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“Can I see you tonight?”
She melted. “When do you want me to come over?”
Qasim didn’t miss how quickly she’d mentioned driving herself. “I’ll pick you up from your dad’s.”
“Qasim, I really don’t mind—”
“I’ll see you at eight.” He reached out to wind a clipped lock of her hair about his middle finger. He dropped another kiss to her mouth, a sweet one that left her hungry for more, and then he shifted to leave the SUV.
She realized his intention to escort her and grabbed his arm. “Qasim, it’s okay.”
He didn’t argue and knew the muscle he could feel flexing along his jawline was all too noticeable. It was a dead giveaway to how valiantly he worked to tether his agitation over her refusal.
Vectra noticed, however. She leaned across the gear console to smooth the back of her hand across the silken whiskers that shaded his cheek.
“It’s all right. It’s safe.” Intentionally she downplayed what he was really agitated about. “It’s practically a full house in there,” she added.
“Get out of here before I change my mind,” he said, his tone gruff yet playful.
“I’ll see you tonight.” She smiled encouragingly and then left the vehicle under her own steam.
When she was gone, Qasim shrugged a clenched fist to his thigh.
“Easy, Sim.” He sighed.
* * *
Vectra saw to a few things at the gallery. Her staff was used to finding her in clothes from the previous day when she put in one of her late-night work sessions, so there was no questioning her attire. She then headed off to her father’s place.
Oscar Bauer had decided to return to his roots and had opted for a three-story loft in SoMa.
Short for South of Market, SoMa was known for its artsy cultural appeal. Vectra believed it was the place that had sparked her love for art and the gallery scene. After his wife’s death, Oscar no longer felt comforted by the quiet captivation of Carro and the memories of his beloved mate.
Vectra had always enjoyed trips to the city to visit her father’s eclectic stomping grounds. Yet when Oscar decided to move back into the area, both Vectra and Oliver had been more than a little concerned. They admitted to being unable to picture their dad living amidst such energy.
They had little to fear. Oscar had settled in nicely and had selected a terrific place to do it.
The loft was a uniquely crafted dwelling. Despite its open floor plan, the place was chock-full of cozy nooks and crannies furnished with overstuffed chairs and sofas. Rejuvenating natural illumination poured through skylights and a roof that had been the scene for many unforgettable barbecues. Oscar Bauer, however, spent a great deal of his time on the lofty third level, which comprised his home office suite. Vectra usually had the run of the place whenever she visited. Her father’s office/man cave held relatively everything he needed, which made Oscar comfortable leaving his daughter to her own devices in the rest of the house.
Such was the case that morning when Vectra arrived.
“Dad?!”
“Up here, baby!”
“Figures! Don’t come down!” Vectra laughed, genuinely pleased to find him at work—or play—in his private domain. In truth, she wasn’t much in the mood to explain why she was there for a change of clothes.
Not that her father ever questioned such things. Like her house staff, he’d probably throw a party if he knew her reason had to do with a man. Qasim Wilder, at that. Oscar had made no secret of how much he approved of the successful investment broker.
Vectra took her coffee from the sunlit second level kitchen and headed over to enjoy it from the attached alcove. The space offered an excellent view of the culturally energetic area. Its vibrancy was evident even during daylight hours. Still, her thoughts returned to Qasim.
Returned? Hmph, they were never far away from him. That was especially true now that their relationship had transcended into the lovers’ realm. He’d been upset when they parted ways earlier that morning. She knew it and didn’t find fault in his reaction. Twice, she’d refused him. The actions surprised her. She had no explanation for it. Part of her wanted to shout to anyone who’d listen that she was floating on a cloud and Qasim was the reason.
The other part of her wanted no one to know, fearing what they’d found was something that would not last. Worse, she’d be to blame for it. Residual baggage from her previous relationship disaster wasn’t her excuse. At least, not fully. The experience, however, had rendered her much more cautious with her heart.
Or...she thought it had. She really wanted to serve her heart to Qasim Wilder on a platter with all the trimmings. Unfortunately, caution had been her game for so long that she wasn’t sure how to shake it. All the while, her instincts were screaming that playing it safe wasn’t warranted.
