Chapter 25 - Evania #2
“I’m not sure that’s how ownership works,” she said cautiously.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other. “Well, it does now.”
Maria sighed the sigh of a woman who had clearly decided she was not paid enough to question my life choices. “Very well,” she said calmly, a small smile gracing her lips. “You should never change.”
“What?”
But Maria was already turning toward the door again. “You should never change,” she repeated over her shoulder.
I watched her walk away, not sure what she meant.
I could try to figure it out, although three hours wasn’t nearly as much time as it sounded.
I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the water heat up as I gathered what I needed.
Steam slowly filled the room as the water warmed.
Once it was hot enough, I stepped under the spray and let out a quiet sigh as the warmth washed over me. I rinsed my hair thoroughly, letting the water run through it before reaching for the shampoo.
The familiar routine helped clear my mind. For a little while, it was just the sound of the water and the steady rhythm of washing my hair. Once I finished, I rinsed everything out carefully before stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around my body.
I grabbed another towel and began drying my hair. After a few minutes, I slipped into clean underwear and returned to the bathroom mirror. My hair was still damp, so I reached for the blow dryer.
The next several minutes were spent drying my hair completely. I worked slowly, making sure there was no moisture left before I moved on to the next step. One braid after another, neat and close to my scalp.
It took time, but I didn’t rush. If the base wasn’t done properly, the wig wouldn’t sit right. By the time I finished the last braid, nearly an hour had passed. I stretched my arms slightly before reaching for the wig.
The hair was already straight, but I still picked up the flat iron. I ran the iron slowly through the strands, pressing the plates together as I moved down each section. Christina’s comment echoed in my mind, forcing me to ensure there wasn't a single curl in sight.
I briefly considered telling Callahan everything she’d said earlier. It would be easy to bring it up. I could simply mention it in passing, let him know how she’d spoken to me. But there was already so much drama with his mother, and I didn't want to add to it any more than I already had.
I set the flat iron aside and began installing the wig.
I took my time with it, adjusting the lace carefully and securing everything in place so it looked natural.
Once it was fully installed, I picked up the flat iron again and ran it through the hair one last time.
The strands fell sleek and straight down my back. Exactly how I wanted it.
I studied my reflection in the mirror for a moment, making sure everything looked right. There was still time before Callahan arrived, but at least the most time-consuming part of getting ready was finished. Now all that was left was my makeup and getting dressed.
I was slipping on my jewelry for the evening, fastening the clasp of my bracelet while staring at my reflection.
The room was quiet except for the faint clink of metal against glass as I set down a pair of earrings and reached for the next one.
I should have been thinking about the evening ahead, rehearsing polite responses, preparing myself for whatever subtle—or not so subtle—barbs my mother-in-law might throw my way.
Instead, my mind had gone oddly blank.
Then suddenly, like lightning striking in the middle of a quiet field, the perfect plan appeared.
I froze mid-motion, one earring still dangling between my fingers.
“Oh,” I murmured.
A slow grin spread across my face as the idea unfolded in my mind. It was simple. Perfectly harmless. And it would handle my mother-in-law in a way she absolutely would not expect.
I snickered to myself. The sound echoed lightly through the room as I finished putting on my jewelry. My good mood only grew the more I thought about the plan.
“Oh, this is going to be fun,” I whispered to my reflection.
I grabbed my purse from the dresser and headed downstairs, my heels clicking softly against the steps. I was still smiling to myself when I reached the last step, the front door opened at that exact moment.
Callahan stepped inside, then froze. His mouth was halfway to the floor as he stared at me. I paused at the bottom of the stairs, raising a brow at his expression. I leaned against the banister casually, pretending not to notice the way his eyes were traveling over me from head to toe.
“Well?” I asked.
Still nothing. His mouth opened slightly, then closed again.
I suppressed a smile as I pushed off the banister and slowly spun in a circle, giving him a full view of my outfit.
The dress clung in all the right places, the soft fabric moving with me as I turned. The slit along the side revealed just enough leg to be interesting without crossing into scandalous territory. My hair fell loosely over my shoulders, and the jewelry caught the light with every movement.
When I finished my little twirl, I looked back at him expectantly. Callahan’s expression had somehow shifted from stunned to something even more intense. There was unmistakable wonder there. Then he shook his head slowly, as if trying to collect himself, and extended a hand toward me.
“Come here, Firefly.”
I hesitated for only a second before placing my hand in his. The moment our fingers touched, he tugged gently. I expected him to just guide me closer. Instead, he pulled me straight into his arms. I gasped softly as he wrapped me in a tight hug.
“Well,” I said lightly, “that was unexpected.”
“You shouldn’t surprise your husband like that,” he murmured. "I nearly died from excitement."
My lips twitched. I tilted my head slightly, glancing up at him. His face looked composed enough, but his attention was very clearly not on my face. I followed the direction of his gaze and immediately had to fight back a laugh. His eyes were firmly fixed on my ass.
“Enjoying the view?”
He didn’t even pretend to be embarrassed. “It’s difficult not to.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
His mouth curved into the faintest hint of a smile. “Turn around again.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Just once.”
“Callahan.”
“Let me appreciate my wife.”
I shook my head, laughing despite myself as I gently pushed against his chest. “Behave.”
Reluctantly, he loosened his hold, allowing me to step back.
I smoothed down the fabric of my dress and took the opportunity to look him over properly. “You changed.”
He looked down at himself briefly. The suit he was wearing now was darker than the one he’d left the house in earlier that morning. The tie was different too—deep charcoal instead of navy—and his hair was slightly damp, as if he’d just showered.
“I did,” he said. "I keep a few suits at the office in case something happens. I got ready there before coming to pick you up.”
I studied him for a moment before nodding in understanding. That sounded exactly like something a billionaire would do.
“Well,” I said, adjusting the strap of my purse on my shoulder, “you're right on time.”
He glanced at me again, that same look returning to his eyes for a brief moment. “Your beauty doesn't belong on earth,” he said quietly.
I smiled faintly. “Are you calling me an alien?”
His gaze lingered on me for another second before he gestured toward the door. “I'm calling you a goddess.”