Page 117 of When You Were Mine

“You know I have my own place here, right?” She seemed confused. “It’s got a fridge and everything. Like, you know, my slippers and sweatpants.”

He laughed but didn’t want to give away too much. “We’ll get those heels off, no worries there. Let me change out of my tux first.”

“Good point.”

Hand in hand, they walked down the hallway. The black textured wallpaper bordered with bronze scrollwork and the sconces with black lampshades lent an air of elegance. “This might be the fanciest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.”

“That was the plan. I took my time with this one.”

He opened the door to find the room service cart waiting in the foyer of his suite.

“What’s this?” She lifted the silver dome. “Cookies?” In the carafe, she found hot chocolate. “Did you order this?”

He nodded, really damn pleased with the sparkle in her eyes.

“Did you know we deliver cookies and milk to every room with kids?” she asked.

“No, I didn’t. But that’s adorable.”

“So, wait. You did this forme?”

She seemed so touched that he planted a kiss on her mouth. The roar of desire threatened to sweep him away, but he had a plan for tonight and touching her would have to wait.

She took a bite of a cookie. “Mm. They’re still warm, and the chocolate chips are melted. Yummy.”

He gasped. “Did you just eat Santa’s cookie? Dammit, Elzy. Now, we’re not getting any presents.”

“Oh, believe me. I got the only present I’ve ever wanted.”

“Which is…” He playfully touched his fingertips to his chest. “Me?”

She laughed. “Yes, you.”

“Damn right.” Taking her hand, he led her into the living room of his suite.

She came to a hard stop when she took in the Christmas tree and the string of white lights glinting off the silver, gold, and red decorations. “Did you do this?”

“It was a team effort. I chartered a jet, so I actually landed before you, but I had to get things set up. You can thank your concierge for providing me with the supplies.”

She noticed the presents surrounding the base of the tree. “What is all this?”

“I did some shopping in Iceland.”

She glanced at him. “Oh. So, this is for your grandkids?”

“No, sweetheart. It’s all for you.” He picked up a gift, sloppily wrapped. “Sorry, it’s messy. I had to dress and get to the chapel. That’s why I was a little late.”

“You think I care how it’s wrapped? I can’t believe you did this.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You made the magic forme. Thank you.”

“Sweetheart, you are the magic.” He pulled away. “Now, come on. Let’s change and open some presents.”

“I don’t have any clothes here.”

“Huh. Let’s see if we can find you something.” He searched for the rectangular box. “Here. Open this while I get out of this suit.” He started into the closet when she crooked a finger.

“Strip right here. I’ll never get tired of looking at your body.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot.” He ducked when she threw her high heel at him. “Just open the present.” He untied his dress shoes and kicked them off. Before joining her by the tree, he wheeled the room service table over. Beside the carafe of Coco’s Hot Chocolate sat a crystal bowl of homemade marshmallows.

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