“Very much so, sir.”
Drew smiled. Very official. And the guy hadn’t so much as moved. He supposed that was a good thing, but he’d bet the guy noticed every movement around them.
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.”