Miranda and Vincent insist we all go out to dinner to celebrate Dawson winning. It’s nice to be at dinner with Drew’s family and to feel included. I adore the Powers. They’re a wonderful family, always thinking of others. Most importantly, they love and support one another.

No one would guess that, no more than two months ago, Drew and I were nowhere near cordial. In fact, he drove me insane, and on most days, I wanted to poison his coffee.

Okay, so not poison but a little liquid blowout might have been fun.

Now, we’re here, sharing stolen kisses, while his family sits around, talking and laughing. They’re including me in their conversation and even though I know his family likes me, it still feels nice to feel accepted.

Miranda even refers to me as her future daughter-in-law with an added wink while introducing me to the waiter at the restaurant. I try to hide my blush, but Drew tilts my chin with his finger, and there, in front of everyone, he gently kisses me.

We’re seated, and Drew places his hand on my thigh, just beneath the hem of the tablecloth. Just that simple touch alone grounds me and makes me feel safe all over again. I’ve grown quite fond of that feeling.

“What are your plans for Saturday evening?” he asks, leaning in closer. The warmth of his breath blows over my neck and shoulder.

I turn to him, bringing our lips closer together, only he doesn’t pull back. A trace of a smile tugs at his lips as his hand slides over my thigh in a comforting manner.

“What are we doing on Saturday?” I ask, knowing that, whatever he has planned, I’m in. As long as I’m with him, I’m where I want to be.

“Powers Financial sponsors a charity event at the Crowne Plaza,” he whispers as he lifts his hand and trails his finger over my jaw. “Remy and I have been chosen this year to represent the company. I’d like you to join us.”

I hear his words, but mixed with the way his finger still skims over my cheek and his thumb pressing against my chin, I’m lost in the sensation.

“I want you on my arm, Reagan. I want to dance with you and show every other person in that room who I belong to.”

I refocus on him and forget that we’re not alone. Drew has the ability to make me do this often.

“Yes,” I say, “I’d love to.”

“Okay, you two.” It’s Remy who brings both Drew and me back to the group. “You can socialize with the rest of us, too.”

Drew narrows his eyes at him, as if to say, back off, and he smiles wide. They have this way of taunting one another that reminds me more of two brothers. It’s actually quite humorous to watch.

Drew, of course, doesn’t let Remy’s words stop him from showing me attention throughout dinner. He continues to sneak in a touch here and a flirtatious word there. He makes me feel as if I’m the most important person in the room. I notice that Vincent’s the same with Miranda, and I realize just where Drew gets his attentiveness.

Dinner’s perfect, and the company is even better.

Our drive across town, toward my apartment, afterward, I’ll admit is my favorite part. Drew holds me close, his fingers delicately tracing my arm and along my shoulder the entire way.

That movement alone makes the commute fly by.

Sander slows to a stop in front of my apartment building, and Drew leans in, telling him something I can’t quite hear.

Dawson’s fast asleep in the backseat of the Cadillac Escalade. A blue blanket curled up around him makes it hard to see his chubby little cheeks. I reach back and touch his calf, leaning over to kiss his forehead.

I face forward and notice Drew carefully watching my movements. Without warning, he leans in and cups my jaw, bringing his lips to mine. The kiss isn’t a hungry one but more gentle and reassuring.

“I know I tell you this over and over, but you’re unbelievably amazing. The way you are with him…” He lets his words fade as he kisses me once more before pulling back and resting his forehead to mine. “We’re lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one.”

He’s silent for a beat, and due to the large lump that’s sitting on my chest, I’m not saying anything either.

“I’m going to walk you up,” he finally adds.

Once he slides out of the backseat, he reaches out and helps me onto the curb. His hand presses against my lower back as he leads me toward the front entrance.

Just as I reach out for the door, I pause and look back at the awaiting SUV. “You don’t have to walk me up,” I say as my eyes shift to Drew.

“He’s fine,” he assures me. “Sander’s with him. It wouldn’t be gentlemanlike of me to allow my beautiful girlfriend to find her own way home, now would it?”

“It’s a simple elevator ride up,” I say with a laugh as he ushers me inside.

“I’ll feel better once you’re inside.”

I choose to say nothing more as Drew leads me to the elevator. He presses the button for the car to arrive. His hand remains on the small of my back, his body pressed tightly to mine. I wonder if he gains as much comfort from feeling me close as I do from him.

Once the elevator arrives, he leads me inside and pushes the button for my floor. As he steps back, placing himself against me once more, he seeks out my hand and links his fingers with mine.

I might have sighed inside—or I think it was inside. The smile that accompanies his gorgeous face could be an indication that it wasn’t so well hidden.

The moment we reach my door, he steps in close and cages my body to the cool steel behind me. “I’m going to ask you something, and you can say no. The last thing I want is to make you feel pressured.”

“Okay.” I reach up to cup his jaw. “I know you aren’t pushing me to do anything I don’t want to. So, ask.”

“Saturday evening, after the event, I’d like for you to stay over at my place.”

The idea doesn’t frighten me in the slightest.

“Whether it be me holding you all night long, simply feeling you against me, or if it’s more, I just want you there with me.”

His confession makes my pulse quicken. I can see the worry in his eyes. A fear maybe that he’s questioning what he chose to say.

“Okay,” I say.

The tension in his shoulders go away. “Yeah?”

It’s adorable, the way he tilts his head as a surprised expression covers his face. When I offer a nod, he pulls my body to his and holds me against him.

It’s like he said. Nothing has to happen, but my mind is telling me to go for it. My heart’s screaming that it’s time, and my body wants nothing more than to experience the pleasure I know, without a doubt, Drew will give me.

* * *

“Stop fidgeting,” Aimee says as she slaps at my hands that are continuously twisting in my lap. “They’re going to make your hair look fabulous.”

