“I’m ready whenever you guys are.”
“Claire should be out in a few,” she says with a happy sigh. She’s dressed in a beautiful red sundress, the hem hitting her at mid-thigh, showing off her gorgeous legs. I trail a finger down the thin strap on her shoulder, longing to push it off her and have my way with her.
But that’ll come later. Or rather, Fallon will come later.
“Why did you just smirk?” she asks, narrowing her beautiful, green eyes.
I lean in and kiss her neck. “I was just thinking about all the ways I’m going to make you come later.”
She takes a deep breath, her breasts rising and falling with the motion.
“I’m certain I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you are,” I say. Her hair is pulled up with tendrils falling around her face. Her makeup is subtle, as always, but it’s pretty.
“You look pretty damn good yourself,” she says. “I like this shirt. Is it new?”
“Maybe.”
I bought it today while she and Claire were at the spa.
“I think I’m ready,” Claire says as she hurries out of the guest room. “I know I’m hungry.”
“Me, too,” Fallon agrees. “Noah, let’s not take the Jeep. I worked too hard on my hair.”
“The SUV it is, then.” I hold the door open for the girls, and when we’re all settled, I drive us toward town. “Did you two have a good time today?”
“It was so good,” Fallon says, glancing back at Claire for confirmation. “Did you have Lucy for your massage?”
“Yes, and let me tell you, that girl has magic hands.”
“She should put that magic in a bottle,” Fallon agrees. “I’d buy it. I also had a facial and a mani-pedi. It was a full day of being pampered. Thanks again, Claire.”
“I got to participate in all of those things, as well,” she reminds us. “So, it was truly my pleasure.”
“I’m glad you had fun.” I take Fallon’s hand in mine and kiss it, watching the road as we approach town. “You smell good.”
“Thanks.” She grins as I park in front of Ciao. “This is my favorite restaurant. It’s Italian. You’re going to love it.”
“Spa and carbs, all in the same day?” Claire asks with a laugh. “Sign me up.”
We get out of the vehicle and walk inside. My nerves are back on high-alert. What if she hates this? What if it pisses her off?
Maybe I fucked up.
“I have a reservation,” I say to the hostess. “Noah King.”
She checks her list and then nods and winks at me. “We have you upstairs. This way.”
She grabs menus, normal as you please, and then leads us up the staircase to the room I reserved.
As soon as we reach the top of the stairs, the place erupts in chaos.
“SURPRISE!”
Fallon stops in her tracks, her green eyes wide as she looks around the room. My mom and Autumn decorated the space with green balloons and streamers, adding in other colors for fun. I had Brooke’s Blooms outfit each table with a bouquet of summer flowers, and Maisey made the cake.
For only having a two-day lead time, I don’t think it’s half bad.
“Holy shit,” Fallon mutters, staring up at me. “You did all of this?”
“I had help,” I say with a wink.
“Happy birthday, sweet girl,” Mom says, giving Fallon a hug. The room is full of the whole King family, including Seth and his girlfriend.
Not to mention, the Hull family. Between all of us, it’s a packed room.
And, by the look on Fallon’s face, she’s overwhelmed.
“I—” She swallows hard. “I’ll be right back.”
She hurries away, and Claire moves to follow, but I stop her. “I’ll go. Mom, this is Claire. Do you mind—?”
“We’re great,” Mom says, smiling at Claire. “Welcome, Claire. Let me introduce you…”
I hurry down the stairs where Fallon fled, and head for the women’s bathroom.
I march right in without hesitation.
“You can’t be in here,” Fallon says, wiping at her cheeks.
“No one’s ever going to keep me from getting to you. I don’t give a shit what’s on the door. What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“Nothing at all,” she says, shaking her head and reaching for a paper towel. She dabs carefully under her eyes. “I must have something in my eye.”
“Hey.” I grip her shoulders and gently turn her to face me. “Talk to me.”
She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I was not expecting that.”
“That’s the whole purpose of a surprise party. You’re not supposed to know.”
She laughs and lays her hand on my chest, just over my heart. “I know that, smartass, it was just so…new. I don’t think anyone’s ever thrown a party like this for me before.”
“Well, then it’s past time they did.” I kiss her forehead softly, breathing her in. “Come on, they’re excited to celebrate you.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, then launches herself into my arms, hugging me fiercely. “Thank you for the best birthday ever.”