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“She wasn’t always.” When he brushed his lips along mine, the raspberry sauce mixed with chocolate and vodka. “You can do this. I believe in you.”
“You’re the only person who ever has.”
“The others didn’t see your value, and I’m sorry for that.” He kissed me a little longer this time. “I see you, Emmie. I got you.”
“I…” I wanted to tell him how I felt about him, but maybe I was confused. “Thank you.” I rubbed my fingers along his jaw. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
“I have one more present for you.” He let go of me and took the second box from the table. “Open this one.”
“You’ve already done so much.”
“I haven’t done nearly enough.” He pointed at the box. “Open it.”
After I unwrapped the paper, I opened the flat, pale blue box. I had seen this type of box in magazine ads and billboards. When I took off the lid, I stared down at the sparkly diamond bracelet with the silver heart dangling from it.
I looked up at Jude, my heart racing, forcing me to take a calming breath. I didn’t know what it was about this gift that had me so anxious. Jude had been generous since the day he met me, but tonight was different. Tonight wasn’t about necessity or taking care of me. These gifts were thoughtful and meant for me.
“Do you like it?” He took it out of the box and held it up so I could get a better look at it.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
“You don’t have any jewelry.” He clasped the bracelet on my wrist. “I wasn’t sure what you would like, so I thought I’d start with this.”
I sucked in a breath and tried to hold back the tears. My voice trembled when I spoke, but I needed him to know. “I know I’ve said this before, but no one has ever treated me the way you do.” I closed my eyes when the tears fell from them. “But all I do is take from you. How am I ever going to give back?”
“You give back every day just by being you. Coming home and finding you in my bed is enough. Having you sit in my study and draw while I’m working is enough. Not asking me questions about my business, or complicating my life, does more for me than you’ll ever know.”
When his phone dinged with a text, he took it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen.He quickly responded to whoever it was before standing.
“I have a situation I need to deal with.” He placed his hand on the side of my face. “I won’t be long.”
“Okay.” I pointed at my new book. “I’ll look through that.”
“I’ll be right back.” He leaned down and kissed me so softly, making my insides pulse with desire, proving I was just as aroused when he was tender as when he was savage. “Don’t get into any trouble.”
“I could say the same to you.” I held up my glass before taking a sip. “I’m twenty-one now.”
“Enjoy.” His smile brightened his face, lighting up his eyes.I did that.
I sipped my prosecco as I studied the pages of Lorda’s remarkable paintings. The realization of being able to ask her questions and show her my work hadn’t fully set in yet. What sketches should I show her? Could I share the ones of Jude without looking like an obsessed stalker? Maybe I needed to focus more on the horses. I had a few weeks before I met her. That would give me plenty of time to figure it out.
“Excuse me,” a deep, smooth voice said from behind me.
When I turned to see who it was, I didn’t recognize the tall, handsome stranger standing in front of me. He held a drink in one hand as he leaned against the doorframe. The dim lighting in the room made him appear ominous, but I could tell from his suit and fancy shoes that he belonged in the club.
“Is it your birthday?” He glanced up at the balloons, taking note of the large, rose-colored two and one. “Twenty-one. That’s a special birthday.”
“Are you looking for someone?” I asked as he entered the room.
“You.” He smiled.
“Who are you?”
“I’m a friend of Jude’s.” He walked over to the table. “You must be Emmie.”
“And you are?”
“Joey Morelli.” He reached for my hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing it. “Happy birthday, Emmie. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