Aimee took it upon herself to book me a hair appointment and chose the cutest salon on Milwaukee Avenue. I’m sure it isn’t as upscale as most of the woman who will be attending this evening’s event might use, but it is me. Hip and thriving with the younger crowd.

“You have gorgeous hair,” my stylist, Malik, says as he combs his fingers throughout my hair. “So, it’s a charity event?” he asks, biting his lip, as he looks at my reflection in the mirror before us.

“Yes,” I say, a little lost in the way his black hair with azure-blue tips barely moves when he shifts around. He must have half a bottle of gel or mousse or something in his hair.

“Your dress,” he adds, pulling me out of my thoughts, “color, style? Tell me what I’m working with, girl.”

I’m instantly taken with Malik, and thoughts of introducing him to Drew’s assistant, Brett, are immediately running around in my head.

Aimee jumps in when I don’t immediately respond with the details Malik needs.

“It’s the most stunning shade of blue, almost silver.”

I shift my gaze toward her and watch as she closes her eyes, almost imagining my dress.

“A floor-length Jovani with a plunging V-neck and sheer sides. The back plunges low, too, and it is fitted and hugs her in the most perfect way. Very sexy yet sophisticated.”

Malik has that same look in his eyes as Aimee. “You have tape, right?” he asks. “You are blessed with an impressive rack, and the last thing you want is for one of those beauties to pop out during the main course at dinner.”

Aimee snickers, and my eyes grow wide.

“Just saying”—he shrugs—“a little extra security for those babies might be a good thing.”

I give Aimee a panicked look, which only makes her laugh harder.

“I got ya, girl,” she says through her giggles, waving her hand at me.

Relief washes over me as I reposition myself in the chair and allow Malik to work his magic.

I don’t dare disrupt Malik so I ask Aimee how things are going since it feels like we haven’t talked in a while.

“Pretty good,” she answers. “This case I’m working on is killing me. There’s so much work that needs to be done before we go to trial.”

“You’re a great lawyer, girl. If anyone can kick ass, it’s totally you.”

“Thanks, babe. Tonight, I’m going to be buried in the books. Do you think you’re coming home after the party?”

“Ah…” I pause because I have no idea how to answer. “I’m not sure.”

Aimee smirks and she puts the magazine in front of her face so I can’t see her expression.

“What?”

“Oh, nothing,” she says. “Have fun tonight, babe. You deserve it.”

I don’t respond and instead let out a breath and let myself relax. If I’m not going back home tonight, then that means I’ll be with Drew. If I do go back tonight, then that means I’ll have to say goodnight to Drew when he drops me off. Part of me feels ready to spend the night with him. Then there’s the other part that’s scared shitless.

“All done!” Malik announces and I look in the mirror, taking in what he’s done.

The end result is by far the best thing I’ve ever seen. “You’re magical,” I say, twisting from side to side.

“I know, hon,” he states. “I know.”

A side-swept up-do with ringlets of waves spilling over. It’s messy yet elegant. I love that he left half of my neck exposed while covering the other with the most gorgeous array of curls. I know instantly that Drew will love the exposed skin, as he always kisses the one spot beneath my ear. That single spot on my neck does unbelievable things to my control—or lack thereof, I should say.

I don’t even have my dress on, and I already feel like a princess.

We pay Malik, and I offer a generous tip for not only his talent, but also his spunkiness. He’s a doll, and I know this won’t be that last time I visit my newfound friend.

With a kiss to each of our cheeks, he bids us farewell with wishes of a fantastic evening.

* * *

As I stand in my bedroom, looking at myself in the full-length mirror, it’s hard to believe the person staring back is me.

I spent more on this dress than I’d spent on any other piece of clothing I own. At first, I thought I was insane to drop that kind of money on something I’d wear once, but now, I’m glad I followed through. Allowing Drew to buy me another dress wasn’t an option. I wanted to do this for myself.

“You look beautiful.”

I turn around to find Aimee standing in the doorway, her eyes raking over me from head to toe.

“I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you.”

“You think he’ll like it?” I ask, knowing he will but needing reassurance.

“He’s going to love it,” she assures me. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He adores you, Reagan.”

I meet her gaze once more, and she looks at me with such sincerity.

“You’re more to him than just some random girl to pass the time. He looks at you like you’re his forever. I believe you are.”

I swallow hard, thinking of what her words mean. Could they be true?

The buzzer rings, and I jump in surprise, causing Aimee to laugh.

“He’s here,” she says, hurrying off before I have the chance to stop her.

I take in a few deep breaths, trying my very best to calm my racing heart just before exiting my bedroom. I tell myself that tonight’s going to be perfect. I have an amazing boyfriend, a supportive company, wonderful friends, and the strength to know I’ll be fine.

As I step into the living room, Aimee opens the door, and there, on the other side, is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Wow,” he says, moving in and bypassing Aimee, as if she weren’t even there. “You look”—he pauses, reaching out to trail his hand over my shoulder and down along my arm—“so beautiful.”

My heart races.

Aimee said the very same thing only moments ago, but hearing him confirm it…well, I’m now on cloud nine.

“You look very handsome yourself,” I say with a smile.

He takes one step further, his body mere inches from mine, and he cups my jaw in his hand. “I need to kiss you,” he confesses just before his lips touch mine. “Breathtaking,” he whispers.

My knees grow weak.

Drew leads me from my apartment, this time offering Aimee a smile and a good-bye. She hugs me close, careful not to mess up my hair, and tells us both to enjoy our evening.

As we exit my building and Drew helps me into the awaiting SUV, in that instant, I know that things are about to change. I’m okay with it because it’s Drew who I want to travel this new journey with, and he’s by far the best man I know.