Page 72 of Designs on You

“I am having fun. I went and did touristy things today while Eugene worked. Oh, and I shopped.”

“Shopping is very exciting there.”

“Yes, it is. How are the kids doing?”

“They’re just fine. Paul and I took them out for pizza last night, then we came home and played games until bedtime. Tonight we’re making tacos, and Christopher wants to build a fort in the living room. I’m putting Paul in charge of that.”

“They love tacos. And games of all kinds. Make sure they put all the fort things away when they’re done.”

“Oh, no worries there.”

“Thanks again for doing this, Mom. I really appreciate it.”

“And I appreciate having time with my grandchildren. You should go away more often.”

She laughed. They chatted awhile longer, then she hung up, took a deep breath, and let it out. Her kids were in good hands with her mom, and Hazel already told her that she and Linc were going to take the kids out on Friday night so Mom and Paul could have a break.

She was so grateful to have her mother and sister in her life, especially in light of her ex-husband not being as cooperative a parent as she would have liked. But she couldn’t make him step up and take responsibility for his children with the enthusiasm everyone else had for the kids, so she’d make sure her kids were extra loved by her family.

The door opened and Eugene walked in, looking especiallydelicious in a suit, though he carried the jacket over his arm, and the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up to his elbows.

She warmed just looking at him, then got up and went over to him, curling her hand around his neck. “Hi. How was your day?”

His lips curved and he drew her against him. “It was good.” He kissed her, a long, lingering kiss. “It’s perfect now. How was your day?”

She stepped back and took his suit jacket to the closet to hang it up. “It was good. I had fun today. How about you?”

He went to the bar and fixed himself a cold drink. “It was productive. We got a lot accomplished and a few problems resolved.”

“That’s good.” She took a seat in the living room, and he sat next to her.

“Tell me everything about your day.”

She loved that he’d asked, that he was even interested. She gave him a rundown of all the fun she’d had sightseeing, shared some pictures she had taken, and told him about the gifts she’d bought for her family.

“They’re going to love those,” he said, running his hand along her thigh.

“I got a gift for you as well.”

He gave her a curious look. “You did? Really?”

“Yes.” She got up and went to the closet, bringing back a gift bag and handing it to him as she took a seat next to him.

“You didn’t have to do this.” He held the bag with both hands, but hadn’t yet looked to see what was in it.

“I saw it and thought of you.” She waited, but he still hadn’t moved. “Open the bag, Eugene.”

He did, pulling out the box. He looked at her and frowned, then opened the box and gave her a surprised look.

“I noticed you didn’t wear a smart watch.”

He shrugged. “Not really my thing.”

“But I thought you might want one that just tells time.” She held up her wrist to show him her watch. “I don’t always like to have to look at my phone to see what time it is.”

“This is…wow. It’s really cool, Natalie.” He took the watch out and slid it on his wrist.

Natalie had to admit that it looked sexy on him. A gunmetal gray, it was simple in design and utterly masculine.

---