Inside the box is a beautiful white gold and diamond charm bracelet with one charm already hanging from it–a Rottweiler head encrusted with diamonds. It’s stunning yet playful and totally me if I was a Kardashian.
“I can’t accept this,” I tell him earnestly. “It’s beautiful, but I can’t accept it.”
“Doesn’t it totally look like Butters?” He smiles, ignoring my refusal of the gift.
“It does but–”
“I had it custom made, but it looks way more expensive than it was.”
“When could have possibly had the time to get something custom made for me?”
“My teammate Cap has a jeweler practically on call. The bracelet was already in the shop. All he had to do was make the charm. Took him half a day. And when you’re ready to add your next charm to it, just let me know, and I’ll have him make something.”
“This is just–”
“A-fucking-mazing, right? You gotta give me a peck on the lips or something.”
I sigh heavily in defeat. He’s not going to take no for an answer.
“You’re driving. I’ll kiss you when we get to our destination.”
I touch his tatted forearm and watch my new bracelet sparkle from the oncoming headlights of the cars driving in the opposite lane.
I have to admit.
I love it.
“Such a tease,” he smiles. “Fine, I can wait. I can wait as long as you want me to, Doc.”
The Manhattan skyline is a mesmerizing mix of hues as I look out of the window of Dak’s plush car, a perfectly framed view of the city’s skyline.
He drives us to a secluded mansion in what I think is Long Island, New York, identifying points of interest along the way. A lush garden filled with the kinds of plants and flowers you don’t normally see in front of New York City homes surrounds the property. Someone definitely imported them from a warmer region.
As we walk up the long driveway, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. This isn’t a typical date spot, and Dak’s mysterious demeanor wasn’t helping me relax.
As we enter the house, the grandeur of it all takes my breath away. The foyer is adorned with gold accents, and the walls are lined with priceless works of art. It can’t be Dak’s house. I know he lives near Central Park and frankly, this place looks like it costs way above his pay grade and mine put together.
“Who lives here?” I ask, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.
“A friend of mine.” Dak smiles. “He’s kind enough to let me use this place for special occasions.”
“So you’ve done this before?” I inquire, annoyed if he brought the American Idol girl here once or maybe even Bella’s mother.
“You’re the first woman I’ve ever brought here, Katrina. I wouldn’t lie about something like that. I don’t normally do romance, but I’m trying here.”
We make our way to a formal dining room, where a table has been set for two. The tall taper candles flicker, casting shadows on our faces, and the smell of fresh Lillies fills the air. As the night progresses, Dak and I talk and laugh about the most random topics, and I feel that fluttery feeling behind my breastbone again.
“You look gorgeous tonight, Doc. I love your hair when you wear it curly like that.”
Tonight?
Wait, how long have you been out?
“What time is it, Dak?”
“It’s almost seven. Why?”
“I didn’t realize we’d be out this long. I’ve got to call Max and see if he’ll take Butters out to pee for me.”
