Page 84

Vivian:At Arrow’s house.

Kaylee:Tell him I said hi!

Vivian:What are you doing up?

Kaylee:Watching a show with Violet. Going to bed soon though.

Vivian:Don’t stay up too late.

Kaylee:Ok. Are you and Arrow dating?

Vivian:Yes.

Kaylee:Yay! Can I tell Violet?

Vivian:Okay. Good night.

Kaylee:Night. Love you!

Vivian:Love you too.

My heart warmed at her response.

“What are you smiling about?” Arrow placed down the steaming containers of food on the table. Then he got plates, utensils, and some napkins.

“Kaylee is thrilled we’re dating. She’s sharing the news with Violet.”

He bent down and stole a kiss from me. “She knows I’ve had my eyes on you for a while. I always get what I want.”

I rolled my eyes, and he laughed. “What do you want to drink? I have wine, tea, juice, and water.”

“Water is fine, thanks.”

He got me a glass of water and one for himself, then sat across from me.

“Thanks for the food.” I scooped some lasagna and the fried rice onto his plate and some for me.

“You’re welcome.” He dug in, looking smug as he ate.

It felt oddly strange how comfortable it was being in his kitchen eating with him. My A Kiss is Not Enough mission popped into my head. I couldn’t wait to share this news with the girls soon. For me, the mission wasn’t complete yet. It needed time to settle. Would his attraction to me fizzle out eventually? Or was he truly serious about this relationship?

I didn’t know him well enough to determine anything yet. But I knew he made me feel alive, loved, and protected. Those were emotions I hadn’t felt with any man in a while. I wasn’t referring to parental love because my dad provided a safe haven for me growing up after that awful incident that killed my mom. This powerful affection Arrow showed me was different.

My dad would be elated to know I was dating again. Now, he could stop asking about it. He didn’t like my previous boyfriend, Connor, whom I punched in the face when he put his hands on me in a drunken fit.

“I can see your mind going a million miles an hour. What are you thinking?” he asked as he spooned up some fried rice.

“Wondering if my dad will like you.”

“What’s there not to like?” He grinned. “When can I meet him? Isn’t he retired now?”

“How do you know?” I arched an eyebrow.

“I know a lot of things about you. But I still have some questions.”

“You looked into me?”

Why wasn’t I surprised?