Page 82 of Tempting the Dhampir

“Of course. Surprise first, dick later. Got it.” To prove I understand, I give him a thumbs-up.

Chapter thirty-seven

Everett

I’m so unbelievably excited to show Sadie her surprise, not even my father can spoil my mood.

“Any hints about what it is?” Sadie asks, shifting for the umpteenth time in her seat.

At first I thought she was squirming with need, but the scent of her arousal is sitting at a normal level for her. I’ve gotten so good at gauging her mood that I know the move is not based on a need for friction. Curious.

“You get no hints. It’ll be too obvious. Just five more minutes,” I say as I spot the building down the street from my hotel.

The total drive being less than ten minutes away was one of the major factors for me choosing this place.

“Fine.” She pouts, though I can see it’s in jest as her lips curve up at the corners.

“Can you tell me about my surprise?” I ask her, imitating her pout.

She giggles at my attempt, the sound so beautiful it makes my cock stir. I reach over to hold her hand for the last minute of the drive, basking in the sweet relief of being done with my father and my past and starting my future with Sadie.

The fates really proved their ingenuity when they made our paths cross. The ability to also choose our relationship is the cherry on top.

Her brows draw tight as we pull into the empty parking lot of the dark building.

“Sit tight,” I tell her, rushing to open her door.

The two-story building’s glass facade greets us as we make our way up the stairs. None of the lights are on, but Las Vegas Boulevard is lit up enough that we don’t require it.

I pass Sadie the key. “Go ahead, unlock it.”

Her brow pulls down even farther, eyes darting around as she searches for a possible explanation for what’s happening. I wordlessly encourage her to proceed, pointing with my eyes to the door, and she finally does my bidding.

Walking into the cavernous space, she moves her head from side to side, taking in each detail. From the high ceilings, to the hardwood flooring, to the empty walls. The place is utterly gutted, but I thought it best this way.

“What do you think?” I ask, my heart beating like a bass drum in my chest, my palms clammy.

Her confusion seems to intensify. “What is this place?”

“It’s yours.”

“To do what with?”

“To open your rental shop. Sparkly stuff for women visiting Vegas.”

“You got me a shop?”

“I got you the building. Thought it would be good if you wanted to expand. One side you could have rentals, other side you could have purchases. Maybe add on-site seamstresses for tailoring. I wanted to help you make your dream come true.”

Sadie’s eyebrows shoot into her hairline, and her jaw drops. She shakes her head as a disbelieving smile takes over her face. “You bought me a building? Just like that?”

“Uh… yeah? Is that overstepping?” I grimace, hoping I don’t burden her with my slightly extravagant gift.

She walks up to me and cups my cheeks. Tilting my face down to her, she draws me close until our foreheads touch. “This is outrageous. You’re outrageous. But you’re my outrageous male.”

Sadie slides her arms around my neck as we pull back just enough to see each other clearly. “You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ve got to say it to you again right now. I love you, Everett Ülavere. I’ve always liked sparkly things, but you’re the brightest star in my universe. I can’t help but be drawn to you. You eclipse everything and everyone in my life. I’d love you no matter what. Even if the fates hadn’t intervened, I believe we would’ve found each other. I’m excited to stay here with you, to build a life with you, a future.”

“Sadie-queen, you stole my words. I had a whole thing planned for how I wanted my love confession to go. I’ve been working on it all day.”

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