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Drake’s grin vanished and he scowled at the mention of her dance instructor. An attractive man who liked to help Shana find the rhythm with his hands on her waist and his body a little too close to hers for Drake’s comfort. “I do wish you’d hire a woman to teach you to dance.”
Though that wouldn’t be any better. He didn’t miss the way Shana commanded attention no matter where she went. She’d clearly misinterpreted the interest in her all these years. Drake could easily see it for what it really was—appreciation of her assets by both men and women.
She swiveled her hips and he groaned as his cock stirred. Her embracement of her culture and his continued assurance he found her sexy seemed to have helped her come into her own. She danced, she sang, she even dressed more provocatively, showing off her curves instead of trying to hide them. Tonight she wore a turquoise mini-dress with thin straps sitting on her bare shoulders. The color was a vibrant complement to her tanned skin. She didn’t bother with sandals when at the house, preferring to kick them off and go barefoot. Her long, dark curls flowed over her shoulders and crested the tops of her breasts, plumped up by the tight bodice of her dress.
He would have forgone the margaritas and whisked her upstairs to make love to her, now that he was thoroughly aroused, but he had a few surprises in store for her this evening. The first one arrived a half hour early.
The doorbell rang and he said, “Why don’t you get that, love, while I finish in here.”
“Must be the lobster delivery,” she said excitedly. “Those are going to be oh so tasty tonight.”
She sashayed away and his grin returned. He ditched the margaritas and instead set out several champagne glasses. He pulled out a few bottles of champagne he’d stashed behind some food on the bottom shelf of the fridge. Then, he peered around the corner of the wall that ran halfway across the room, separating the kitchen from the formal dining room directly behind him. The rest of the first floor of the casita was open and airy.
Shana reached the door and pulled it open, instantly squealing in delight as Jane stood on the other side of the threshold.
Clasping Jane’s hand and dragging her inside, she closed the door as Jane deposited a large package on the foyer table and returned the hug Shana gave her.
He tamped down the territorial growl lodged in his throat. As was the case with Miguel, he had to deal with others finding the love of his life as appealing, and as sensual, as he did.
Pulling Jane—who snatched the elegantly wrapped box from the table—into the kitchen, Shana said to Drake, “You planned this, didn’t you?”
He nodded.
“You sneaky devil! How long have you kept this from me?”
“A week or so,” he told her, thrilled she was so delighted. Even if he had to share a little of her affection with Jane, seeing her so pleased made him happy.
Jane set the white box with a wide, silver satin bow on the granite-topped island and gave Drake a quick hug.
“Things going well at Body Scenes?” he asked.
“Exceptionally well.” She beamed. “I think I run the place better than you do.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure you enjoy wielding your power and deciding who gets an invitation.”
“I’ve found it challenging and intriguing to bring together an eclectic mix of notables.”
“Didn’t know you had an eccentric side.”
She smiled up at him. “Really, I love it. But I do miss you.
” She turned her smile on Shana. “Both of you.”
Shana gave her another squeeze. “We miss you too.”
The doorbell rang again and Shana’s face lit up once more with excitement. “The lobsters.” To Drake, she asked, “You ordered one for Jane, right?”
“Of course.” He turned to his assistant. “Would you mind getting that? I’ve something to show Shana.”
“Not at all,” Jane said. “Though I’m dying to know what’s in that package I picked up for you in Paris.”
“Paris!” Shana gasped. Her gaze snapped to Drake. “What have you done?”
He merely grinned. Jane went off to get the door and he gestured for Shana to open her present.
She looked closely at the gift for the first time and her eyes widened as her fingertips swept over the embossed name along one edge of the box. She paused for a moment, myriad emotions crossing her beautiful face. Then, tentatively, she pulled the loose ends of satin and unraveled the bow. She lifted the lid and set it aside. Peeling back metallic silver tissue, she gasped again as she stared down at the creation he’d had replicated.
“Oh, Drake.” Her fingers grazed the sparkly, white-lace bodice before she carefully lifted it from the box.
