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“I want you to meet my family,” he blurted.
“Really?” she gasped.
“I want you to get to know each other. It would mean a lot to me.”
“I’d love to. I didn’t think you wanted me in that part of your life.”
Drake took her hand and stroked her knuckles with his thumb to reassure her. “Things change, bella. My friends love you. I think we’re ready to take the next step in our relationship.”
A few days later, the couple drove to Lake Forest, where Drake grew up. Though the two had grown up in the same city, with their age difference and varying social circles, their paths never crossed.
“You weren’t kidding when you said my father is practically right around the corner.”
Alessandra squirmed in the seat next to him, looking sexy in a floral-patterned blouse and short black leather miniskirt. His hand rested on her bare knee. The sheer black stockings didn’t make it out of the house because he couldn’t resist tearing them from her body, throwing her on the dining room table, and eating her out until she begged him to stop. As a result, they were running late.
“What if your family doesn’t like me?” Alessandra asked for the hundredth time.
“They’re going to love you, trust me,” Drake reassured her.
“Maybe we should stop and pick up flowers for your mother. Maybe even a bottle of wine or some chocolates for after dinner.”
Alessandra’s leg trembled beneath Drake’s steady palm. A glance at his wife’s face conveyed her nerves. He couldn’t deny her the chance to make a good first impression, and a stunning bouquet would be a nice gesture.
Simple drugstore flowers wouldn’t do for this occasion, so Drake typed ‘flower shop’ into his GPS. Luckily, one was within minutes of his parents’ home, so they didn’t need to drive out of the way.
From behind a swinging door, a florist appeared carrying a large vase filled with a lively mix of vibrant carnations, roses, and gerbera daisies. The sound of a motion sensor chimed in the background.
He greeted them as he placed his vase on the counter. “Welcome to Bodi’s Flowers. How can I help you today?”
“I’m meeting my in-laws for the first time and wanted to make a good impression.”
The florist’s eyebrows raised briefly, but he quickly smiled before turning to Drake.
“What is your mother’s favorite flower or color? Would you like something simple or elaborate?”
“My mother loves daisies. She always said they were the perfect flower to enjoy all summer long. Her favorite color is purple.”
“Alright, let me whip something up for you.”
The florist returned with a gathering of white roses, lavender daisy poms, Peruvian lilies, and lavender carnations. The bouquet was carefully wrapped in tissue paper, with delicate shades of purple and white. After securing it with a white ribbon, he ran the scissors’ blade across the length to make the ends curl.
Alessandra buried her nose in the bouquet and smiled. “I hope your mother likes these. They are gorgeous.”
Drake picked a single dark pink carnation for Alessandra, and her face lit up. She rewarded him with a peck on the cheek.
“We’re not here for me, but thank you.” She buried her nose in the bloom.
Drake sent Alessandra to the display to pick out a dozen strawberries dipped in chocolate confections with chocolatey drizzles. While she was occupied, he ordered two dozen long-stemmed roses to be delivered to his wife the following day.
Once they returned to the car, Alessandra held the flowers and confections in her lap, appearing calmer than before. Drake returned his hand to her knee.
“They’re going to see how smart and thoughtful you are and fall in love with you.” He almost addedlike me,but caught himself.
It was too soon to say the words, but Drake knew it was the truth. He was falling for his wife, which unfortunately put them both in more danger than she realized.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by a charming English country-style home that exuded a relaxed elegance. The property spanned over half an acre and was buffered by trees and a motor court. Hired landscapers kept the courtyard and garden picture-perfect year-round. The Westminster Chime could be heard within when Drake rang the bell.
Bitsy opened the door, dressed and ready to play the perfect hostess. She wore the cream silk blouse Drake bought her for her birthday, paired with white linen pants and tan loafers. She greeted Drake with a smile and narrowed her eyes as she gave Alessandra a once-over.
