A slow grin spread across my face as the idea unfolded in my mind. It was simple. Perfectly harmless. And it would handle my mother-in-law in a way she absolutely would not expect.
I snickered to myself. The sound echoed lightly through the room as I finished putting on my jewelry. My good mood only grew the more I thought about the plan.
“Oh, this is going to be fun,” I whispered to my reflection.
I grabbed my purse from the dresser and headed downstairs, my heels clicking softly against the steps. I was still smiling to myself when I reached the last step, the front door opened at that exact moment.
Callahan stepped inside, then froze. His mouth was halfway to the floor as he stared at me. I paused at the bottom of the stairs, raising a brow at his expression. I leaned against the banister casually, pretending not to notice the way his eyes were traveling over me from head to toe.
“Well?” I asked.
Still nothing. His mouth opened slightly, then closed again.
I suppressed a smile as I pushed off the banister and slowly spun in a circle, giving him a full view of my outfit.
The dress clung in all the right places, the soft fabric moving with me as I turned. The slit along the side revealed just enough leg to be interesting without crossing into scandalous territory. My hair fell loosely over my shoulders, and the jewelry caught the light with every movement.
When I finished my little twirl, I looked back at him expectantly. Callahan’s expression had somehow shifted from stunned to something even more intense. There was unmistakable wonder there. Then he shook his head slowly, as if trying to collect himself, and extended a hand toward me.
“Come here, Firefly.”
I hesitated for only a second before placing my hand in his. The moment our fingers touched, he tugged gently. I expected him to just guide me closer. Instead, he pulled me straight into his arms. I gasped softly as he wrapped me in a tight hug.
“Well,” I said lightly, “that was unexpected.”
“You shouldn’t surprise your husband like that,” he murmured. "I nearly died from excitement."
My lips twitched. I tilted my head slightly, glancing up at him. His face looked composed enough, but his attention was very clearly not on my face. I followed the direction of his gaze and immediately had to fight back a laugh. His eyes were firmly fixed on my ass.
“Enjoying the view?”
He didn’t even pretend to be embarrassed. “It’s difficult not to.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
His mouth curved into the faintest hint of a smile. “Turn around again.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Just once.”
“Callahan.”
“Let me appreciate my wife.”
I shook my head, laughing despite myself as I gently pushed against his chest. “Behave.”
Reluctantly, he loosened his hold, allowing me to step back.
I smoothed down the fabric of my dress and took the opportunity to look him over properly. “You changed.”
He looked down at himself briefly. The suit he was wearing now was darker than the one he’d left the house in earlier that morning. The tie was different too—deep charcoal instead of navy—and his hair was slightly damp, as if he’d just showered.
“I did,” he said. "I keep a few suits at the office in case something happens. I got ready there before coming to pick you up.”
I studied him for a moment before nodding in understanding. That sounded exactly like something a billionaire would do.
“Well,” I said, adjusting the strap of my purse on my shoulder, “you're right on time.”
