Page 28 of Graves

I shrug, leaving the message on read before Gabby speaks again.

“So, what’s the reason Daddy Warbucks is taking you outon the town?” she teases.

I roll my eyes as I call out to her.

“I swear to God, if you call him that to his face, our friendship is over.”

She snickers as she comes and wraps her arms around my shoulders, kissing my cheek.

“You couldn’t exist without me, and you know it.”

“You confident in that?” I ask with a raise of my eyebrow.

She nods seriously. “Very.”

We both chuckle as a knock comes from the door. I cap my lipstick and go to open it, smiling when I see Dom standing in the doorway with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and his body wrapped in a deliciously tailored suit.

I think it’s his expression that is my favorite part of it all, though. His eyes are wide, mouth unhinged, as his gaze rakes over me, from top to bottom. I feel like a goddess in front of him, I always do.

“Baby, you are…exquisite,” he says reverently before stepping inside.

He tosses the flowers onto the counter and wraps an arm around my lower back, hauling me into him as he leans down to kiss me. I put my hand against his chest to stop him.

“I don’t want to get lipstick all over you.”

“You think I give a shit?” he scoffs before crushing his lips to mine.

A flurry of butterflies rush through my chest as I wrap my arms around his neck. His tongue swipes out, tangling with mine when a very forced cough comes from behind us. We breakapart, turning to face my grinning best friend.

“Hate to break it up, but you have to leave a little something for the honeymoon, kids,” she teases.

I roll my eyes as Dom raises an eyebrow at her.

“How are you doing, Gabrielle?” he asks.

“Good, but I hate it when you use my full name, and you know that,” she says with a smile that is just a little too flirty for my taste. I know it’s just Gabby being Gabby, doesn’t mean I like it.

He nods his head. “My apologies.”

I take the flowers from his hand, lifting them to my nose before inhaling.

“They are beautiful. What are they?” I ask.

“Daffodils. They’re associated with strength and resilience due to their ability to survive and withstand winter storms and come out the other side in the spring. They’re beautiful and strong. Little fighters, just like you.”

Hot tears prick at my eyes, and I do my best to blink them away before smiling.

“Thank you so much.”

“Of course.” He nods as I step into the kitchen, grabbing a vase from the top of the cabinet before filling it with water. I place the flowers inside and turn to find Dom patiently watching me.

“You ready?”

I nod with a smile before tossing a look at Gabby.

“Lock up when you leave, yeah?”

She winks at me as she nods. “Have fun you two!”

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