Travis: But marketing is your thing, babe! You’ve got this!
I answer her text, trying to encourage her and brighten her mood. She’s been an absolute mess the last couple of weeks as graduation approaches. I know she’s a genius, acing all her classes, and is already a shoo-in for the apprenticeship this summer, but I know freak-out mode is inevitable until she walks across that stage toward her diploma.
Viola: Since when did you trade in your suit and tie for a pair of pom-poms?
I smile at her smartass response—exhausted, stressed, and still able to run her filthy mouth.
Travis: I’ll role-play for you any day, princess. As long as you’re the one with the pom-poms...and only the pom-poms.
As soon as I walk into my office, she sends another message.
Viola: Cheerleader fantasy? Really?
Travis: Does that really surprise you?
I set my briefcase down and sit behind my desk. I’ve only been back a week, and I already have a huge project. Alyssa has been glued to Blake, so that’s a relief.
Viola: Actually, no. Just know that my fantasy consists of cloaks, wands, and nerdy glasses. Oh, and you must speak in an English accent.
Travis: Hmm, that’s very descriptive...like you’ve been thinking on that for a while…
Viola: A Potterhead never tells…
Travis: I’m sure I could persuade you. You aren’t the only one who can cast spells. Just wait until I Slytherin ;)
Turning my computer on, I start scrolling through my emails. I miss the days of being home with Viola and just being able to lay low with her, especially now knowing she’ll be leaving in a month. I haven’t allowed myself to think about it too much, considering I want to make the most of the time that we have left before then, but I know I’m going to be completely lost without her.
Viola: Show me what you’ve got, wizard boy! P.S. Good luck on your presentation today! I packed an extra invisibility cloak in your bag just in case, but I doubt you’ll even need it! Kill it!
Travis: Now who’s sporting the pom-poms? ;)
Viola: I mean…don’t fuck it up, muggle.
A knock on the door directs my attention up to Blake who is standing in my doorway. He’s been pretty edgy since my return, and I have a feeling he liked my absence.
“It’s time.” He nods his head to the hallway. “Everyone’s meeting in the conference room in five.”
“Right behind you,” I say, grabbing a file folder with my notes and paperwork and double-checking that I have everything.
Standing up, I look around at the once-promising office that has now turned cold. My heart is no longer here, and the thought of starting my own firm becomes more appealing each day. I used to live and breathe this job, but ever since Viola, she’s been the one to breathe life back into me.
I fucking rock my presentation, and once the meeting is over, Blake walks back to my office and asks me to go to a lunch meeting with him. I’m hesitant, considering our history, but he sold me on the company picking up the tab, so why not?
Alyssa watches us both intently as we make our way out. She’s barely said more than a sentence to me, so I know something’s up. I just can’t quite put my finger on it.
I text Viola before heading out.
Travis: You’ll be happy to know I kicked ass and am now heading out for a work lunch meeting. I expect a celebration tonight...in the form of your naked body on top of mine while you yell how much harder you want it.
I slide into the company car with Blake. He takes the driver’s side, and I sit in the passenger seat. He buckles up, and I check my phone once again for her response, but so far nothing. I know she’s swamped right now, so I shrug it off. Talking with her always makes my days go by faster.
“I bet you’re glad to finally be back. I hear bed rest can suck for a king.” Blake’s attempt at small talk is laughable, but I go along with it anyway.
“Yeah, it did. Good thing my roommate’s little sister was around to help me some.” The words flow out before I can stop them.
“Violet, right?”
“Viola,” I correct. “She lives on campus nearby, so she wasn’t too far if I needed anything.”
“How convenient.” I notice his condescending tone and pinch my lips to force back a smug smile. It was very fucking convenient, but of course, I won’t say that to him. The less he knows about my personal life, the better.
Once the awkward lunch from hell is over, and Blake not-so-subtly threatens my position at the firm, I make a little detour before heading home. Since it’s Wednesday, Viola will be over tonight, and I’m going to have to use all the willpower I don’t have to keep my eyes and hands off her.
Knowing that Viola leaves for Boston in just a month, I want to give her a going away gift that will ensure she comes back to me. I know that’s selfish on my part, but I’ve been waiting ten years for the girl of my dreams, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I don’t lose her again.
I’ve been thinking about it the past couple of weeks, and I found just the right one for her.
After picking up the gift, I arrive back home, fortunately before Drew, so he doesn’t question me.
Viola: I’m heading over soon. Is the coast clear?
I read Viola’s text and immediately send one back. I can’t wait to see her.
Travis: Yes. Get your ass over here. I have a surprise.
Viola: What kind of a surprise? Should I bring my wand?
I smile at her response.
Travis: I’ll be the one with the wand, princess ;)
Viola: Let’s hope you know how to use that thing before you break it :)
I shake my head at her response, loving her filthy mouth.
Travis: Was that really necessary? Low blow, princess.
Viola: Sorry, King. Sometimes you have to pay the price of being a smartass.
I set my phone down and get her gift ready, so she sees it when she first walks in. I know she’s going to lose her mind.
Hearing Viola’s car pull into the driveway, I immediately greet her at the door. She smiles, and I press my lips to hers before she even has a chance to speak.
“Well, hi,” she says, gasping for air.
“Hi.” I smile in return. “I have something waiting for you.”
I lead her into the house and down the hallway to my bedroom. “Are you ready?”
“Nothing’s going to pop out at me, is it?” She pulls back slightly, and I wrap a hand around her neck and pull her lips to mine again.
“No, unless you’re into that kind of thing.” I wink at her, and she holds back a smile.
“You have no shame.” She chuckles against my mouth.