The only time the Secret Service moved was when Mitchell did. When they finally got up and made their way into the game room to watch TV, the agents followed. By then, they had swapped out for another pair. Really, it was confusing. Just statues in black suits.
In fact, when Drew heard the front door, the agents still didn’t move. Though he assumed it was because they’d already been notified through their earpieces who was entering.
“We’re back!” Loretta Preston’s voice rang out from the entryway.
“We’re in here, Loretta,” Mitchell said, rising to go greet his wife.
Drew and Gray got up, too, and headed toward the living room, where an obscene number of packages were being laid down on the sofas.
“Holy shit, Evelyn. Did you buy out the mall?” Gray went over and put his arms around his fiancée.
“Seems that way, doesn’t it?” Evelyn kissed Gray. “My feet and back are killing me. Your mother is a world-class shopper.”
Drew zeroed in on Carolina, who looked sexy in tight jeans, knee-skimming black boots, and a long sweater. She turned and saw him, then smiled. “It’s much easier to shop when you have the Secret Service as an escort. It’s like the parting of the Red Sea. We had no trouble getting into any of the stores.”
Loretta laughed. “That’s because the boys always have to clear out the store in advance. Kind of embarrassing, really. It’s not like anyone knew we were coming.”
“Protocol, ma’am,” one of the men said.
Loretta waved her hand. “I know, but still, if I’d thought about it in advance, we could have shopped online. I hated inconveniencing all of those other shoppers.”
“Mom, I think all those other shoppers enjoyed getting a glimpse of Phil and Leon’s muscles. I don’t think they minded at all.” Carolina winked at her mother.
“If you say so. Either way, it was such a fun day. And now I’m utterly exhausted.” She looped her arm through Mitchell’s. “How was your day?”
“Good. Busy. Hung out with the boys for a while.”
Loretta turned to Drew. “Oh, Drew, I’m so sorry to be rude.” She came up and put her arms around him to give him a hug. “We’re so glad you’re here.”
He hugged her back. “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Preston.”
“Loretta. Stop being so formal. We want you to feel at home.” She pulled back. “Carolina tells me your parents are off on a cruise for the holidays?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“How lovely for them. I’d love to take a cruise with Mitchell sometime. Please have your mother call me after she gets back. I want to hear all about it.”
“I’ll be sure to do that. She’d love to talk to you.”
“Would you like me to help you carry these packages upstairs?” Mitchell asked.
“Yes, that would be great. My feet are sore and right now I’d love nothing more than to soak in a bubble bath. It’s been a long and very taxing day.”
Loretta turned to Carolina and Evelyn and hugged them both. “Thank you for spending the day with me. I enjoyed it so much.”
“I did, too, Mom,” Carolina said, kissing her mother on the cheek.
“Thanks, Mom. You helped me finish up my Christmas shopping,” Evelyn said.
“Good night, all,” Mitchell said, arms laden with bags as he followed Loretta up the stairs. The agents followed behind them.
Evelyn fell onto the sofa and propped her feet up. “Lord, what an exhausting day.”
“I could rub your feet or give you a bubble bath,” Gray said, waggling his brows.
Evelyn laughed and patted his leg. “Both are very enticing options. I’ll reserve both for later. Right now I’m just enjoying not standing.”
“I’m with you on that,” Carolina said. She took off her boots and, with a loud groan, pulled her feet up on the sofa. Drew took a spot on the same sofa, but deliberately didn’t sit too close to her.
“So shopping was fun?” he asked.
“For us, yes,” Carolina said. “For you and Gray it would have been torture. Be thankful you weren’t here.”
“Hey, I was here, and I was spared,” Gray said.
“You were. Your mother suggested I invite you. I said you wanted to spend time with your dad today. See how deeply I love you?” Evelyn batted her lashes at Gray.
“It’s obviously true love. And you have my undying gratitude.” Gray brushed his lips across Evelyn’s.
“Ugh. You two should get a room,” Carolina said.
“We have a room. Upstairs, as a matter of fact. And that hot bath your mother mentioned is sounding better and better. I can’t believe it’s ten thirty.”
Drew arched a brow. “Shopping marathon.”
“Well, to be fair, we did stop and eat breakfast. And lunch.”
“And dinner,” Evelyn added. “So we did get to sit down here and there. But still, my future mother-in-law can shop, and once she gets started, she goes and goes. And goes.”
Evelyn yawned.
Gray stood and held out his hand. “Come on. Hot bath time for you. Then we’ll cuddle up on the bed and watch movies.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She waved at Drew and Carolina. “Good night you two.”
“Night,” Carolina said.
“Good night.”