Page 82 of Snapshot

He sucks in a breath and holds it for so long I’m pretty confident that, at this point, Dad could out-dive even Dex. He finally releases a slow, controlled breath. “He doesn’t deserve you, Lenny. None of us do. You kept this family together when I failed to. When I was weak, you were strong.”

I reach over the center console and grab Dad’s hand. “If we’re going to take this to the studs…you taught me what family means. If I’m strong, it’s because you and Mom showed me how to be. I’m your little dividend finally paying out.”

He finally smiles through his tears. “At least I did one thing right in this life… I chose your mom. She gave me you.”

One call at a time, Dad and I stitch together the open wounds, clearing debt, wiping the slate clean. It takes a giant chunk out of my new bank account but I’m not bothered in the slightest. I got everything I could ever want.

I’m safe. My mom and dad are safe. And I’m about to spend every day with the man who has been starring in my dreams for the past three years. The muddy waters are behind us now.

This is my fresh start.

22

Lennox

Present Day

Miami

The Miami skyline is almost more majestic than Vegas at night. Not to be a traitor to my beloved home, but I’ve never seen a city like this, balancing right on the edge of the water. I like the bright lights of Vegas, but Miami has them, too, reflecting off the water and making its presentation a touch more impressive than Vegas. My eyes were glued to the view as I flew into the city, first class, a glass flute of champagne in my hand. Now, in the limousine, I’m seeing the same view from the ground, once again, with another glass of champagne in my hand. I’m learning that when you’re rich, every ride is basically a booze cruise.

Despite his best intentions, Dex couldn’t meet me at the airport. Duty called, and he had to take a last-minute flight to L.A. to attend to yet another pressing business matter. He briefly explained, but I was so busy assuring him I was a big girl andcould handle myself, I didn’t catch the details of the deal he was working out.

Instead, a chauffeur in a cliché driver’s hat greeted me at the airport with a sign that read “Mrs. Hessler.” He ushered me into a limousine then proceeded to go back into the airport to fetch my luggage from baggage claim. I was a little embarrassed to tell him that my luggage was the big one with bright purple zebra stripes. I haven’t purchased new suitcases since my teenage years, and it was the largest one I owned. I shoved everything into it, all the necessities of my life condensed into one jumbo hardcase. I have more clothing, but nothing I own belongs in a corporate work setting. I need to go shopping.

While I may not particularly care about name brands and “looking a certain part,” I’m acutely aware of the fact that, as Dex’s wife, how people view me may be how they view him by extension. Therefore, the first item of business in Miami is to find some tops that aren’t so sheer and bottoms that aren’t denim with holes and frayed edges. I brought the few sundresses that I thrifted when I was with Alan. Those look presentable enough in the meantime.

Once the limousine is parked, I reach for the handle and yank on the latch to no avail. The driver rolls down the partition. “Just a moment, Mrs. Hessler. I’ll come around.”

Apparently, I no longer have the arduous task of opening my own doors anymore either. Once Jeeves—as I’ve dubbed him—frees me from the back of the vehicle, he points to the elevator behind us.

“This is a private access elevator that will take you right to the entry of the penthouse. The temporary override code is two-nine-six-four-eight-three. That code changes daily, so we’ll get you set up on the fingerprint verification system soon. I’ll bring your suitcase up through the service elevator. Would you like me to arrange for the housekeepers to unpack your luggage?”

“No!” I emphasize, my voice echoing loudly through the concrete parking structure. I clear my throat. “I mean, no, thank you. I have some personal items in there I’d rather, um…set up myself.”

He nods with an uncomfortable-looking smile.

“Fragile photographs and things like that,” I add, rolling my eyes at myself because I most definitely just insinuated that I stuffed my suitcase full of sex toys. Which is accurate… I only brought my toothbrush, a few of my favorite hoodies, some framed pictures, and the contents of my naughty box, which Dex requested I pack. But Jeeves most certainly doesn’t need to know that.

“I understand,” he answers, politely dodging any further talk of the matter. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Nope, I think that’ll do it. Thank you for the ride.” I point to the back of the limo. “I can just shlep my suitcase up with me though. It’s really not a problem.”

“Oh, no need to strain yourself, ma’am.” His dimples deepen as he smiles.

“I mean…it rolls. Really not a strain, I promise.”

His smile turns into a grimace. “If you don’t mind, Mrs. Hessler, it’s protocol. Part of my job.”

“Oh. Okay. Well, then um”—I pat my pockets like I’m searching for something—“will I be seeing you again? This is embarrassing but I don’t have cash for a tip. I’ll have Dex take me to an ATM tomorrow, though. Can I get you back? You did a really good job.”

His smile before was polite, but now it’s clear he’s trying not to chuckle at me. “Ma’am, I’m your personal driver. Anywhere you need to go, I’m at your service. No tip necessary. I’m part of your staff.” He winks. “You pay me more than plenty.”

“Well, now I’m embarrassed.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t be. That was quite endearing.”

“If we’ll be seeing each other daily, please call me Len or Lennox, whatever you prefer. And also, I’m sorry—I didn’t catch your name.”

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