Page 147 of By His Vow

Lifting my hand, I comb my fingers through my hair, dragging it back until it hurts in the hope that a little bit of pain will sort my head out.

Standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Lake Michigan, I focus on the stars that are reflecting in the inky, dark water.

My breath catches when a door behind me opens. I glance at the clock to see that she’s early.

Little minx is teasing me.

“Oh my god, Kingston.” She gasps, taking in what I’ve done.

Drawing in a slow, calming breath, I close my eyes for a beat before turning around.

Oh my god, indeed.

“Tatum,” I whisper, my eyes darting around her, not knowing what to focus on first.

The black, figure-hugging dress with thin straps and a square neckline I left out for her is as perfect as I imagined.

No, that’s bullshit. It’s better.

How that is possible, I have no idea. But it is.

She takes a step toward me, her hips swaying, her small fists clenching beside them as if she’s just as nervous as I am.

“You look incredible. That dress?—”

“It’s beautiful. Thank you. This place...how did you?—”

“I had a little help. The bath was a distraction,” I confess, feeling my cheeks heat as I glance around at the vases of roses, the flickering candles and the fairy lights that are strung up everywhere.

“It’s incredible. You did this for me?” she asks in disbelief, her eyes getting a little glassy.

“Nah,” I say, making her rear back. “This is just how I like to spend my Saturday nights.”

She raises a brow.

“It’s usually me in the bubble bath, though.”

She shakes her head, smiling at me like I’m the biggest idiot she’s ever met.

“You take bubble baths?” she asks, placing her hand on her waist and popping her hip.

“No. I haven’t been in a bathtub since I was about eight.”

“We’re going to have to fix that,” she muses, moving closer again. “So,” says, glancing between me and the decorations around us. “What’s this all about?”

“A date.”

“A date?”

“Dinner is nearly ready. Staying in is the new going out, remember?”

Reaching out, I twist my fingers through hers and tug her forward, closing the final few inches between us.

Her soft curves press against the hard planes of my body. My fingers grip her hip, pulling her in tight enough to me that she can’t possibly miss the thickness of my dick against her stomach.

“I remember,” she whispers, gazing up at me.

Her red lips call to me.