Page 33 of At Her Service (Club Velvet #2)

CHAPTER 33

W hen Valerie awoke the next morning, she was alone in her bed.

Closing her eyes, she rolled over and drew in a deep breath, savoring Abby’s lingering scent, her warmth, on the sheets beside her. There was only one thing sweeter than this. And that was having Abby in her arms.

Valerie slipped on a light silk dressing gown and made her way downstairs. It didn’t take her long to find Abby. She was in the kitchen, nursing a cup of coffee.

Her face lit up as Valerie entered the room. “You’re awake.”

Valerie planted a kiss on her lips. “Good morning to you too.”

“Here, I made you coffee.”

Abby picked up a mug of steaming black coffee from the kitchen counter and handed it to her. Valerie sipped it slowly, letting its warmth revitalize her.

She glanced at the clock. It was past 9 a.m. “Looks like I slept in.”

“I thought about waking you up, but you looked so peaceful,” Abby said. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“I’m glad you didn’t. I needed that. It’s been years since I’ve slept in.”

And not only because she had a two-year-old. There was always something that needed doing, some emergency to deal with, some fire to put out.

Not this morning. Valerie didn’t have to look at her phone to know she had countless messages and emails waiting for her. But they didn’t matter. Not right now.

All that mattered was the woman standing before her.

A pink flush bloomed on Abby’s cheeks. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No reason.” Valerie drew her arms around Abby’s waist. “I’m just happy the woman I love is finally mine .”

She pressed her lips to Abby’s in a deep, demanding kiss. Abby melted into her body, her lips growing hungrier and hungrier?—

The doorbell chimed. Valerie broke away.

“That must be Simone and Jade with Hazel.” She set her coffee cup down on the counter. “I’ll get it.”

She made her way to the front door. As soon as she opened it, Hazel flung herself at her.

“Mommy!” She threw her arms around Valerie’s legs, holding her tightly. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too, sweetie.” Valerie scooped Hazel up in her arms before greeting Simone and Jade. “Why don’t you come in?”

They stepped inside. As she shut the door, Hazel leaped from her arms and ran into the living room. Valerie followed, Simone and Jade behind her.

“Thank you again for taking Hazel for the night,” she said. “I tried to find a sitter, but?—”

Simone held up her hand. “We’re happy to help.”

“I appreciate it,” Valerie said. “I hope she wasn’t too much trouble.”

“Not at all,” Simone replied. “We had a lovely time. It helps that Hazel took a liking to Jade after the other day.”

“Hey, she took a liking to you too. You were great with her.” Jade slipped her arm into Simone’s. “You’d make an incredible mom, you know?”

Simone shook her head. “I never imagined I’d want kids. Everything I went through growing up put me off having children for good, I thought. But after spending time with Hazel, I’m starting to reconsider.”

Valerie didn’t miss the way Jade perked up at Simone’s words. “I think you’d make a good mom too.”

Abby chose that moment to emerge from the kitchen, coffee cup in hand. “Hi.”

A blush rose up her face. Was she embarrassed that she’d been caught the morning after? Or was it because the first time she met Simone and Jade, Valerie had been groping her like a horny teenager in the middle of the club?

But before anyone could say another word, Hazel squealed with delight.

“Abby!” The toddler raced over to her. “You’re back!”

Abby lifted Hazel high into the air before pulling her into a hug.

“That’s right,” she said. “I’m back. And I’m not going anywhere.”

The night before, she and Valerie had stayed up until the early hours of the morning, talking about what would happen next. While they didn’t yet know exactly what their life together would look like, Valerie had made one thing clear.

Abby was hers. And Valerie was never letting go of her again.

“I’m glad you two worked things out,” Simone said. “By the way, did you hear the news?”

“What news?” Valerie hadn’t looked at her phone since the evening before.

“It’s Francesca. She was arrested at her home last night.”

“Last night? That was fast.” Valerie grabbed her phone from the coffee table. She had a dozen missed calls and messages from her lawyer, her assistant, and her publicist.

But instead of reading them, she searched Francesca’s name online. The very first headline?

