Chapter 34
EVANGELINE
Iclick between the open tabs on my laptop, hoping that clarity will come to me and help me make a final decision.
Red… black…white… or animal print?
Groaning, I flop back onto my bed.
I’ve spent the last several hours in a panic, reworking my schedule for A-Tizket A-Tasket, ordering supplies and shipping them to Alaric’s condo, and yeah, maybe indulging in a little retail therapy as I pack my bags.
Tomorrow, I’ll get on a private jet and head to Monaco.
The anticipation is kind of wrecking my nervous system. Sneaking around isn’t sexy, nor is it fun. But I want to be with this man. The abundant joy and ease he brings to my life outweigh everything else.
It’s a blessing that none of my friends work for Granata. If I had to answer questions about why I’m heading to Monaco two weeks before the race, I would crack under pressure.
My story is that I’m heading there early and working overtime rather than taking a break and traveling with my friends as planned. It’s not entirely unbelievable, and technically, I will be working.
I’m still stressed to the max every time someone questions my plans.
Alaric and I ate dinner together, but afterward, we retreated to our own rooms for the rest of the night. He had a podcast interview set to record at eleven p.m., then he’s attending an eight-a.m. meeting with the other team principals tomorrow.
When my phone dings with an incoming message, I slap the mattress, searching for it without sitting up.
Once I’ve located it, I hold it above my face, finding a message from Alaric.
AS
Is it tomorrow yet?
Before I can reply, another text comes through.
AS
Is it embarrassing to admit I’m so excited I can barely sleep?
I can’t help but grin.
This is what’s keeping me going. Alaric’s constant assurance is enough to galvanize me. I chew on my bottom lip as I type out my response.
EB
Counting down the minutes!
An idea occurs to me, so I quickly send off another text.
EB
Pick a color: black, white, red, or animal print.
The gray text bubbles appear on screen, confirming he’s typing out a reply.
It’s not a surprise. He always responds to my messages quickly. Maybe it has more to do with him being glued to his phone because of his job. Nevertheless, it’s nice to be prioritized.
His reply comes through a few seconds later.
AS
I need context in order to make an informed decision. Also, you really think animal print is a color?
I grin.
EB
Animal print is my FAVORITE color
It goes with everything—tans, browns, and blacks all blending together—and is the most wearable print in modern fashion. I’ve built an entire wardrobe around animal print.
Alaric sends through another text.
AS
You know I’m partial to Granata Red, but more context really would be helpful.
I take a screenshot of my open shopping cart, then forward it to him.
The little gray bubble pops up again, appearing and disappearing several times before a notification comes through. Except this notification isn’t a text message.
It’s an alert that Alaric Steele has sent me twelve hundred dollars.
Baffled, I sit up and stare at the screen. What the hell is he thinking?
Before I can ask, he texts.
AS
Get them all. Have them delivered express to my condo. You might need two of that red for what I have in mind this week.
I gape at the number on screen. But once I navigate back to my cart, sure enough, adding in another red bikini plus selecting rush shipping adds up to $1167. He’s already done the math.
EB
You’re ridiculous!
AS
But you’re getting them all, yes?
I roll my eyes. He’d have something to say about my sass if I did that in front of him, but I can’t stop smiling. So I give up the fight, transfer the money to my account, and complete the purchase.
EB
We’re meeting tomorrow at 10, right?
I know exactly when we’re scheduled to meet, but I like his reassurances.
AS
I’ll be standing outside your door at 9:55, eager to escort you to the tarmac.
Swoon.
Another message comes through.
AS
It’s a short flight, but I made sure we’ve got plenty of snacks. If you think of anything you want to have on hand, text me.
Sure, the man is fine as hell and clearly has no qualms about spending money on me, but this thoughtful preparedness is what really does it for me.
I can’t describe how good it feels knowing that I don’t have to worry about what I’ll eat or what my options are because he’s already taken care of the details.
EB
Can’t wait to see you.
AS
Sleep well, angel. Counting down the minutes until you’re back in my arms.