Page 56 of Moonshot

“Hi, Ava. You have any big plans tonight?”

“As a matter of fact, I plan to take a hot soak with a book boyfriend.” I laugh. “Why, what are you up-” Before I can complete the sentence, Joanie is now standing beside Allison with a very curious grin on her face. “Okay, what’s up?”

“You got a delivery,” Allison says, bringing her arm from around her back to display a beautifully wrapped rectangular box with a small gift card on top.

“Ava, please open it. We’re dying here.”

“Who delivered this?” I ask, biting down on my lower lip as I reach for the delightful gift.

“We’ve been sworn to secrecy,” they say in unison with their right hands up as if they’re being sworn into court.

Shaking my head, I carefully remove the card.

My dear sweet Elsa,

I wanted to show you I’m serious about this. About us.

Mick

“Can we read it? Or is it too personal?” Joanie asks.

“Is it from Michael?” Allison chimes in as if there’s any doubt.

Handing the card to the two nosey nellies, I painstakingly remove the gift wrap to reveal an expensive box of chocolates from the Godiva store in town. Lifting the dark brown lid covered in an ornate gold script, I find uniquely different chocolate delights inside. I savor the decadent aroma of the luscious candies. Yet before I can turn the box to offer a treat to my friends, I notice another envelope attached to the inside lid. Removing the white envelope, I carefully slide out a photograph. The delicious torso I immediately recognize. He’s wearing only a pair of oversized pale blue boxer shorts with Olaf in various poses all over them. Flipping over the picture, I read the note.

Got an extra-large pair to hold the big balls I’m growing.

I’m going to man up, Elsa. Just for you. Xoxo

“Oh, my god,” I hoot.

“What?” they both squeal.

“Okay, I don’t think he’ll care if I show you just once.” I turn the picture around so they can see, explaining I’d told him if he wanted to be with me, he’d need to grow a pair. Surprised that Joanie’s so quiet, I worry I’ve crossed the line of professionalism. “I’m sorry, Joanie. This isn’t-”

“No. I just feel guilty thinking the things I’m thinking about your soon-to-be husband.”

Allison bends over in fits of laughter, and I soon join her.

“He’s young enough to be my son, but he’s got that V that makes women crazy.” Joanie starts to fan herself. “I think I’m having a hot flash.”

“Oh, lord.” I quickly slide my photo back into the envelope for safekeeping. Well, until I can get home. This night is getting better and better. Now I have gourmet chocolates to add to my bathtub party and Mick’s six-pack to keep by my bed. I’m not risking this smoke show accidentally ending up joining me in the tub.

Soaking in my tub, belly full of Luigi’s finest pasta, I’m practically giddy. If someone had told me two weeks ago that I’d be eating gourmet bonbons, reveling in Mick’s attempts to woo me, I’d have said they were crazy. Reaching for my glass of Pinot Grigio, I take a cool fruity sip. I don’t know if I set the temperature of this bath too hot or if it’s the replay of that picture of Michael in his Olaf boxers that’s doing it.

Placing my glass down by my cell phone, an audiobook playing that I now have no interest in, I lay my head back and sigh. I miss him so. It’s going to be a long few weeks without him, but knowing a healthy, long-term relationship awaits is what’s getting me through.

Running my fingers over my breasts and down my belly, I remember how ravenous he’d been for me. For the first time, I feel like a man was really hungry for me, not just my body. Picturing him above me, his muscular chorded arms, his taut rippled abs, is causing my nipples to pebble despite the overheated water. The picture from earlier, in his oversized Olaf boxers, has me thinking.

Reaching for my phone, I click on my contacts and find Mick’s name.I really should say thank you.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

Mick

It’s only been a week. One long-ass god damned week. How am I supposed to make it three more? I know, I know. I need to be grateful I have another chance with Ava at all. And she’s right. I need to think hard about how I’m going to handle any sign of miscommunication or betrayal in the future. Because there’s no doubt, she’s it for me. I have to get this right. How I’m lucky enough to still have her in my life is a miracle.

Last week when I went striding into the Central Ortho clinic, just hoping I’d accidentally get to see Ava’s shining smile, I felt like the luckiest man alive. Who cares if I had to run all the way back to the florist to get a special bouquet of fragrance-free flowers. Cygnature Blooms was so accommodating. I’ll never go anywhere else. And I plan to keep them in business. My girl deserves it.

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