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“When you’re around, always.” His playful tone shifts into something dark and hot, and before I can talk my body back from the ledge, the heat of a blush stains my cheeks red.
“It’s wine, a nice bottle according to Coop’s ol’ lady.” His words put a smile on my face.
The fact that he asked has to mean it matters to him. Shades looks around the house as I walk him through to the living room. I wonder what he sees and what he thinks about it.
“Nice place. It’s more normal than I thought it would be.”
I laugh. “Were you expecting gold ceilings and priceless art on the walls?”
He shoves his hands in his pockets, a little nervous, I think but still full of confidence.
“Honestly? Kind of. One of my brothers, Coop? His fiancé is loaded, and their house is gigantic like this, but over the top.”
“Are you disappointed?”
He shrugs. “That depends. Will we be eating on the fine china with golden forks and knives?”
I laugh and shake my head. “Sadly, no, we just have regular silverware, but I’m sure my mom has brought out the good china in honor of our guest.”
“I guess I’ll have to make do. Somehow.” His playful banter is just as intoxicating as his naughty words.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” I tell him, my grave tone mismatching the laughter in my eyes. “Let’s see them.”
I hold one hand out in a gimme motion.
“What?” His lips quirk into a grin, meaning he knows exactly what I want.
“Your million-dollar sunglasses.”
It’s still baffles me that anyone could spend that kind of money on an accessory, but I suppose it’s no different than Mom’s expensive jewelry or Dad’s overpriced golf clubs.
“A million? Hardly Letty.” He pulls out a sleek black case with gold trim and puts it in my palm.
“Go on, ogle my shades.”
I open the lid and gasp. They are pretty fantastic and extra fancy.
“Wow, who knew I traveled in such rich circles?”
His laughter is deep and rumbling, contagious. “Lucky you.”
Lucky me, indeed. “Come on, let’s go see if my mom needs any help.”
“Sure. I happen to be an excellent taste tester. Ask anyone.” He raises an eyebrow that makes me squirm. For a split second, I wonder who he’s been tasting.
Shades follows me into the kitchen, and I can feel the heat of his gaze on my backside. Feeling bold, I put a little extra swing in my hips for those last few steps to the kitchen.
“Mother, this is Shades.” I turn to him and say, “and this is my mother, Clara Palmer.” I hold up the bag with a smile.
“Shades brought wine, Mother. I think it’s right up your alley.” She plucks the bag from my hand and peeks inside with a gasp.
Her gaze meets his, and just like that, she accepts him.
“A man who doesn’t show up empty-handed. I like it. Thank you, young man.”
Shades crosses the kitchen to greet her with a smile, offering his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Palmer.”
“Call me Clara, please. Shades. What a lovely nickname. How did you get it?”
