Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Dexter glanced at Primrose, who was looking at the tiara intently.
“It’s a sentimental touch without taking away from the theme.”
“You mean here?” Primrose asked, pointing to the sides of the tiara. I nodded. “Create that bunting feel—that was what we were trying to do when we designed the queen’s tiara—make it a celebration.”
I shrugged. “But it’s beautiful as it is, too,” I said.
Dexter chuckled. “You need to have more faith in yourself,” he said. “Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Primrose, Frank, let’s discuss in my office.” And he swept out, leaving me unsure of whether I’d embarrassed myself with my naïve ideas, or doubled my money by giving away to the entire team that Dexter and I were in a relationship.
Twenty-Four
Hollie
It had been a tough week and I was looking forward to the weekend, but I’d never thought I could enjoy a job before working at Daniels & Co. I pushed through the doors to Dexter’s apartment building to find him pacing in front of the concierge desk in the lobby.
“Hey,” I said. “What are you doing home and what are you doing down here?” He normally didn’t get back until around eight.
He beamed at me and raced over, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the elevators. “It’s your birthday tomorrow,” he said.
“Did I tell you that?” I asked. I was sure I hadn’t mentioned it. The last thing I needed was to give Dexter an excuse to buy more expensive gifts.
“Sort of. You told me it was in a few weeks and I did some detective work.”
The doors to the elevator slid open and Dexter ushered me inside.
“Are we in a hurry?” I asked, and he grinned as wide as the ocean.
“So, I’ve been wondering what I could get you for your birthday. I realize you’re not a Chanel bag kind of girl.”
“More a pint of Rocky Road and Netflix.”
He leaned and placed a kiss on my lips. It started off as a peck before he slid his tongue between my lips and I slipped my hands up his chest. He groaned and pulled away.
Something must be wrong. Usually, I’d be half undressed by the time the elevator reached the penthouse.
“We were talking about your birthday. I’ve arranged an early gift. I hope you like it,” he said as we stepped out of the lift.
Oh gosh. I hoped he hadn’t bought me anything too extravagant. I really would have liked to just spend the day in bed, watching movies with Autumn on FaceTime. It was our long-standing birthday tradition, and while I was in no way sad to spend my birthday with Dexter, a part of me felt a pang of longing for my sister. “I’m sure whatever it is, it will be lovely,” I said.
When we got to his front door, instead of pulling out his key, he stood behind me and moved me onto the mat, so I was facing the door. Then he knocked. On his own front door.
“What are you doing?” I asked, turning my head.
He pointed ahead of me as I heard rustling at the door. Who was in there?
The door flew open and Autumn was standing opposite me. Before I had a chance to react, she leapt into my arms, circling her arms and legs around me like she used to when she was a toddler. “I’ve missed you so much.”
She slid down my body as I started to cry. I couldn’t believe she was here. I turned to Dexter to see him grinning at the pair of us.
“Dexter,” I said, standing up on tiptoes and reaching up for a kiss. “I can’t believe—how did you—”
“I can explain the logistics later. Let’s get inside.”
“It gets better,” Autumn said, linking her arm into mine as we clattered into the hallway.
How was she here? How did Dexter know that Autumn being here was the only thing I really wanted for my birthday? How was it possible that I was in London with my two favorite people in the world?
“I’m in here,” Autumn said, pointing to one of the guest bedrooms.
“But I’ve set up a little something in here,” Dexter said, showing us into another of the guest bedrooms.
I gasped as we went in. The ceiling was covered in balloons of every color, and there was a huge Happy Birthday banner stretched across one wall.
“I know it’s not until tomorrow but I thought you might want to get a head start. Seeing as Autumn is here.”
Why had he set this up in the guest bedroom? I squinted at a weird-looking piece of new furniture in the corner. “Is that a fridge?”
“Holy shit, you’re going to love this,” Autumn said. She sprang across the room and opened the door, revealing a hundred tubs of ice cream.
“I got a few flavors,” Dexter said, nodding to the window. “And the TV is set up. You can watch Netflix, the Housewives. Anything you want.”