Worth the Wait by Jamie Beck Page A

crackled with electricity until she answered.
    “A Doberman. Proud, aloof, intelligent guardian with a sensitive side.”
    Her reply caused his grin to stretch across his face. At least she still knew him. He had that going for him, anyway. “I can live with that, Vivi.”
    “Well, what about me?” Laney begrudgingly asked.
    Once more, the night air vibrated with nervous energy. Jackson shot David what appeared to be a “good luck” glance.
    “A poodle. Smart, elegant, and politely reserved.”
    Vivi’s answer was kind and apt. When she’d first arrived, he’d fretted over the potential fallout of her meeting Laney. He wouldn’t have predicted her relaxed acceptance, or her pursuit of an Italian photographer. He wasn’t wrong often and didn’t like when it happened.
    In this case, he absolutely hated it.
    “You know, you’re very unusual, Vivi,” Laney observed dryly.
    “Thank you.” Vivi smiled and closed her eyes again before resting her head against the Adirondack chair.
    David grinned, doubting Laney intended her comment as a compliment. He glanced back to Vivi, curious. Did she still see herself as a thirteen-year-old misfit despite the years he’d spent convincing her of the remarkable person he’d always recognized her to be?
    “What kind of dog are you?” he then asked her.
    She lifted her head. Her violet eyes beheld him for several long seconds until her voice broke the mesmerizing effect of her gaze.
    “A boxer . . . fun-loving, energetic, and loyal.” Her eyes danced playfully, and he felt a hint of their old connection spring back to life. Finally .
    “Perfect!” Jackson raised his beer in salutation.
    “Thanks, Jacks.”
    At ten o’clock, Cat slunk away from the group with her phone in hand, probably planning to call that ass Justin. Although Hank and Jackson invit ed Vivi to join them for a night on the town, she declined. Instead, she remained outside, sipping her wine and stargazing. The look o n her face hinted at some private joke she wouldn’t share. David wondered whether she was daydreaming about Franco.
    He closed his eyes, desperately wishing Laney would leave him alone with Vivi for a while. He told himself he just wanted a little private time to talk with his old friend. Time to work through the uncomfortable awareness of her he’d developed. Time to repair the damage he’d caused by neglecting her for too long.
    Deep down he suspected he told himself lies.
    Laney intertwined her fingers with his and rested her head against his shoulder. Normally he’d welcome her affection. Tonight it felt too possessive. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Let’s go upstairs. I’m ready for bed.”
    “It’s early,” he murmured. “I’m not tired yet.”
    “Neither am I.” She nipped at his earlobe.
    He stiffened. Had Vivi noticed? No. She wasn’t paying attention to Laney or him. In fact, unlike every other time since they’d met, he’d not once caught her watching him from a distance.
    The recognition produced a sudden, profound sense of loss.
    “Go on, then.” He planted a light kiss on Laney’s forehead as she rose to leave. “I’ll be up in a bit.”
    “Good night, Vivi.” Laney nodded before slipping inside.
    David inclined toward Vivi and rested his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together.
    “I hope I didn’t insult you earlier when I expressed concern over how you spent your day. I just worry you’ll get hurt. Promise me you’ll be careful.”
    Her brows climbed up her forehead, then lowered to frame her dancing eyes. “Thanks for your concern, David. I know I leaned on you over the years, but you don’t need to worry anymore. I’m a big girl now.”
    “Maybe so, but I can’t stop caring.” He stared at his hands and frowned. When he raised his head, he held her gaze. “You know I always will.”
    “Of course. That’s what friends do. We care.” She placed her hand on his, and a sharp burst of energy reverberated between