Because you check all of my boxes, allow me to appreciate you.
See you soon, Pretty.
Dex
“What did this one say?” Mom asked, stirring the potatoes. “Did he finally reveal himself?” I handed her the card. She flashed a wide grin. “I knew that boy was good for you.”
“When did Dex tell you he was going to do this?”
Ignoring my question, she asked, “When did you and Dex decide to give this a shot? Last I knew, you were just friends.”
I gave my mother the short version minus the orgasm and the mini make-out session in her house. “I don’t know… I like the way I am with him. He’s awakened emotions in me that were dormant, that I didn’t know I could feel.” I stared at the flowers. “I just realized I wanted to hold on to that.”
“That’s so beautiful, sweetie. But you’re not done.” She set a card on the counter in front of me.
I picked it up and flipped it over. My name was written across the front in beautiful calligraphy. “I almost don’t want to open it.”
“You probably should.”
I opened the envelope and pulled out the card. It read:Because I want to pamper you.
Inside, was another blank envelope. I eyed my mother as I ripped it open. “Oh my God.” It was a gift certificate to IMMERSE Spa at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit. “He bought me a spa day!”
“Your driver is outside. Your first appointment is at three o’clock.”
“Driver?” I walked to the window. Sure enough, there was a dark SUV waiting in the driveway. “This is crazy! It’s too much.”
“It’s called pamper for a reason, dear.” She brought my bag over to me and steered me toward the front door. “You’ll stay overnight. The suite is already paid for, and the details are in this card.” She gave me yet another envelope. “And I’ll see you in the morning.” She kissed my cheek. “Love you.”
When I got in the SUV, I sent Dex a text:I don’t know what to say. Thank you.
It only took a second for his response to come through:Just wait… Enjoy the spa.
The forty-minute ride to Detroit was quiet, but my thoughts were loud. As good as it felt to be spoiled, the thought of him doing all of this for me made me slightly uncomfortable. And experience had shown me that shit like this always came with a price. Besides, I was used to doing everything myself, paying for my own massages and waxes, driving my own car to appointments and on errands. I was extremely budget-conscious. I rarely splurged on overnight trips or room service. But I would try to enjoy the incredible gift, if only becauseDexhad given it to me.
My first appointment was a deep-body massage, followed by a HydraFacial treatment, and ending with the signature manicure and pedicure. For dinner, Dex had ordered room service and I fell asleep while we video chatted. The next morning, the same black SUV picked me up and drove me home.
The smell of vanilla, cinnamon, and bacon permeated the air when I walked in the door. I dropped my overnight bag and headed to the kitchen.
“Good morning.” Duke stood at the stove, slicing strawberries. “You’re right on time.”
I approached him. “What are you…? You’re cooking for me?”
“Have a seat,” he said. “There’s something for you on the table.”
A box with a big red bow sat atop the table. I picked it up.Heavy. I glanced back at Duke to find him watching me with interest.
He smirked. “Hurry your slow ass up, Char. You got shit to do today.”
I set the box back down, pulled the ribbon off, and lifted the lid. “Oh my God!” I shouted, pulling out the brand-new leather electrician tool set. I wrapped the belt around my waist. “How…? I’ve been wanting this for so long.” The card in the box read:Because you needed it.
I thought back to a conversation I’d had with Justus about my current tool belt. He’d clowned me because it was basically falling apart and had even offered to purchase another one. Of course, I’d turned him down, but I remembered showing him this one. I’d promised myself that I would buy it as soon as the wedding was over, but then…
Dex was Justus’ best friend. That simple fact alone was a very good reason to tread lightly with Dex. I never wanted to do anything that would put a strain ontheirrelationship. Knowing that Dex had consulted Justus about this gift warmed my heart. Because it meant that my brother had given his blessing to whatever was unfolding between us.
The urge to call my brother prompted me to grab my phone out of my purse, but before I could call him, Duke set a full plate in front of me.
“Eat,” he ordered, sliding yet another card over to me.