Francesca Moreno arrested on charges of stalking and harassment against ex-wife Valerie Kane.

She clicked the link. At the top of the page was a slideshow of pictures, starting with a series of photos of Francesca being escorted through the restaurant by security and ending with a grainy shot of her being taken from her home in handcuffs. There was even a video of her at the restaurant, yelling inaudibly at Valerie.

She studied the video. It showed Abby sitting across from Valerie, her face fully visible. It was only a matter of time before speculation and rumors about their relationship began. They’d have to go public with it sooner rather than later.

But that didn’t bother Valerie. Not anymore. She didn’t care if anyone thought her relationship with Abby was wrong. She knew in her heart that the love they shared was right.

She skimmed the rest of the article. Francesca was being held pending charges of stalking, harassment, and breaking-and-entering. On top of that, she’d been unable to post bail, so she had no choice but to remain in police custody.

Valerie scoffed in disbelief. How was it possible that Francesca couldn’t afford bail? The money she’d made from her acting career was enough to last a lifetime, several lifetimes, even. Had she frittered it all away, not realizing that one day, her work would dry up? Hollywood was a fickle mistress. And now that Francesca’s star had dimmed, she’d lost it all. Her fame. Her money. Everything.

That was why she’d been so desperate to get Valerie back. She had nothing left.

But Francesca wasn’t her problem any longer. And she never would be again.

Abby slipped a hand into hers. “Are you okay?”

“I’m wonderful.” Valerie slipped her phone into her pocket and gave Abby’s hand a squeeze. “Francesca is finally facing consequences for her actions. She’s out of my life for good. And now, I can dedicate myself to building a new life with you.”

Abby smiled. And in that moment, Valerie vowed to do whatever it took to protect that smile for the rest of her days.

Simone cleared her throat. “That’s our cue to leave.”

“Are you sure?” Valerie said. “You’re welcome to stay awhile.”

Simone shook her head. “Thank you, but we need to get going. We’re meeting with Ashton to work out the details of her investment in the club.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “You mean, the Ashton? From the real estate mogul family?”

Valerie nodded. “She wants to invest in Club Velvet. It’s certainly unexpected, but her interest is genuine. It’s not a done deal yet, so we’d appreciate your discretion.”

“Yes, of course,” Abby said.

Simone put a hand on Jade’s back. “We’ll get out of your hair.”

They said their goodbyes, but not before Hazel made them promise to come back and visit soon. And as Valerie shut the front door, she let out a contented sigh. It was just the three of them now. Her, and the two people she loved the most in the world.

But as she swept Hazel into her arms again, Abby’s face paled.

“Crap.” She began looking around the room. “Where’d I put my phone?”

“What’s the matter?” Valerie asked.

“I was supposed to message Erin last night. I promised her I’d check in after meeting with you. She must be so worried, especially after I didn’t come home?—”

Valerie held up a hand. “No need to panic. She already knows you stayed over.”

“What? How?”

“She messaged me last night while you were in the shower. She has my number from when I called her. Rest assured, I told her that you’re fine and you’re with me.”

“Oh.” The color returned to Abby’s face. “Thanks. I just completely forgot.”

“Not a problem.” Valerie shifted Hazel to her other hip. “She really cares about you, you know?”

“I do. She’s a good friend.”

“I’d love to meet her one day.”

“She’d love to meet you . Seriously, she’s a little obsessed with you. If she wasn’t straight, I’d be worried.”

“Even if she wasn’t straight, you wouldn’t need to worry. You’re the only woman I’ll ever want.” Valerie cradled Abby’s face in her palm, stroking her cheek with her thumb. “Now, why don’t we all have some breakfast?”

Abby nodded. “I’ll whip something up. Eggs for Hazel, and toast for you?”

Valerie shook her head. “Let me take care of it this morning. After all, you and Hazel have some catching up to do.”

“We sure do.” Abby took Hazel from her again, holding her close. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Valerie’s chest filled with warmth, a smile pulling at her lips as she went into the kitchen to make breakfast for her family.