. With her dentist salary, she could afforda newer car. Why didn’t she?

I glanced over at her, all curled up in the seat. She had a smile on her face. I reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

She cracked her eyes. “Are we there yet?”

“Yes, we’re home. Ready to get out?”

She studied me and reached over to touch my chin. “You have a gorgeous face, you know that?”

“You think so?” I smiled, loving how open she was because of the wine. I could stay here just chatting with her, but it was cold and late and she needed to rest. “C’mon, I’ll help you get home.”

I’d get an Uber to pick me up later so I could retrieve my car from Remi’s place.

Vivian traced my jawline with her finger like she had done before. Her touch ignited all kinds of sensation in me. “I dreamed about you the other day.”

My smile widened. “What was the dream about?”

“I was furious with you.” She pouted. “You wouldn’t give me a piggyback ride.” She giggled, and her cheeks bloomed a bright pink, but that could’ve been the wine’s effect.

I’d never given anyone a piggyback ride in my life.

My eyebrows furrowed with fascination. “What’s up with the piggyback ride?”

“I don’t know.” She sat up in the seat and clasped our hands together on her lap. “It’s just something casual and friendly, kinda like holding hands.” Her eyes fluttered closed again.

It wasnotlike holding hands, but I would not debate that with a drunk woman right now.

She opened her eyes, looking sad. “I was very mad at you the other day.”

“Is that why you didn’t reply to my texts?”

She nodded and shifted in her seat. “I was hurt. And angry. And confused.” She placed a hand on her head. “Ugh. I shouldn’t have drunk so much. It’s your fault.” She settled back into the seat.

I didn’t like knowing I had hurt her.

“Let’s get you home, and you can tell me what I did wrong.”

“I’m comfy here.” She smiled and snuggled into her coat, looking too adorable.

“No, it’s too cold. We’re both going to get sick.” I couldn’t believe what I was about to say. “If you comply, I’ll give you a piggyback ride.”

What had gotten into me? I’d think about that later.

Her eyes widened with excitement. “Really? This must be a dream, but it’s a happy dream and I don’t wanna wake up yet.”

I got out of the car and went over to her side. She opened the door, swung her legs over and stretched out her arms like a baby wanting to be carried. Her trusting smile did something to my chest.

I knew she was drunk, and that she wasn’t acting herself, but having her look at me with warmth and trust made me yearn for her affection even more. Was this a version of Vivian that she hid from people? The lighthearted woman radiating with carefree joy and trust?

Alcohol manipulated the mind, and I couldn’t believe the girls had drunk so much of my wine. Some people told the truth when they were under the influence. Others got violent or retreated into a corner, shutting the world out.

Something told me Vivian had a desire to break free from all the restraints holding her back. I desperately wanted to know what they were. I wanted to unchain her so she could be free.

I knew what being trapped felt like.