Page 40 of The Bad Boy’s Homecoming (The Southern Hart Brothers #2)

Declan moved to stand between Missy and Peter. “I’ll walk you out.” Then he ushered her ex out the front of the gallery.

Her mind was swirling and she didn’t know what to do about Levi. He looked mad when he left, but this was her event.

Then another photographer stopped to take her picture and Missy forced a smile. This had been a magical night until Peter showed up and now she started to wonder why she put herself out like this.

But then Rose found her. “Missy, I have to tell you, we’ve had offers on twenty of the paintings. And multiple people have asked if you have any more pieces.”

“Oh, I do. I mean I will.”

“I know, dear, this is just the beginning, but we have to play this evening out a little longer. Your debut is a huge hit.”

“Okay?” She let Rose guide her to speak with several journalists for major art magazines and before she knew it, it was midnight. She’d said goodbye to the Harts and Declan. Brooke gave her another huge hug and made her promise to call her later this week, after things settled down.

She wanted to find Levi. He’d texted to say he had to step out but that the car would be waiting for her. After toasting with Rose and the staff on a successful night, she stepped out back where the SUV waited. The valet opened the door for her and she was surprised to find Levi inside.

“You’ve been sitting out here all night?”

“I’m sorry I wanted to be with you but I didn’t want to spoil your night.”

“What happened?”

“A reporter in there was asking me about the contract problems with Atlanta, asked me if I’d grown too spoiled or sold my team out to go to Tampa.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry. I just didn’t want that drama to touch your big night. This event was a huge success. I’m so proud of you. I heard they had to turn some people away at one point because more people had shown up and they were at capacity for the fire code.”

Missy laughed. “How strange. What a crazy night.”

The car eased into traffic and the back of the SUV was lit every so often by the flashing lights along the way.

“Who was the guy in the blue suit? He was a little too familiar with you and I saw Declan zero in on him.”

Dread filled her gut. “We went to law school together and he must have seen the press about my show.”

“And?” he prompted.

“And he’s my ex. He wanted to see if I would give him a second chance.” She tried to see him in the back of the truck, but his face was in shadow.

“What did you tell him?”

“That I was never moving back to Atlanta.”

“But you didn’t tell him you have a new boyfriend or that you didn’t want to get back together with him?”

“I told him I would never get back together with him but I don’t owe him any reasons. He doesn’t deserve to know anything about my life now.”

“Was he the one who hurt you?”

“Yes, and I was so surprised to see him tonight, it took me a minute to get my bearings. But Declan must have sensed it because he escorted him out.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to do it myself. That damn reporter would have loved that story.”

“I’m sorry this trip was hard for you, and I didn’t even consider it.”

He gripped her hand in his. “I would do it a million times if it meant supporting you and your art. I tried to keep my distance once the press showed up because I was worried my bad reputation would taint your big debut in some way. I’m sorry it almost did.”

“No, it didn’t. And no more distance.”

“Okay.”

That was all he said the rest of the drive to the hotel and after he helped her out of the car they walked through the lobby hand in hand. Once they were up in their room he removed his suit coat and she had to admire his muscular form in the fitted shirt, and dress pants.

There was a black bag, a bucket with champagne on the coffee table and Levi walked over to sit in front of it.

“Come sit with me?” he said.

Then once she sat down he took each of her feet in his lap and removed her shoes.

“I bet your feet ache after walking around in those for five hours.”

“It’s crazy but I felt like I was walking on clouds most of the night. I’m sure it’ll hit me later.”

He smiled. “I feel like that during a big game. All the adrenaline and excitement override any discomfort.”

Next he slid the bag in front of her on the coffee table. “This is just a little thing to remind you of tonight.”

“You got me a present?” she asked.

“Yes, it turns out I like having a girlfriend to buy things for, maybe because of that look of such genuine surprise you get.” He captured her chin in his hand and brought her close to kiss her.

It was a deeper kiss that made her think of getting naked with him.

But first she wanted to see what he’d got her.

She picked up the bag and reached inside to find a black square flat box. Before she opened it she looked up to find him watching her.

“Thank you,” she said.

“You don’t even know what it is yet.”

“But I know I love it, because you were being thoughtful when you got it for me. And it was nice to have you with me tonight. I know it was hard for you to come back to this city.”

He nodded. “Open your gift, babe, then you can thank me in bed.”

She laughed and flipped it open to find a dainty gold bracelet with two charms hanging from it.

“It’s a charm bracelet, one for your first gallery event, and we can add to it.”

“A paintbrush, and a heart.” She lifted it out of the box.

“The heart is to remind you that you have mine.” He took the bracelet from her and unclasped then reclasped it around her wrist.

“How did I get so lucky?” she said standing as she admired her new favorite piece of jewelry.

Then she moved to stand in front of him and put both hands on his shoulders.

His hands were on her hips, pulling her toward him as he sat back and she straddled his lap, causing her dress to hike up her thighs.

“I’m pretty sure I’m the lucky one, but I’m game to let you think that for as long as it takes.”

“Takes to what? Because I’m obviously already in love with you.”

“You are? When did that happen?” Levi asked.

“I think probably that morning you burst into my room and I threw a vase at your head.”

“We really should work on your aim, as long as you don’t use it against me,” he teased.

“I love you, thank you for being patient with me.” She kissed him and that was the last thing either of them could say because all the emotion and desire that they’d had to hold off on acting on lit like a bonfire covered in gasoline. They were in a frenzy to get as close to each other as possible.

“Before I forget, I love you too,” Levi said, and then carried her to bed.