Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(92)

I’m lost for words. I run my thumb over the intricate detailing and the sentiment she’s lovingly etched into the truly beautiful golden instrument.

Feeling emotional, I utter in a gruff voice, “I wasn’t expecting this.”

She picks it out of my hand and starts repacking it. “It’s okay if you don’t like it. Who uses a sundial these days? Duh. You have that fancy watch on your wrist that probably cost the price of my car. I know, it’s cool. I get it. It’s a stupid gift.”

Clasping her wrist to stop her fumbling around, I say, “That’s not what I meant at all. It’s the most thoughtful present anyone has ever bought me.”

She looks at me suspiciously. “You’re not just saying that?”

“No. Never. I love it.”

“Yeah?” She throws her hand to her heart. “Well, that’s okay then. I thought with the story you told me about the day on the beach, you saw me, the clouds, the sun, your pet name for me.” She waves her hands about. “All of those things. You know?” She bites her bottom lip.

She’s nervous.

“It’s perfect. I will carry it with me always.” I place it into the palm of my hand again, examining the fine brass cogs and dials.

“You don’t have to,” she squeaks and pulls her shoulders up, thrilled I’ll be carrying a dollop of her with me everywhere I go.

Sunshine.

“I will. I want to.”

“Okay. Should I open mine now?”

“Please do.”

With bated breath, she slowly takes her time to pull apart the thin ribbon and then the white gift wrap.

She lets out a little squeal of excitement. “This is exciting. Oooo, a red box. What’s inside?” she whispers to herself with glee.

She gasps when she flips the top open. “Oh, my goodness. That is beautiful. Can I put it on?”

That was the plan.

She rests the red and gold box on my desk.

I point to it. “Do you know what it is?”

“A bracelet.” She looks at me, confused.

“Do you know what kind of bracelet it is?”

“A gold one?” she says slowly.

“Smart-ass.” We both laugh, then I explain. “This is a super special bracelet.” I carefully lift it out of the molded box. “An Italian jeweler invented it in the sixties. He grew up in Rome.” I tilt the bracelet. “You see that there?” I point to the screw lock.

“Yeah.” She’s fascinated. I’ve got her.

“Well, the only way to get it on and off is with this special little tool here.” I remove the tiny gold screwdriver from the velvet-lined box. I don’t think she saw that in there.

“Now, that is cute. Look at the size of it.” She goes all girly.

“Can I put it on you?”

“Why are you asking me that? Of course.”

“Well, because this is more than a bracelet. This is called a Love Bangle.”

She stills as if frozen in time.

“This bangle symbolizes something much deeper. Once locked on your wrist, it doesn’t slip off, and the only way to remove it is with this.”

I hold the screwdriver up to my face so she’s forced to make eye contact with me. “It’s a permanent symbol of love.”

I pause, letting that sink in.

“If I lock the bracelet on your wrist, I’m keeping you forever.”

Her sapphire eyes glaze over. When she finally blinks, fat teardrops plop onto her top, disappearing into the fabric.

Unexpectedly, she says, “This sucks.”

Fuck. I’ve read the signs all wrong.

“I’m sorry.” I lay the bracelet back into the box. “I have to get back to work.”

“What?” She sits with her mouth agape. “You will do no such thing, Mr. Black. You pick that bracelet up and lock that bad boy on my wrist right this very minute.”

“But you just said this sucks.” I’m confused.

“Yes, because your gift trumps mine by a gazillion times. This is a huge deal.” She looks into my eyes and cups my face. “A Love Bangle?” She thumbs my cheek with a goofy grin on her face, her eyes watery.

I nod nervously.

“You love me?” she asks quietly, her eyes searching mine for an answer.

“I do. I’ve fallen for you.”

“You love me.” She sighs as if the weight of the moon lifted off her shoulders. “I know how hard you find it to express yourself, but you have never needed to tell me. You care for me and my boys in ways a girl only dreams about. I’ve felt your love for me since I met you. All the way down into my tippy-toes, I feel it.”

She plants the softest kiss on my lips and looks deep into my eyes. “I love you, Knox. I love you more than the rays of the sun.”

“That's not a thing.”

“It could be. I love you more than the waves in the sea.”

“That’s better.”

“And I love you more than all the stars in the night sky.”

“That works.”

“It does.”

My heart does an Olympic backflip, it’s so fucking happy.

I’m happy.

We kiss for what feels like a lifetime. It’s slow and pure. Deep and sensual. She teases me with her tongue and our kiss turns erotic. Full of hope. Full of heat and passion. Adventures we’ve still to discover together.