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“I love living this dream with you, but you know, there’s room for more. You deserve those dreams too.”
“Char,” she sighed. “I don’t know. The last man I made out with turned out to be a criminal.”
“That’s a fun story to tell.” I giggled. I doubt Martez would be laughing anytime soon. Drake was in the middle of suing him, and no one in Hollywood would ever hire him again. Maybe he and Marissa could hook up again. Yep, that’s right, those two had had a little something-something going on right under Drake’s nose. Not that Drake cared who Marissa was dating. Only that Martez was feeding her information. For that, they would never be forgiven.
“Not sure I want to spread that around. Maybe I’ll be done with men.”
“I don’t think so. George has a way of knowing things. That kiss—that man you’re looking for—is out there.”
Her cheeks blushed to match her dress. “What if I already had that kiss and that’s it for me?”
I tilted my head. “I thought you said you never felt like that when Jared kissed you.”
She rubbed her chest. “I didn’t.”
“Then who are you talking about?” I was more than curious.
She waved her hand in the air. “No one. We need to get out there.”
“Izzy.” I grabbed her hand. “You can tell me anything.”
“I know,” she said, almost out of breath. “Let’s go.”
I slipped into my sparkly gold shoes and followed her out. She had me freaking out a bit. She was definitely hiding something from me, but I didn’t have time to think about it. Waiting in the living room were the most handsome men around, wearing matching black suits. Drake had taken Jameson and his parents on a shopping trip yesterday while Izzy and I finished decorating for the ball. His parents had agreed to stay for the ball and needed something to wear. They were still uncomfortable around each other, as exes tend to be, but they were talking and even reminiscing a little bit. This place had that effect on people. Who knows, maybe the inn’s magic could work a miracle on behalf of those particular soul mates.
Drake and Jameson stood tall and proud together. Drake was holding a large bouquet of pink roses, and Jameson was holding a pink gift bag and sporting a devious little grin like he knew a secret.
“I’ll meet you outside.” Izzy tried to hurry out.
“Izzy,” Drake stopped her. “These are for you.” He held out the roses.
Izzy’s brows hit her hairline.
I was so impressed with my man.
“Um . . . thank you.” She admired the gorgeous bouquet. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”
“You’re welcome,” Drake responded.
“I’m going to go put these in water.” She dashed out, so flustered.
Drake smiled, pleased with himself.
I approached him and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for thinking of Izzy.”
Drake grabbed my hand as his eyes roved over my body. “Charlotte, you take my breath away.”
“Mom, we got you something for Valentine’s Day,” Jameson could no longer keep it in. “I helped pick it out.”
“You did? What is it?”
“Can I give it to her, Dad?” Jameson looked up at his father adoringly.
Drake smiled and nodded.
Jameson held up the bag. “You’re going to love it,” he assured me.
“I’m sure I will.” I eagerly claimed the fancy pink bag. I carefully took out the tissue paper and handed it to Drake. Inside, I found a decent-sized black velvet box. Too big for a ring. I wasn’t going to be disappointed by that. I was quite content with where we were right now. There was plenty of hope for the future. I reached in for the box.
Drake gently took it from me once I’d pulled it out. “Allow me.” He opened it to reveal a stunning pearl necklace.
I placed my hands over my mouth. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
“George told me Daisy wore pearls with this dress. It seemed only fitting that you had some of your own. From me.”
I grabbed his tie and yanked him toward me before I remembered we had an audience. “Jameson, would you go help Aunt Izzy put her flowers in a vase? Please.”
Jameson rolled his eyes. “I know you want to kiss.” He marched off while Drake and I laughed.
As soon as he was out the door, though, the laughter ceased and my lips were on Drake’s, the box of pearls between us.
Our lips melded together for a soul-stirring moment, just soaking each other in.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” I whispered.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”
“I like that title.”
“You know what I like?” he crooned.
“What’s that?”
“The way you look in that dress.” He ran a finger down the exposed area of my chest, leaving behind a trail of sparks.
“Is that so?”
“Very much. In fact, I’m thinking about forgiving you.”
“Are you now?” I purred.
He set the box of pearls on the nearby end table so he could properly take me into his arms, drawing our bodies as close together as he could. He leaned in and nuzzled my neck before working his way up to my ear, brushing his warm lips against my skin as he went.
