Her Surrender (Irresistibly Bound 2)

April’s jaw dropped. “Wow.”

The grand old building was just as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. It had high ceilings covered in mosaic tiles and marble floors. And it was huge. Their footsteps echoed through the vast space as they walked.

“This is amazing,” April said.

There was so much space. The entrance hall had countless rooms coming off it, some large, some small, and there was a second floor. They wouldn’t have to worry about having to adjust the schedule so that AA meetings and book clubs wouldn’t fall at the same time. They could add new activities too, and they could even hold events here. There was so much room for the library to

grow. Ideas started forming in April’s mind. She couldn’t wait to tell Lexi.

“As you can see, it needs renovations,” Vicki said. “The money from your fundraiser should cover most of it. I can put you in touch with some contractors who will do the work at a discount.”

April turned to Vicki. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“Well, the last time we spoke, you weren’t exactly happy with me.”

Right. In her excitement about the library, April had forgotten about everything. “Is this some sort of grand gesture to win me back? Were you planning to show up on my doorstep and announce that you’d swooped in to save the library?”

“No, it’s not,” Vicki said. “Although, if this does win you back, it’s a bonus.”

April put her hands on her hips. “Victoria!”

“I’m kidding, of course.” Vicki held up her hands. “I started this before we even had that fight. I would have told you about what I was doing, but I didn’t want to get your hopes up in case it didn’t work out.”

“Why?” April asked. “Why did you do this if it wasn’t to impress me?”

“I did it because you made an impression on me. You’re always talking about the library, and the community, and how much it all means to you. You made me realize how important a place like the library is to the people of West Heights. I knew from the start that I was never going to be able to save the Oakmont Street building, so I did the next best thing. I gave the Oakmont Street Library a new home.”

April stared at her. “How long have you been working on this?”

“I started setting things in motion a few days after the ball,” Vicki replied. “That night, I told you that the people in that room were the people who have the power to effect change. I was speaking about the long term, but it made me realize that I could make a difference right now.”

“All this time, I thought you didn’t care.”

“I didn’t, not until recently. I’ve been wandering through the world, living for superficial pleasures, not thinking or caring about anyone else. Then you came along and spoiled all that.” Vicki gave her a faint smile. “You’ve changed me. You make me a better person.”

“Vicki…”

“I didn’t do this to get you back,” Vicki said. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you back. And I want you to know that I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that Oasis was planning to restart the development project. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I’ll never do anything like that again. I’ll never do anything to hurt you again.”

April’s heart skittered in her chest. “I need to apologize too,” she said. “For as long as we’ve known each other, I’ve treated you so badly. I was angry about everything, and I took it out on you, and I’m sorry. It wasn’t fair. You never deserved it, but you stuck around anyway.”

“Of course I did,” Vicki said. She took April’s hands. “I love you, April.”

“I…” April took a calming breath. “I love you too.”

Before she knew what she was doing, April’s lips were on Vicki’s in an urgent, demanding kiss.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The week that followed passed by in a blur. It would be months before the King Street Library could open its doors, but April had so much to do. Scheduling renovations. Chasing up donations. Organizing a large-scale fundraising campaign so that the library could expand its services. April barely had a chance to see Vicki at all.

Finally, on Friday evening, April paid a visit to Vicki’s apartment. As soon as she arrived, Vicki dragged her inside, kissing her fervently. After a few minutes of this, they sat down in the living room with a drink. Sebastian leaped up to perch on the arm of the couch next to April.

Vicki smiled. “I think he likes you.”

“About time,” April reached out to stroke his fur. He purred and closed his eyes.

“I received some news at work today,” Vicki said. “About the promotion.”