Another text from Dalton: “Mac, shut the fuck up. I wanted to bust his ass too, but we both know that’s not an option. Yet.”
The little active light by Mac’s name in the chat went from green to grey, signaling he had logged off, and then Dalton called me.
“Sorry, baby girl. He’s been drinking, more than he usually does.”
“It’s okay. Is he good?”
“Neither of us are, to be honest. The thought of you having to spend more than five minutes in the same room as Silas or the DiAngelos makes both of us sick. We tried talking him out of it, but it got nasty.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
“You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for.”
“When’s the dinner?”
“Friday night. You’ll need a formal evening gown. And I haven’t talked to Diego or Jackson yet, but I want them and your friends there. Safety in numbers and all that.”
“I don’t want to put them in danger, Dalton. You said the DiAngelos are going to be there?”
“There won’t be any danger, Vixen. No one is stupid enough to lay a hand on a Saints’ old lady—not even the DiAngelos.”
“Old lady? You mean—”
“Yeah, Vixen. I had this whole plan to take you for another weekend at the cabin but… I love you. I know it’s only been a few months—”
“Almost a year.”
“Mm, almost a year. But I do love you. And I won’t let anything hurt you.”
“Well then, looks like I have to go shopping. Dress like a proper old lady.”
The words made me giddy.
“You’ll look stunning in whatever you wear, but I’m serious about using my card. Now, it’s getting late and you have to be at work in the morning. I have a couple morecalls to make, and I need to go check on Mac. He doesn’t get like this often but… well, he already thinks he failed you once. Honestly, we both did. But try and get some sleep, babe.”
“You guys didn’t fail me. I’ll see you in the morning. And Dalton?”
“Yeah, Vixen?”
“I love you, too.”
I could practically hear the smile in his voice when he hung up. When I went to bed that night, I was practically floating. My cute new fox bed set, courtesy of Holly, was heavenly and soft, but I’m not sure I would have even noticed if it was uncomfortable. Dalton loved me and, while I knew it was the most unreasonable, most unrealistic, and possibly the stupidest thing ever… I loved him too. God help me.
But I was too busy riding the high to worry about what the future would bring. At least for now.
Chapter 15
Maria, Holly, and I made plans to go out on Wednesday to look for dresses. The days at work leading up to it were painful. Greyson was lingering around like a bad smell. Mac was alternating between being a total grouch and an absolute drama queen. Dalton was my rock, and also the one hiding the whiskey from his brother. The first time he told me he loved me in front of Maria and Holly, they were standing behind him and made a scene of cheering. He had winked at me and left me to deal with my ridiculous friends.
Holly had somehow managed to get us last-minute appointments at a swanky dress shop in town. We’d been required to send in our measurements prior, and Holly assured Maria and me that Donni knew what he was doing. She also told us that we were going to love Donni, but pulling up outside the gorgeous brick building with ivy crawling up the sides, I was more than a little apprehensive. The place screamed money. Dalton had tried giving me his heavy credit card, but when I had refused it, he had given it to Holly who was more than happy to take it.
Maria’s cheeks were flushed—a sure sign she was excited—and she linked her arm with mine as Holly ushered us into the building. The door rang with a sweet chime as it shut behind us, and not even ten seconds later, a large man in black slacks and a silk purple button-down came hurrying towards us.
“Amore mio!” He embraced Holly and kissed her cheeks. “How I have missed you! And you brought friends!”
The man I assumed was Donni turned to Maria and me, still standing behind the door. He embraced us each inturn. “Bellissima,assolutamente bellissima. Yes, yes this is going to be wonderful.” He was loud and exuberant, smelling of expensive cologne, and his thick Italian accent made him just a little hard to understand. His bald head was so shiny, I could practically see my reflection in it.
“So, um… how do you know Holly?”
