The past week has been quiet since we returned from Verona. Luckily, we were able to get my grandfather admitted to the assisted living facility on Oak Drive. Easton paid for everything, and we were back in LA by late afternoon.
That’s twenty-four hours I never want to experience again.
I drink in the sight of the long dress and high heels I’m wearing, and I have to admit I feel beautiful. Lifting my chin, I say, “You’re going to make Easton proud today.”
Nodding, I turn around and leave my bedroom. Just as I step into the hallway, Easton’s door opens, and he freezes when he sees me. His jaw goes slack, and with a look of pure awe, he says, “Christ, Nova. You look breathtaking.”
I walk to him and adjust the lapels of his leather jacket. “And you look way too hot.”
“Yeah?” He grins at me. “Hot enough that you’ll move your things into my bedroom?”
My heart beats a little faster as my eyebrows lift. “Really?”
“I don’t like us being in separate rooms.” He wraps his arms around my waist. “I want you in my bed every night.”
I press a soft kiss to his mouth, then wipe the gloss off his lips with the pad of my thumb. “I’d love to move into your bedroom.”
“Good. When we get back later, we can carry your clothes over to my closet.” Looking happy, he pats my butt. “Let’s hit the road.”
We head down to the living room, where Lainey’s sitting on the couch, wearing a pretty pink dress.
“Are you ready, my sweet girl?” I ask.
Her head snaps up, and when she sees what I’m wearing, she smiles widely. “Gosh, you look so beautiful. I love that one most.”
“Thank you. I have the best personal shopper in the world.”
We all leave the house, and I wait for Lainey to get into the back seat of the SUV before I shut her door. Easton holds mine open for me, and as I climb into the passenger seat, my eyes devour him.
He seriously looks way too hot today.
The corner of his mouth lifts because my desire for him is probably written all over my face.
When he slides in behind the steering wheel, I glance over my shoulder to make sure Lainey has her seat belt on. Satisfied, I click my own into place before I place my hand on Easton’s thigh.
“Are you nervous?” I ask as he follows the other SUV with the guards to the gates.
“No.” He glances at me. “Are you?”
I shrug. “It’s not like I’m the one who’s being interviewed.”
“Still. After today, everyone will know we’re in a relationship. The press will watch your every move.”
“Don’t worry,” Lainey says from the back. “I’ll teach Nova how to deal with them.”
Easton let out a chuckle. “Yes, because you’re an expert already.”
“Yep.”
She’s just like Rachel was at her age.
My heart squeezes at the thought, and memories of Rachel fill my mind during the drive.
As we get close to our destination, nerves spin in my stomach, and by the time we park in a secluded area, my heart is beating a mile a minute.
After we climb out of the car, we all gather for a moment, and Easton says, “Just stay behind or next to me. When we meet up with Sylvia, you’ll stay with her while I’m busy with the convention.”
I nod while reaching for Lainey’s hand.
