“Did he mention luring your father into debt? Or his criminal activities? Or blackmailing you?”

She tugged Easton into his office and closed the door. “I’ll donate the flowers to a hospital, or something.” She smoothed her hands up his shirt. “Does that make you feel better?”

Easton grunted.

She kissed him, nibbling on his bottom lip. “I’m sure when you send me flowers, they’ll be much more impressive.”

Easton reached into his pocket and pulled out a long box. “I can do better than flowers.” He flicked open the lid.

The huge, teardrop sapphire was surrounded by diamonds, hanging on the delicate chain. It matched the earrings he’d given her.

Her mouth opened.

“Say yes,” he said. “I want to see this against your skin.”

“How much did it cost?”

“It doesn’t matter.” God, it was hard to give her anything.

She sighed. “You’re going to do things like this a lot, aren’t you?”

He decided now wasn’t the time to tell her that he’d purchased a row of old Victorian houses, hoping she’d like to renovate one of them. Or all of them.

He’d tell her later.

“If you help me learn to relax, I’ll help you learn how to graciously accept a gift.”

She turned, offering him her neck. “Yes, but your gifts have exorbitant price tags.”

He slid the gem around and fastened the chain. As he’d known, it looked beautiful against her skin.

“Gorgeous.” He spun her and kissed her.

Mmm, he’d never get enough of his lovely Ms. Carlson. He nudged her toward his desk.

“No.” She groaned and looked at her watch. “We have to meet everyone at Sotto Mare for dinner. Our parents are meeting for the first time.” She kissed him, then kissed him again and groaned. “We can’t be late.”

Damn. He was tempted to push that skirt up and set her on his desk anyway, dinner be damned.

But his mother wouldn’t let him live it down.

They packed up, and Easton drove them to the Italian-style, seafood restaurant. When they arrived, his family was already there with Scarlett.

Harlow hugged her sister. Easton greeted his parents, nodded at his brothers. Saxon was there as well, Gia and Haven sipping cocktails on stools nearby. Rome, Ace, and Maggie arrived. Harlow’s best friend, Christie, and her husband were there, too. They’d had them over for dinner a few days before.

“Maggie, martini?” Gia asked.

“Hell, no. Beer for me.”

“Woman can drink us all under the table,” Ace grumbled.

The pilot winked and headed for the bar.

“I see you convinced Harlow to wear the necklace,” Saxon said.

Easton watched as Harlow laughed with Haven and her sister. “Yes.”

“Bet you didn’t tell her about the GPS tracker embedded in it.” Saxon grinned.

“Not yet.”

“Happy?” Vander swirled his drink.