Page 78 of She's a Big Deal

As she opened the box, Olivia bit her bottom lip in awe and wonder.Oh, Jesus!

“Grace.”

“Art is life, and you create with wood.” Grace nodded, her crystal-blue eyes sparkling beautifully. “So I thought a little Tree of Life might be a meaningful symbol for you.”

“It’s solid gold!”

“Yes, it is.”

And heavy in her hand too... On a solid gold chain. Oliviastared at the necklace as Grace eyed her quizzically. “Well. Do you like it?”

“I love it. It’s beautiful… And so intricately carved! Grace, I think it’s exquisite.”

“I had it made for you in Chicago.”

“It’s bespoke?”

“Hmm-mm. May I?”

Olivia nodded as Grace took the necklace from her with a smile and stood at her side to pass it around her neck. Part of her wanted to say it was too much… It was too expensive, and she did not deserve it. This sort of weight in gold must have cost Grace a small fortune! Olivia also suspected that a small fortune to her, even though she made a good living from her work, must be a drop in the ocean for her lover. Grace probably would not like to hear Olivia call herself unworthy of such a gift. And bickering about money would take away from the richness and connection of the moment. Not to mention being unattractive. She touched the necklace and glanced down to look at it.

“I love it,” she repeated. “And the symbol, too. It’s perfect.”

“Gold brings out the sparkle in your dark eyes,” Grace told her. “And it looks good on your skin.” She traced a light knuckle along the line of her jaw and flashed her a wink and a teasing smirk. “I chose well, didn’t I?”

Olivia burst out laughing and threw both arms around her neck.

“Incredibly well. Thank you! My present to you is going to feel quite insignificant compared to yours.”

“I don’t think anything that comes from you ever could,” Grace murmured.

Olivia watched her tear through the wrapping paper with obvious enthusiasm, and pull out a pair of sturdy winter gloves.There was also a red ski cap with a white pom-pom shaped like a snowflake attached to it.

“Hmm,” Grace said with a raised eyebrow at the swinging flake.

“I am fully aware it’s not your style,” Olivia chuckled. “But I see you constantly walking around without a hat or gloves, and that’s asking for trouble in this weather. Also, you’ll look cute with the hat on.”

“You think so?”

When Grace pulled it on over her blond hair, Olivia had to revise her opinion. The headgear took nothing away from her aura of authority and power. But a light tease about that was better than admitting the mushy truth of it. Olivia wanted to keep her safe and warm and look after her in all the little ways that mattered.

“Well,” she considered. “Maybe not cute as such, but it does add a touch of quirk to your kickass vibe.”

Grace gave her the kind of smile that cut right through her heart. And with a quick glance at the door to make sure they were still alone, she dropped her purposeful attitude.

“I never think of stuff like that, you know?”

“Well, you live in Miami, so…”

“No, no. I mean sensible accessories to make my life easier.”

“You learned to tough it out.”

“Maybe.” Her gaze turned pensive and then she shrugged. “Yeah, probably. Your gift is sweet and thoughtful. I understand and appreciate the intention behind it. Thank you, darling.”

“Grace?”

“Yes?”

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