Page 23 of Devoted (Love and Burlesque #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

VIVIAN

Mustache daddy vibes, full force.

“ S o, he was stalking you, and you’re into it?” Em asks in a whispered tone. She leans across the small café table, eyes boring into me while she waits for a response.

“Yes, and definitely yes.” I roll my lips between my teeth, wincing a little because of how weird it sounds.

I decided to tell Emma what was happening, thinking she might see more of Knight now that we’re an item, and she’d have questions.

Well, he and I are more like an item on a secret menu, but still an item.

“And he was the huge crash we heard outside our apartment way back when?” she asks, sounding as exasperated as she looks.

“Yes, Nosferatu chased him off the tree.” I fail to contain a chuckle that infects Emma, too. Her curls sway from side to side when she shakes her head at me while letting out a bubbly laugh.

“And you pieced everything together like you’re some detective on a CSI show?” She flattens her palms on the table, leaning even further into our shared space as she uncovers this delicious bit of gossip.

“Yup, and I let him know I was aware of his stalking while he was face-first in my pussy.” A smug smile pulls at my lips.

“Vivian!” She whispers-shouts, covering her face with her palm in shock before looking around to see if anyone has heard us. The little café nestled downtown is fairly empty after the lunch rush, so there’s no one to scandalize with my retelling of events.

Even though the fitting-turned-porno only happened two days ago, there’s this constant yearning picking at my resolve in seeking Knight out. He told me he’d be busy for a few days, but that we could meet up early next week. The way he was talking about it made it seem like a date.

But you don’t go on dates with your boss you’re secretly seeing, right?

“Y’all are crazy as hell.” Emma laughs, straightening in her seat to take a sip of her chai latte. “Whatever floats your boat, honey.”

Relief washes over me. She seems to be accepting of this weird as fuck situation. I don’t necessarily seek approval for my decisions anymore, but there’s comfort in knowing a friend understands where you’re coming from and sees you for who you are.

“I can see why you like him,” she comments.

“It’s that mustache daddy vibe, right?” Wiggling her perfectly manicured eyebrows at me, she continues, “You know what? I think he’s a great guy beneath his crabby exterior.

He checked in on me the other day, kinda out of the blue.

I don’t hear much from his grumpy ass at work, so I was surprised when he asked how I was doing.

” The statement surprises me, too, because I don’t usually see Knight make conversation with many of the employees.

“It was after a tough day with Nana, and it was nice to talk to someone about her for a little bit, even if it was my boss.”

“How’s she doing?” Reaching across the table, I place my hand on hers and hold it gently.

“Better, she’s been recognizing me more often when I visit.” A beautiful smile shines on her face, and I’m so happy she’s getting these special moments with her grandma. It’s been a rough couple of months for Emma’s family.

“That’s so good, Em. Would you want me to head over and visit her with you sometime soon?” I offer.

Emma nods, squeezing my hand gently before letting go. “She was asking for a makeover, you wanna pick out some outfits for her?”

“I’d love to!” I beam, already thinking of what I can put together for Nana.

“We can head over Sunday morning after brunch, if you’re down.” She begins packing up her purse, and I follow suit, setting my ChapStick and phone into my fanny pack.

“I’m definitely down, let’s see if we can sneak her a mimosa, too.” I laugh as I stand up and push my chair into the table. “Hey, I know we’re shopping for some Christmas outfits today, but do you mind helping me with some special shopping?”

“Like special-special shopping?” A naughty look crosses her features, lips pursing like she knows exactly what I’m talking about. “You don’t have to ask me twice. I need a new special friend anyway.”

In a few minutes, our bill is paid, and we’re on the way to the adult boutique.