Page 53 of Baby Bombshell for the Boss

“Of course. It’s my pleasure,” he assured her. “You know, every time I go to work and sit in my office, I remember what good work you do. If getting back out there is what you want, I’m glad you’re doing it, because I think the world really needs your talents.”

She smiled. “That’s a sweet thing to say.”

“It’s just the truth,” he said. "Now, how’s our boy been today?”

“He’s good. His usual wild self,” she added, laughing. “Full of energy as always.”

“Well, then, it’s a good thing we’re going out tonight,” he said.

“Are we going out? This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

“There’s a dress in your closet. I hung it there this morning. I’m surprised you didn’t notice.”

Ivy laughed. “I’ve been so distracted by Jake today that you probably could have hit me in the head with it and I wouldn’t have noticed,” she said. “Where are we going?”

“Nowhere special. Just down to the office.”

“You got me a new dress to go down to the office?”

Elliot chuckled. “I got you a new dress because I wanted to see you in it,” he said. “You’re going to look great. Go put it on. Jake and I will wait here.”

Ivy went into the bedroom and opened the closet. Sure enough, there was a little black dress hanging on the back of the door. It was the kind of thing she might have picked out for herself, but would never have had the guts to actually buy. She could only imagine what this must have cost. Even now, this far into their relationship, it made her feel strange to have Elliot buy things for her sometimes — but she was adjusting to it. And the thought of how he must have thought through the decision to buy it — he must have wanted to see her in it — removed any hesitation she might have felt.

She put it on. It was a perfect fit, as everything he bought for her always was, and she turned around to admire herself in the full-length mirror that stood in the corner of the room. She wondered why he would have gone out of his way to buy a dress for her to wear tonight, of all nights — but then, she supposed it wasn’t really that out of character. He liked to buy her things.

She went back out into the kitchen to show it off to him.

“Look, Jake!” he exclaimed. “Doesn’t Mama look pretty?”

Jake held out his arms for Ivy, and she went to him and took him. “Is Jake coming with us tonight?” she asked. “Or do you have a babysitter?”

“No, we’re bringing him along,” Elliot said. “I thought it would be nice for him to see where his dad works — and to see the office his mom designed.”

“Baby’s first trip to the office, huh?” she grinned.

“Something like that. Ready to go?”

“How are we getting there?”

“I’ve got a car waiting downstairs.”

“You really thought this whole thing out.” She was impressed, but not surprised. She had known him long enough now to be aware that it was typical for him to think things through. The more unusual thing would have been if he hadn’t had a plan.

They fastened Jake into his car seat, carried it down and strapped it into the car Elliot had hired for the evening. When they arrived a few minutes later, Elliot took the seat out of the car and carried it in.

“Remember the first time we came here?” he asked Ivy.

“Oh, I remember,” she said. She didn’t think she’d forget that night as long as she lived.

“You wondered if we were allowed to be here.”

“I didn’t know who you were yet,” she reminded him. “I wouldn’t have been so concerned about it if I’d known that.”

“You liked me before you knew who I was,” he said. “I don’t know if you realized at the time what a big deal that was to me, but it was the first time I’d ever experienced anything like that. With you, I never had to wonder whether it was just the money or the status that interested you. I think you might have liked me a little less when you found out who I really was, actually.”

“I’m glad you didn’t tell me right away,” she agreed. “I don’t know if it’s true that I liked you less, but it’s definitely true that I was wary of you after I found out. I’m glad I got to know you as a person before thinking about the rest of it.”

“And now?” He grinned at her. “Do you wish I was someone else?”

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