vagina balloon?” She pointed at another. “And a penis?”
He proudly took ownership of the questionable gesture. “Oddly, considering Los Angeles is a mothership home base for the porn industry, there wasn’t a lot to choose from. I think it might be an underserved niche business.”
“Pornographic balloons are a niche business?”
“That’s what she said,” he snortled.
She eyed the stack of boxes. “If those are all sex toys, you better leave now.”
His grin moved to a solid twelve. “Toy selection is best done as a couple.”
Watching her struggle to keep from laughing or even smiling was the most fun he’d had in forever.
She got him back, though, and good. With all the sexy aplomb of a teasing flirt, she subjected him to an ocular inspection before meeting his gaze. “Are we a couple?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he answered with arrogant confidence.
Her eyes narrowed, and he detected a slight flare to her nostrils. He knew what she was thinking.
“What’s in it for me? Besides a vault of money,” she jeered.
Yep, yep, yep, they were destined for each other. She cared for his piles of riches about as much as he did—or didn’t.
“Many things are designated magnum. Champagne,” he drawled. “Magnum opus for a great work of art. Dodge has a magnum model.”
“Condoms,” she purred.
“I see you get where this is going.”
She crossed her arms, cocked a hip, and gave him the best arched brow he’d ever seen. “So is that it? Money and a big dick.”
Hearing the words big dick fall off her sexy lips produced a bark of laughter from him accompanied by a giggle from Ari.
“Not in front of the kid,” he managed to choke out between laughs.
He imagined a Titanic-sized iceberg floating by and disappearing from view as the last of her icy reserve gave up the fight. She wanted this as much as he did.
Eyeing the boxes, she asked, “Any See’s Candies?”
Jostling the baby, he told her, “I’m going to ace this test.”
Rummaging around on the table, he found the distinctive white box of See’s Old Time Candies and handed it off with a courtly bow. “Chocolate for milady.”
“Thank you, Sir Magnum,” she replied with a curtsey, pressing the box to her chest.
“Soft centers,” he told her. “The way you like.”
Excited by the prospect of what was to come, he encouraged her to pop a chocolate in her mouth and pick another tribute.
She went for a pretty substantial box and went into a bout of over-the-top explosive joy when she found a Michael Kors handbag. Dottie assured him Summer would love it. Her delight filled him with pleasure.
It was like Christmas morning. Each new reveal unleashed gasps, giggles, and sighs.
“Is this what I think it is?” she asked, holding up a horse figurine.
“It’s a half-size replica of the horse from the Brady living room. I had Milo crank it out using a 3D printer.”
“Wow,” she gushed. “Arnie. This is so cool.”
When she arrived at the smaller boxes and hesitated, he couldn’t love her more. Summer wasn’t in it for bling, but he was hoping to change her mind.
A delicate, understated sapphire tennis bracelet hit a home run. When he fastened it to her wrist, he heard how rapidly she was breathing.
Golden sparkles infused her aura. They were just like the twinkling flashes surrounding the baby.
A pair of teardrop opal earrings made her sniffle and tear up.
When she’d opened everything and had a chance to catch her breath, he reached into the baby sling and pulled out a velvet pouch.
“I got this last year in London on my way back to you. When I couldn’t find you, it stayed in my pocket. Until now.”
She took the pouch and stared into his eyes. “You brought this back for me?”
“Yes.”
He knew she’d understand once she saw it and wasn’t disappointed when she choked back a sob as the sunflower bracelet dropped out of the bag into her hand.
The simplest gift was often the most treasured and meaningful. She understood how important the timing was. Showing her proof was a game changer. Now she knew. Yes, duty took him far, but when he was free, the first thing on his mind and in his heart was her.
At no point did he ask how she was. He didn’t take her emotional temperature. Dottie’s advice was solid gold. His job was to have her back, no matter what.
She had to pry the baby out of his arms at bedtime. He liked holding her and took every opportunity to be physically close. After all, there was lost time