Page 27 of Unwrapped

“Really?” I ask. “How does she do that?”

“Just by being her.”

I start rummaging through the underwear, knowing exactly what I’m looking for.

“Is this a gift for Christmas?”

“No, I wouldn’t get her underwear for Christmas. This is just for tonight.”

“In that case, I think I know just the thing. Is there a budget, sir?”

He cackles at the question, then slowly shakes his head as he mouths the word “no.”

I turn toward the side of the store and find a short, red satin robe. Beneath that is a matching cami set. I also find a black, lace bustier and a matching thong. He smiles when he sees it.

“Do you think these will work, sir?”

“Perfect,” he says. I hand him the items, and he takes them from me, making sure his fingers touch my hand in the process. “Just a few more things for her to keep at my place.”

I follow him and watch as he picks out about half a dozen panties and matching bras.

“Are you sure those are the right size?” I ask.

“Positive.” I grab a bag for him, and he puts everything inside.

“Your girlfriend is a very lucky girl,” I tell him, smiling shyly as I look into his eyes.

“You think so?”

“I know it. I’m sure she knows it too.”

“I hope so. I try to show her. I’m going to go pay. I’m hoping my girlfriend meets me outside of your store in a few minutes for lunch.” He checks his watch and starts walking to the long line at the cash register.

“I’m sure she’ll be there,” I say to him.

I walk to Marissa and tell her I’ll be taking lunch soon. She nods at me, too busy ringing up sales to pay any attention. I return to the floor, and the minute I see him walk out, shopping bag in hand, I go in the break room and clock out.

As soon as I step out of the store and into the crowded mall, I see him. He’s leaning on the wall right across from Victoria’s Secret, watching me. He smiles when he finally sees me, and I nearly skip to where he is. Nick opens his arms, and I fly in. He lifts me off the ground before kissing me softly. I cling to him, smelling his cologne as he holds me close.

“There’s my girl,” he says, kissing my forehead.

“I’ve missed you,” I say to him, realizing the truth of my words. It’s only been a few hours, but he’s all I’ve thought about since I walked out of his house this morning.

“Me too. How long do I get you for?” I wrap my arms around his bicep, and we start walking.

“Forty-five minutes.”

“Let’s eat. I have something to talk to you about.”

^^^^

We opted for something light, Cobb salads for both of us, and luckily, we found a table in the middle of the crowded food court.

“Ireland for Christmas, huh? That sounds amazing,” I say to him as I steal a slice of avocado from his bowl.

“So, she feels bad about not spending Christmas with me. I thought I’d invite them over for dinner Friday night and show off the place.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.” I’m already disappointed he’ll be busy on Friday, and I won’t get to spend time with him.

---