A month later . . .

Reeve pulled his new truck into Emily’s driveway. Living with Brad for the past month had been okay, but he was beyond ready to get the hell out of there. Considering they also worked together, they’d each had about as much bonding time as they could take.

He was still a little freaked out about moving in with Em, but he was also excited. He’d spent a lot of time over here the past month and he was already getting used to her leaving shit lying around all the time. On the flip side, she was getting used to him constantly following her around and picking things up.

Even he had to admit that they complemented each other pretty well. Who’d have thought?

Getting out of the truck, Reeve headed for the tailgate and pulled the giant gift he had for her from the back. He couldn’t wait for her to get home and see it. She’d been working long hours, and this weekend they were heading out on her plane—he still wasn’t used to that thought—and spending the weekend at her beach house.

It hadn’t taken him too long to see that there were a few upsides to dating a millionaire. She hated when he called her that, but if her two-thousand-dollar shoes fit, she better damn well wear them and be proud of it.

Reeve carefully maneuvered Emily’s gift into the backyard and placed it in the exact spot he’d planned. Stepping back, he admired the work. Jase—who was pretty good with his hands and wood—had helped Reeve with it.

He went inside and took a quick shower in her bathroom before dressing. He’d slowly started keeping more and more clothing in her house. She’d cleared space in her closet and drawers in her dresser although he kept trying to remind her that his possessions were extremely limited. The problem was she kept showing up with clothing she’d bought for him. And while he didn’t mind the things she chose—he liked them, in fact—it was strange to have someone buying him everyday items like shirts and pants. Girlfriendly. Almost wifely. The thought actually made him smile.

Although since today was his official move-in day, he’d brought the handful of things that mattered, one of which he placed on the bathroom counter. Sure enough, while cleaning up the rubble of his home, he’d located his one and only sentimental possession. He’d let her find that surprise on her own.

* * *

Emily was happy to finally leave the office even though she was an hour later than she’d told Reeve. Her long hours seemed to suit him fine since he worked so hard himself, but this weekend they had plans, and she could not wait. The plan was to meet Dave at the airport at seven. She hated asking him to fly at such odd hours, but he’d been more than happy for her when she’d explained why. Dave would love Reeve. She just knew it.

Today was also Reeve’s official move-in day. Something she’d been bugging him to do for the past two weeks. It hadn’t taken her long to know that she wanted him to live with her. It only made sense: He didn’t have a home anymore. It was currently being rebuilt from insurance money, but she knew he could sell it and make a good profit so why not just be together? Sure they hadn’t been dating long, but everything just felt right.

Pulling into the driveway, she smiled when he met her outside barely holding back his grin.

“You look like you’re up to something,” she said as she walked up to the front door.

He grabbed her laptop bag from her hands and led her inside. “I’m always up to something.”

She pretended to be annoyed when he slapped her butt. He was constantly touching her and she loved it. While she poured her coffee, cooked, brushed her teeth, in the car. They couldn’t seem to get enough of each other.

“Are you packed and ready to go?” she asked him.

“Of course.”

“Why are you leading me outside? We need to hurry.” He didn’t let go of her hand, just opened the back door that led to the pool and backyard. In the past couple of weeks, he’d worked his ass off to clean up for her, even cleaning and prepping the pool for the summer. She was excited for them to be able to use it soon.

“We have plenty of time,” he said. “I just need to show you something.”

Walking out to the patio, Emily looked around. And gasped. In the corner of her yard, right in the center of all of the beautiful new rosebushes Reeve had planted, was a lovely arbor made of delicate twisty branches. Something about it made her heart clench in familiarity.

“Reeve . . .”

He wrapped his arms around her waist, his face nuzzling into her temple. “It’s your willow, babe.”

Tears blurred her vision as she stepped forward. When she reached the arbor, she lifted her hand out and touched it. It was so expertly crafted. “Did you make this?”

He shrugged. “I’ll admit, I had some help. But . . . yeah.”

“It’s so beautiful! I’d wondered about the tree, but just assumed someone had already hauled it away to the trash.”

“Me. I went and hauled it away that same night, but not to the trash. Brad helped me. We loaded it on the flatbed and took it to his backyard.”

He’d done it after they’d had words, but before they’d made up. She didn’t know what to say. It was the most wonderful and thoughtful gift she’d ever gotten. It was priceless. Turning into his open arms, she hugged him tight. “I love it so much. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Reaching up, she kissed him softly. “Let’s go in and get going. I’m dying to lie on the beach with you and then have sex like eight times.”

Reeve chuckled. “Eight times in forty-eight hours? I think you’re expecting a lot, Whip.”

“You’ll just have to try your best then, won’t you?”

He slapped her butt again as they made their way inside.

* * *

Emily’s reaction to her gift was priceless and Reeve followed her up the stairs a very happy man. He lived in a home. A real home, the kind full of things that meant something. A woman who loved him and a space he could be proud of. Invite people to. It was something he’d always wanted and never thought he’d really have.

If ever he had a moment when he felt undeserving, one look, one smile from Emily was enough to make him change his mind. Never did she treat him with anything but respect and love, and she introduced him with pride at every opportunity. Even at the douchefest Sunset Country Club.

He grinned, waiting in the bedroom as she stepped into the bathroom . . . waiting.

“Oh my God!” she cried, then laughed out loud.

She’d spotted his one sentimental possession. The dick headband.