Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“Join you?” I interrupt, tossing the T-shirt back into the box as I stand. “I think I missed washing a spot on my back during my first shower, so I’m all in if you agree to take care of that for me.”
He glides to his feet, his hands moving quickly to encircle me. Before I realize what’s happening, he’s unhooked the clasp on my bra with one hand.
“Daniel!” I laugh as he slides it from my body.
“I’ll wash every part of you.” He pushes my panties down my legs. “I’m stealing these to even the score.”
He bunches them in his hand before he hauls me over his shoulder and carries me out of the room.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Daniel
I ignore the ring of my phone as I stare out at the skyline of Manhattan.
This is my home.
The moment I stepped off the plane at LaGuardia the day after I married Gina, I finally felt as though I could fully breathe again.
I belong here. I always have, and tomorrow, I’ll set that in stone by asking my wife to marry me again.
My hand dives into the pocket of my pants so I can cradle the small square box that holds my future. I plan to give it to my wife tomorrow for her birthday.
Tonight, her family can celebrate her.
Tomorrow belongs to me. I’m the guy who is lucky enough to shower Gina with gifts for an entire day.
I can’t fucking wait.
“Are you ready for tonight, Daniel? It’s only a few hours now.”
I smile when I hear that voice. It may have changed slightly over the years, but I’d recognize it anywhere.
“I’m ready, Bella,” I say before I turn to face her.
She’s standing in the open doorway of my office. I expect to see a smile on her face, and I’m not disappointed. She’s grinning from ear to ear.
“Gina is going to be so surprised.” She claps her hands together. “I just stopped by the restaurant. Grandma insisted on watching Luisa while I ran a few last minute errands. You should see the cake she baked for my sister. It’s magnificent.”
The emotion in each of her words is apparent. Calvettis love each other fiercely. I can attest to that because I’ve been an honorary member of the family for years. Now, I’m a full-fledged member.
“She’ll love it,” I say assuredly.
“She’ll love my gift more.” Bella bounces in place.
She’s dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt. That’s covered with what looks like one of her husband’s suit jackets. It’s a look that I know was inspired by her sister since Gina has been photographed in something similar many times.
Bella tugs the jacket closer to her frame. “Did you get her anything for her birthday?”
I wrap my hand around the box in my pocket again. “I did.”
“Tell me what it is, and I’ll tell you what I got her.”
The playfulness in her tone is almost irresistible, but the gift I’m going to give her sister is a secret. I won’t even offer a hint.
“You’ll have to wait and see.” I smile. “I’m giving it to her tomorrow.”
“I’m pregnant,” she blurts out. “I’m going to tell Gina I’m expecting another baby next spring, Daniel. She’ll be an aunt again.”
That means I’ll be an uncle of two.
“Bella.” I rush toward her with my arms outstretched. “Congratulations!”
“It’s a surprise,” she whispers as her arms circle me. “Don’t tell her. Promise you won’t. I haven’t even told Marti or my parents yet.”
“I won’t say a word.” I step back to look at her. “Gina will be fucking thrilled.”
“I know.” Her hands leap to cover her mouth. “I want this to be her best birthday ever. I hope it will be.”
My phone starts ringing again. I don’t glance at it, but Bella does.
“Answer that,” she directs me. “I was close by, so I thought I’d stop in to make sure you’ll get her to the restaurant at eight. I think we’re actually going to pull this off.”
“We are going to pull this off,” I assure her.
She nods. “I need to run. I have to grab Luisa and get home to change before the party.”
“Go.” I motion toward the door. “I’ll see you at eight.”
She kisses my cheek softly before she turns on her heel and leaves.
With my phone still ringing, I walk over to my desk and glance at the screen.
It’s an unknown caller, but the area code is one I recognize.
Nevada.
“Kade,” I whisper. “You must have sent a new client my way.”
I scoop the phone into my palm and swipe a finger across the screen. “This is Daniel Lawton.”
I’m not a man who bends to threats.
Dominick can attest to that.
I took a fist to the nose in middle school because I wouldn’t give in to some kid named Timmy or Tommy who gave me two choices one morning. Hand over my lunch or deal with his wrath.