“You think his life in a gang didn’t lend to learning how to pick locks?” Angelina huffed. “At least he’s using his knowledge for good things now.”
I hustled out the door and down the stairs, my heart pounding harder with each step. I couldn’t wait to see him. To kiss him silly for this hokey, but totally awesome, surprise.
Once out the front door, there stood a man, dressed in a tux, standing beside an open door to a stretch limo.
“Ma’am.” With his gloved hand, he reached for me. The guy tilted his head toward the limo. “Mr. Meyers is waiting for you.”
Using the guy’s hand, I lowered myself into the limo, sad to find it empty. Well, besides a chilling bottle of wine and… Oh sweet, a box of Sugar Babies.
I laughed out loud as the door shut.
A sense of peace cascaded along my chest as I let out a long breath. So this was what couples did once in a while. On Valentine’s Day. Or maybe anniversaries. Celebrations. Sure, I’d been in tons of limos over my lifetime, but it was because I was shackled to Nicco.
This was an entirely different situation.
Drey, the man who loved me despite my past, and even my uncertain future, did this. He thought enough of me to plan this. I wanted to see him badly so I could kiss him. He had no idea how much this meant to me. The hope it gave me that I, too, could have someone special. That I deserved someone special.
After all that time loathing myself. Hating what I was, the whore Nicco had turned me into; Drey swooped in and shattered all my defenses, my fears, and…gave me hope.
This might work out with us.
The limo slowed, veering in the direction of a restaurant called Elements. Then it stopped near a red carpet that came out from the front door.
And there were more rose petals dancing in the slight breeze.Oh my gosh, Drey.
But what caught my attention was the stunning man strutting from the front door. Drey was decked out in black pants; I couldn’t tell if they were jeans from here. A long-sleeve cream shirt hugged his features, drawing my attention. Heating my body. His hair was loose, and the breeze picked up a few strands along his forehead.
I shoved the box of candy in my purse, then reached for the door handle. Before I got it, the door opened, and the driver reached in. “Ma’am.”
I slid my hand into his and stepped out. Drey’s beaming smile greeted me. “Hey beautiful.”
He took my hand from the driver’s and tugged me close as he swept a gaze from my head to my toes. And it felt like bathwater cascaded over me.
I stepped in to him and pressed a kiss to his lips. He planted his hand on my hip while his other cupped the side of my face. “I taste sugar.”
“And caramel,” I said. “This is amazing.”
“You like?” He grinned against my lips. “You look beautiful. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“How are you affording—”
“Don’t worry about anything tonight, girl. It’s just you and me. You and me, girl.”
I pushed up for another quick kiss. God I loved him.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Drey
“Onelastbite,”Isaid, slipping the forkful of cheesecake into Sarah’s mouth.
She moaned, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved taking care of her, providing for her. This was exactly what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Well, minus the fancy restaurant and limo. Those were fun, but no, I wanted Sarah by my side.
For always.
“Thank you for this,” she whispered. “It’s like a dream.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” There was so much more to come. I couldn’t help smiling.