Page 71 of Double or Nothing
“I miss the convenience of being closer to my work,” he replies. “That’s all I miss about this place. The old saying is true about home being where the heart is, and my heart is with you. I would be more at home living in a crappy, rundown motel with you than living here by myself. Where you go, I will gladly follow. I grew up living in a car, and I can adapt easily to any living situation. This place isn’t a home. It’s nothing more than a fancy hotel room to me.”
His words are filled with sincerity. I reach out, taking his hand, craving his warmth.
“Do you need help packing up more of your things to move?” I ask. “I can help you fold clothes.”
“Kit might throw a fit if I drag any more of my clothes into his house,” he replies with a laugh. “He’s being very kind to give me extra closet space and I don’t want to take advantage.”
I smile at him. “I can’t imagine Kit throwing a fit about anything as inconsequential as clothes. He’s as even-tempered as anyone I’ve ever met.”
“You’re right, but I can always swing by here to pick up anything I need. Besides, I didn’t bring you here to put you to work. I wanted to run an idea past you.”
“Sure,” I say. “Let’s hear it. What do you have in mind?” I’m certain he’ll suggest something sexy. Maybe a quick dip in the hot tub on the balcony or a steamy shower together in the master bath.
He tugs me down on his leather sofa with him. “I want to invite you to come to my performance tonight. It’s a late night show. I would love for you to finally see what I do for a living in order to pay for all this shit.” He waves a hand at the fancy penthouse. “It would mean a lot to me for you to be there.”
My mouth drops open in surprise. “Are you serious? You would allow me to do that? Oh my God! I would love to!” I throw my arms around his neck and crawl up into his lap. “Do you think it’s safe for me to be seen there?”
“The one thing we know for certain is that Igor is temporarily incapacitated. He can’t hurt you tonight. And you already have a wig on to help disguise you,” Seven reassures, his hands sliding down my back to rest on my hips.
“Ugh! I hate wearing wigs,” I complain, making a face. “They’re uncomfortable and hot.”
“But you’re so fucking sexy as a blonde,” he teases, his lips curling into a wicked smile as he tugs playfully at a strand of my fake hair.
“Don’t get used to it, buddy,” I tell him, jabbing him in the chest with my finger. “I’m not going blonde permanently. I don’t have any clothes to wear except what I have on. I can’t be seen in the same outfit I wore at the Bora Bora. What if someone spotted me coming out of the restroom?”
Seven rubs his short beard and appears slightly embarrassed, his eyes avoiding mine for a moment. “Clothes won’t be an issue. There are plenty of extra clothes for you here. I’ve ordered quite a few things for you.”
“When?” I ask, surprised, my eyebrows shooting up. “Why?”
He shrugs, a grin spreading across his face. “I enjoy buying things for you, but I didn’t want to come across as an asshole, so I didn’t give them to you. The boxes are piling up in the spare bedroom.”
“I don’t understand,” I ask, genuinely baffled by his logic. “Why would I think you were an asshole for buying me a gift?”
“I didn’t want it to appear as if I was using money or gifts to buy your affection,” he explains. “Even if you didn’t see it that way, Kit and Vulcan might. I wouldn’t want it to turn into a pissing contest between us for real. We joked around about buying you cars or giving you deeds to land, but we all knew we were offering those things for your security. Buying you clothes only because I want to is different.”
“It’s very sweet of you,” I say, touched by his thoughtfulness. “What did you buy?”
He stands and pulls me up beside him. “A little bit of everything. Keep in mind you don’t have to like the clothes, or wear any of it. Every item can go back because I kept the receipts. Seriously, don’t feel obligated to wear or accept something if it doesn’t jibe with your taste in clothes.”
“I’m sure I’ll love everything. I’m touched.”
He leads me into the bedroom I stayed in before, and I realize he’s telling the truth. There are several stacks of boxes on the floor, in the closet and on the bed, all bearing designer logos and tied with elegant ribbons.
“Are you planning on opening your own boutique?” I tease. “Or are all these boxes for me?” My heart swells with affection for this man who has gone to such great lengths to make me feel special.
“I’m afraid so,” he replies, his tone almost apologetic as he scratches the back of his neck and offers a sheepish smile.
“Any suggestions for what I should wear tonight to your show?” I ask, slightly overwhelmed by the thought of opening all the boxes and trying on the clothes.
“You’ll be lovely in anything. There are also boxes of shoes in the closet. The show begins in less than two hours. Can you be ready for Leroy to pick you up before then?” he inquires, as he checks his watch.
“You bet I can,” I reply with a determined nod, already mentally sifting through the potential outfits.
“Okay, then. I’ll leave you here to get ready while I head back to work. Leroy will take care of you at the show and then I’ll take you home afterwards. Does everything sound okay to you?”
“Everything sounds perfect,” I reply. “Now go! I’m eager to go through these boxes and play dress up. I’ll meet you later at the show. I honestly can’t wait. After all this time, I finally will see what you do.”
“I hope I don’t fuck up tonight. Having you there will be awesome and nerve-wracking,” he confesses. “Also, be forewarned, my show can be a tad cheesy at times.”
