“How about we go to bed and practice making one of those babies,” he said, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “I wanted to exchange gifts tonight because I wanted to spend our first Christmas together in bed, making love with the knowledge that as soon as I can arrange it, you’ll be mine in every possible way in the eyes of God and man.”
“I don’t think you need any practice in that area whatsoever,” she said with a sultry smile. “But I’m completely on board with a trial run. You know, just to make sure that when we do decide to make a child, we do it right.”
25
“So let’s see the ring,” Maddox said when he entered the apartment with Silas accompanying him. “Swear to God, Drake has kept you under tight wraps ever since he popped the question at Christmas. I was beginning to wonder if we’d ever see you again until he finally told us you were coming to the club to celebrate New Year’s Eve with us.”
Evangeline blushed, but her smile was from ear to ear as she extended her hand so the other men could see the enormous diamond glittering on her finger. The stone was so huge and likely so exorbitantly expensive that she lived in fear of losing it. So she never took it off. Ever.
Maddox whistled in appreciation. “Drake knows how to do it up right when he finally takes the plunge. Never thought I’d see the day, but damn, here you are. The future Mrs. Drake Donovan.”
“Congratulations, doll,” Silas said in his quiet tone.
“Thank you both,” she said, offering each an affectionate hug. “Are y’all ready to go? I admit, after being holed up for the last week here with Drake, I’m getting a little stir-crazy. I’m ready to get out and actually see people!”
Maddox chuckled. “Your ride awaits, my lady. And may I say how amazing you look tonight. I’m tempted to go make you change now because once Drake takes one look at you, he’s likely going to make me turn around and bring you right back home.”
Silas’s lips compressed to prevent his laughter from escaping, but he ruefully acknowledged that Maddox was quite likely right.
“He bought the damn thing, so he can just suck it up while I wear it,” she grumbled.
“I can see why he bought it,” Silas observed. “But somehow I think he had himself in mind when he bought it for you. And not half a dozen other men who certainly appreciate a beautiful woman when they see one.”
“Let’s go before one of you does decide to make me go change,” she said in exasperation.
Dusk had fallen by the time the car carrying Evangeline, Maddox and Silas arrived at the club. They passed by the front entrance, where despite the cold and the flurries swirling in the air, a long line extended down the block to wrap around the building going down the next street.
“Wow, it looks crazy busy,” she exclaimed.
“It’s the club’s biggest night of the year,” Maddox replied. “And it does get pretty crazy. Drake always hires extra muscle and eyes for New Year’s Eve.”
She made a face. “Reminds me of the first night I came here.”
Silas reached over to squeeze her hand. “Don’t even think about that tonight. Tonight is your night to shine and have fun.”
She smiled at him. “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t have a single regret about that night other than I wasn’t the one who punched Eddie in the face. That would have been the only thing that made it better. It’s the night I met Drake.”
Maddox grinned. “Very true. And I have to say, sweetheart, that night ranks pretty high on my list as well.”
They parked in the back next to Drake’s sleek car, and Silas helped her out before positioning her solidly between the two men as they entered the building. They were greeted by several of Drake’s employees as they passed on their way to Drake’s office. Knowing that Drake had likely already zeroed in on her presence, she smiled broadly and blew a kiss in the general direction of his office.
Beside her, Maddox chuckled. “You’re such a little tease.”
“Moi?” she asked innocently.
“You’re good for him,” Silas said in a serious tone.
Her eyebrows went up but she said nothing as they rode the elevator up. When the doors opened, she was assailed by a sense of déjà vu. She was brought back to the very first time she’d ridden this elevator, terrified and embarrassed beyond words only to be confronted by the force of nature that was Drake Donovan.
She sighed happily. So much had changed since then. Who would have ever guessed that the woman who’d walked so hesitantly into Impulse that first time would be coming back as Drake’s future wife?
Before they’d taken three steps, Drake materialized at her side, his expression comical as he took in her dress.