Tit. I giggle like a ten-year-old.
My thumbs race across the keypad. “I’m throbbing so hard from your post. Wish you could take care of it for me.” Since I’m feeling extra wicked, I snap a pic of my damp cleavage, which I haven’t dried off yet.
A minute later, as I’m applying some mascara, I smile when I hear him groan from the other room and know he’s read my response to his video.
Payback is a dirty bitch named Evie.
I snicker, knowing Josh loves this.
This is what we do. We make each other insane with lust and then come home and rip each other’s clothes off. Yes, it’s crazy, but it’s our kind of crazy.
By the time we’re both seated in his car, the sexual tension is thick. I know he got off this morning, but he’s looking at me that way.
His eyes travel over my simple V-neck T-shirt and jeans and then back up again. “Definitely not waiting until tonight to get my hands on you.”
He’s the only man who makes me feel beautiful when I’m wearing Levis and work boots.
Laughing, I thread my fingers through his thick hair and kiss his beautiful lips. “Let’s go before we’re late.”
Chauncey pokes his wet nose between the seats, nudging me back, and Josh rubs our pooch’s furry head before he tells him to sit. Of course, Chauncey moves back and actually sits. When I give him a direction, the damn dog just wags his tail and smiles at me like I’m an idiot. So you can add dog whisperer to Josh’s many talents.
The drive to the property is only about a half hour, but it’s so scenic, I forget this is work.
That’s been the biggest change in the last year, aside from moving in with Josh. While I love helping him and his architecture firm when they need it, I’m also filling my days renovating a hundred-year-old farmhouse. It’s this gorgeous property with high-beamed ceilings and a beautifully rustic vibe. We’ve made it bright and airy and so damn homey, I might cry when we sell it.
But the insane part is that the whole process is being filmed for a TV show. Because after six months of posting on that fancy little blog Josh designed for me, two Bravo producers approached us about doing our own DIY renovation show. Just like This Old House!
Josh’s cell lights with a call, and he answers it on the speakerphone. “Morning, Penny. What’s up?”
“Morning, Josh! I just wanted to remind you about that conference call this evening with that museum about the sustainable garden.”
“Thank you. Can you follow up on the license for the Anderson property for me?”
I smile as I watch him talk, loving that he hired Penny when he had an opening at his firm. Because she really kicks ass at her job, provided the phone system isn’t archaic.
As Josh’s SUV bumps along the last stretch of road before we reach the property, he reaches over and weaves his fingers through mine.
“You nervous?” he asks me when he gets off the call.
I shake my head. “I’m excited. I can’t believe we’re wrapping on the first season today.” Truthfully, I’m so completely elated. “This whole thing—the farm, the blog, the show—it’s a dream come true. Thank you, honey. I can say for a fact that I wouldn’t have done this without you.”
He pulls my hand to his mouth and presses a warm kiss to my wrist. “I have a little surprise for you.”
I know I’m smiling like a fool, but my boyfriend’s surprises are the best. “Tell me!”
“Nope. That would ruin the surprise.” He pushes up his black-rimmed glasses and gives me a cheeky grin.
“Who’s the tease now?” I huff.
That only makes him smile wider.
When he pulls up to the driveway, I stare in wonder.
“Why are all of these cars here?” Usually it’s just us and the small film crew, but there have to be at least ten other vehicles here.
“We’re having a little party to celebrate your show.”
“Our show. And you’re throwing a party at”—I glance at my phone—“eight a.m.?”
He shrugs. “You know, when the taping is done. So it’ll be brunch or lunch or whatever.”
“Really?” As soon as he turns off the engine, I fling my arms over and wrap him in a hug. “No one has ever thrown me a party.”
Leaning back, he frowns at me. “That can’t be true.”
“You know it was just my dad and me growing up, and I didn’t want him to stress out over my birthday, so when he asked if I wanted a party, I always told him no.” I kiss his cheek. “Thank you. This is so sweet of you.”
My stomach is fluttering by the time we open the front door, but when I see my dad, Kendall, and Josh’s parents standing there, I start to freak out.
Turning around, I blink back tears.
Josh pulls me to his chest and whispers, “It’s your big day, baby. Everyone is so proud of you.”
Nodding, I wipe away the tears. “I’m just overwhelmed.” I look up at him and give him a watery smile.
“Love you, Evie.”
My eyes sting. “Love you too.”
He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead and slowly turns me around to face our friends and family. I smile when I see Josh give my dad a bro hug. Those two have come a long way. Yes, my father had some serious reservations, but Josh made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. It doesn’t hurt that my boyfriend invites him over every Sunday afternoon to barbecue and watch sports.
I follow behind him, hugging my dad.
“Good job, jelly bean,” he tells me. “This place looks great.”
“Thanks, Pops.”
As soon as I let go of my dad, Kendall practically tackles me, and we both laugh and jump around a little, but when I get to Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I freeze. I’ve never hugged them before. Frankly, they seem so untouchable. Thus far, we’ve only had a few awkward lunches, but I know they’re trying.
His mom’s eyes soften as she takes in my emotional state, and the next thing I know, she’s wrapping me in her arms. Holy shit. Josh’s mom is hugging me!
“I’m so glad my son has found a wonderful girl like you, Evelyn. Congratulations on your show.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Cartwright. That means a lot to me,” I say as we part.
“Call me Mitzy. For now at least.” She gives Josh this quirky little smile, and I look at him, totally confused. What does that mean? For now, at least? And she’s giving me permission to call her Mitzy?
I nod, but I don’t have time to get any more freaked out because Josh’s dad is hugging me too. I’m officially in The Twilight Zone.