“That sounds very boring.” Her flashing eyes told him she was lying. “How about I tie you to the bed and make you watch all seven seasons of the Gilmore Girls with me?”
“That sounds like torture. What I have planned is all about pleasure,” he murmured, kissing her softly.
She arched against him, kissing him back, then drew away when the sound of the doorbell echoed through his mother’s house. “Saved by the bell,” she whispered, smiling.
“Not saved. Just postponed.” He took her hand. “Come on, let’s get this over with. And by the way, my mother may have made up two rooms for us, but you’re sleeping with me tonight.”
“All right, but no funny business, not with your mom here.”
“You owe me funny business,” he whispered in her ear, pushing the door to his bedroom open so they could walk down the hallway toward the stairs. “You owe it to me big time.”
The guests were milling about in his mother’s drawing room, a low hum of conversation echoing through the doors as they made their way inside. The room was beautiful, facing west, so the setting sun cast a warm glow through the glass doors that led to the gardens.
Daniel poured a glass of water for himself and a gin and tonic for Becca. She smiled with appreciation as he passed the glass to him.
“Darlings, I was about to come searching for you.” His mother walked toward them, a big smile on her face. “Though I would have knocked first, of course.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. “Happy birthday. Again.” He kissed her cheek, and she patted his. “Can I do anything?”
“Just be here. That makes me happy enough. Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes,” she told him. She knew he’d need to inject his fast acting insulin before they ate. He glanced at his watch, noting the time.
She turned to hug Becca. “I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for coming.”
Becca shot him a smug glance. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“And thank you for your gift. The flowers were beautiful and that vase is perfect.”
“You’re so welcome. The painted ceramic reminded me of the beautiful plates you have on the walls. I thought it would fit in nicely.”
“It really does. And as for you,” Eliana turned to Daniel. “You spoiled me. A week in Tokyo?”
“It was from Nathan and me.” Daniel shrugged, avoiding Becca’s knowing smile. Okay, so it had been her idea. But he’d organized and paid for it. “He can’t wait for you to visit.”
“I’m so excited. I just wish you two could come, too.” She pouted a little.
“Who would run the distillery?” Daniel asked, his voice light. “And anyway, it’s your gift, not mine.”
The doorbell rang again, and Eliana nodded at one of the staff, who walked into the hallway to answer. A moment later he walked back in, followed by Nina and Charles, along with Lawrence and Melissa, the four of them standing together in silence as they looked around the room.
Daniel exhaled slowly, keeping his expression impassive. Becca hooked her finger through his, and it made him relax.
“I’m so pleased you could make it,” his mom said warmly, as she walked over to greet his siblings. “Nina, you look beautiful. Where did you get that dress?”
“I see the McHaggersons have made it,” a throaty voice whispered in Daniel’s ear. He turned to see Julia grinning at him and Becca. “I told your mom to give up on the happy family harmony, but she still keeps trying.”
“She’s very trying.” Daniel lifted a brow.
“Becca, how are you, darling?” Julia asked, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. “I’m so glad you came. I have a feeling you’re the reason this grump is here, so thank you. Eliana’s been so excited that you’re both here to celebrate with her.”
“I’m glad to be here.” Becca smiled. “I love your hair. Is that purple?”
“Pink and purple streaks.” Julia patted her head. “I figure I may as well grow old disgracefully.”
Daniel could see his family moving toward them from the corner of his eye. A better man would have walked over and welcomed them effusively. But then he’d never pretended to be that.
“Daniel.” Lawrence nodded at him. “Ah, and the beautiful Becca.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek, and Becca held her breath until he’d moved away. For a moment there was small talk, as Nina and Charles hugged them both, and Becca spoke softly to Julia about something he couldn’t quite hear.
Melissa was silent. She looked strange, her eyes red rimmed as though she’d been crying. Not her usual unflappable self, at all. Not that it was his problem, but it made him feel awkward.