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The thought of my kids made me miss them more than I already did. We talked last night and this morning, but none of them were that great on the phone. I couldn’t wait for them to get home so I could hold them in my arms. And even though I was nervous to tell them about Gage, I was excited for them to get to know him because he was one of the most amazing men I knew.

I just hoped he would follow through with his parents because I was already falling hard. And even though I was strong, I didn't always want to be.

While wearing the robe, I did my hair and makeup, then went back to the bedroom, slipping the red dress over my head. The material pooled to the floor, leaving enough space for me to stand in the heels left in the box. I checked the size and realized Gage really must have done his research. They weren’t too tall either, but I didn’t mind hanging on to his arm all night for balance.

Meeting siblings was a big deal, especially with the way he felt about his brothers and sister. He acted like he wasn’t worried about them liking me, but I was. With Caleb, I’d been so naïve, thinking our love would be enough to sustain us even though his parents didn’t like me. It just made our relationship that much more uncomfortable as the years went on. He would see them on weekends with the kids, and I’d stay home because I didn’t want to hear their snide comments paired with his silence.

I didn’t want to do that again, no matter how much love I had for Gage now. Because I knew that these fluttery feelings? They would fade and hopefully give way to a deep respect and companionship that could last.

I reached behind me, trying to pull the zipper up my dress. Realizing I couldn’t do it on my own, I left the room, holding up the bodice of my dress so my chest wouldn’t spill out. The bedroom door opened so silently, Gage hadn’t heard me, and I caught a peek at him in his element.

He sat at the counter in his kitchen, sipping amber liquid from a crystal tumbler, reading a book Ihadto know the title of. It was sexy as hell, seeing him like this.

As if he could feel me watching, he turned his gaze on me, a smile quirking his perfect lips. “Hey, beautiful.”

I smiled, tilting my head and making my curls fall over my shoulder. “Can you help zip me up?”

He slid from his chair, and I noticed what he’d changed into. Black slacks and a white shirt, cuffed with silver cufflinks. The way his muscles shifted under the fabric as he walked my way had my mouth watering. Was this real life? Because his body, his soul, it was straight out of a fantasy.

“Are you checking me out?” he asked, his voice husky.

“Do a spin,” I ordered.

With a small smile, he turned slowly, and I reached out, slapping his ass.

He practically jumped, and I doubled over laughing. “Did I scare the big bad billionaire?”

“You caught me by surprise,” he laughed out, his eyes lighting with mirth. “No one’s spanked my ass since I was eight years old.”

“Maybe we should fix that.” I winked.

“Turn around,” he replied, swirling his finger, still smiling.

I moved my hair over my shoulder so it wouldn’t get caught in the zipper, and his knuckles slid over my skin as he slowly lifted the zipper up my back. My breath came more quickly, shallowing, as I imagined him taking the dress off me later tonight.

I could feel his chest pressing against me as he stepped closer and lowered his lips to my ear. “You look sexy as hell in this dress.” Then he slapped my ass. And I chased him all the way to the elevator in three-inch heels.

39

Gage

I was never riding in anything but a limo with Farrah ever again.

Her eyes lit up the instant she saw it waiting for us in the parking garage, and she thanked the driver profusely for opening her door. Inside, she sat down, running her hands over the leather seats, her eyes lit up like a child with full run of a candy store.

“I know I said I don’t need fancy things, but I’m in love with this,” she said. “Look.” She lay out flat on the seat, stretching head to toe with space to spare. “There isso much room!” she said, sitting back up.

Her eyes widened as her gaze landed on the wine fridge up front. “And there’s booze in here? I thought that was only true in the movies!”

I grinned, reaching for the fridge. I used the bottle opener to pop the cork and poured her a glass of champagne.

She took it with both her hands, swirling the bubbling liquid. “What happens if we hit a speed bump?”

I laughed. Only Farrah would think of that. “Better drink fast.”

Taking a careful sip, she said, “You know what I’ve always wanted to do ever since I sawVegas Vacation?”

“That movie with Chevy Chase?”