“You say that every year, Samantha Lynn,” Dakota said with a chuckle.
“You got a favorite, squirt?” Sin asked.
“I like the LEGO dollhouse you gave me and…um…” She studied the array of presents covering the floor. “The race track and cars are good. I don’t have any of those.” She popped up and threw her arms around Sin. “Thank you for all of my presents.” A lump of emotion lodged in his throat. “I made you something.” She ran into the kitchen and called, “Daddy, it’s too big.”
Dakota rose. “You’re gonna love this.”
The two returned, carrying a Gingerbread house. “That’s pretty awesome. Did you make that for me?”
“Daddy helped me, but it was my idea.”
“I’ve never had one before. Thank you, Sammy.”
After Sammy showed him the presents she received from her dad and from Santa, she got busy playing on the floor.
“I was surprised you stepped forward to help with that video,” Dakota said. “I thought you didn’t mix business with pleasure.”
“Thepleasurehappened a year ago,” Sin replied. “This is business and I know she’s innocent. Plus, I owed her. She’s the one who made us the night we were in Baltimore.”
“Chemistry still there between you two?”
Sin nodded, though he doubted his brother needed confirmation. Sometimes they knew each other’s thoughts, which freaked him the hell out. Dakota handled that kind of thing way better than he did.
“So, who’s the woman in the video?” Dakota asked.
“No idea. Appears to be from one of Rico’s clubs.” Sin finished his coffee and pushed off the sofa. “We’re heading down there tomorrow.”
“We?”
“Evangeline—”
Sammy perked up. “I sat with E-Leen at Uncle Colton’s wedding.”
Again, the two men exchanged glances. “I forget that this little squirt,” Sin lifted Sammy off the floor, “has giant ears.”
When he tickled her, she started giggling. “What did you think of E-Leen?” he asked before setting her back down.
“She’s nice.” Sammy walked toward the kitchen. “I’m hungry. Let’s make can-cakes.”
With mug in hand, Dakota stood. “Why does Evangeline need to go to Florida with you?”
Sin shot his brother a smile. “To help me clear her so she can get her job back.”
Dakota chuckled. “So, you’re headed to a kink club in Miami together?”
“That’s the plan.”
“You two won’t be able to keep your hands off each other.”
I sure as hell hope not.
* * *
Evangeline kissed her dad on his cheek. “Thank you for the money, Dad. You didn’t have to do this.”
Henry Worthington smiled at his only child. “Buy yourself something nice. Pair of earrings, maybe?”
“For a thousand dollars?” Evangeline laughed. “I need to have my car repaired.” She tucked the check into her handbag. “And I’m grateful I can do that now.”
