Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,24
never share Maxie. My love for him consumes me. It’s like that feeling when you’re hiding a good secret. It’s all you can think about, and you’re bursting to share it with everyone. And randomly throughout the day, you smile thinking of it— of him.” She met my eyes. “You know what I mean?”
I found myself nodding. “Yeah, mama. I know that one.”
“It’s the best fucking feeling in the world,” she breathed. “One I could only feel for him. And it’d kill me if he didn’t feel the same. I want to be the only secret he carries.”
“And you are,” I said lightly. “You and Max have something solid.”
Red stained her cheeks. “Don’t you want that too? Don’t you deserve it?”
I was quiet for so long, Gwen went back to her drink.
“I deserve a lot of things,” I finally replied. “Valentina isn’t one of them. It’s hard for people to understand, but I’m happy exactly how things are. I’ve got a beautiful girl, great kid, and good friends. I don’t need much more than that.”
She cracked a smile. “Except for a new Ferrari and the biggest record label in the country.”
“Except for that.”
We laughed, breaking the tension.
“Sorry if I overstepped,” said Gwen.
I waved that away. “Nah. You were nice about it. You should have heard my dad.”
Gwen hissed. “I can imagine.”
“He just had a lot of questions. It’s a good thing Val’s studying to be a therapist. We’re going to be working through that conversation for a long time.”
Gwen and I wrapped it up and returned to the studio with the food. Bianca cried real tears seeing me stroll in with coffee in hand. I used the rest of the workday listening to demos, handling little tasks for her, and reviewing Serena’s new lyrics.
I was technically done for the day when I rolled up on campus to pick up Valentina.
Sliding inside, she leaned over to kiss me.
“I’m so excited,” she said. “Will your dad be there too?”
“Why is it the first thing you do is ask for my dad?”
She shoved my shoulder. “The first thing I did was kiss you, silly. I just want to say hi.”
“Then, yes. He’s up in his tower, basking in his greatness. We’ll run up there and then I’ll take you to Bianca.”
“Can’t wait. I’ve got to meet the second most important woman in your life.”
I laughed. “I wouldn’t call Bianca that.”
“I meant Serena Blackwood.”
My laughter died a fiery death. Valentina’s calm tone gave nothing away, which was reason enough to worry.
Clearing my throat, I replied, “Serena is not the second, third, or fiftieth most important woman in my life. She’s talent I’m managing to prove to Dad I can handle this job. Nothing more. Besides, she won’t be around today.”
“If she is, I’d like to meet her,” she said, tone light.
“All right,” I said aloud.
Nope, no, and hell no. I want to spend another fun day with my girl and no Beyond Berlin in sight.
I’m lucky I’ve got Gwen on deck. She’ll be needed big-time.
VALENTINA
Levi rose from his desk, arms open. “There she is. Get over here, baby girl.”
I dropped Jaxson’s hand and ran into his hug. After spending more than five minutes with him, I learned where Jaxson picked up the “baby” thing.
“How’s my college girl?”
“Good.” I was cheesing harder than necessary but I couldn’t help it. This man had met more music legends in person that I had seen on television. Being in his air was almost like being in theirs. “I started my dance minor this year, and this semester I’m taking a dance therapy class. I had so much fun today. I finally feel like a normal college student.”
“Good to hear. You had a rough one last year.”
Hands gripped my waist and tugged me free of Levi.
“How are you?” I asked. “Jaxson says you have a new girlfriend.”
A rich, full laugh rolled out of his chest. “Jaxson’s all messed up over you, he’s got everyone paired off. Eve is just a friend.”
“I found your friend’s panties stuck in the sofa last week,” Jaxson said.
A smirk so like Jaxson’s curled his lips that I had a vision of my love at his age. Tall, smooth, distinguished. Devilishly handsome.
“A very good friend,” corrected Levi. “But to answer your question, I can’t complain. The label’s going strong and it’s looking like when the time comes, I’ll be able to leave it in good hands.” Levi ruffled Jaxson’s hair. He hated that but didn’t stop him.