Page 103 of Ordinary Secrets

“How was it, ladies?” I hold my arms out for Arella to embrace me.

She does, giving me a hard kiss on the lips too. “Amazing! Look at my nails!”

I once-over her outstretched fingers. They’re cleaned up nicely, finished with a lavender-colored polish. “Looks great, babe.”

“That massage was exactly what I needed,” Javina says. “Thanks, handsome. Out of Ari’s two boyfriends so far, you’re definitely my fave.”

I chuckle lightly. “Not hard to be the favorite when the bar was set so low.”

Back at home, while I make dinner, Arella interrogates me on why she’s not allowed in the bedroom.

“You’re not hiding any dead bodies in there, are you?” she asks playfully.

I shake my head with a chuckle. It’s always dead people with her. Maybe she should lay off the true crime shows for a while.

“It’s a surprise,” I say for the tenth time.

“You can’t give me a hint?” She puckers her bottom lip out.

“Nope, and you can pout all you want, but I’m not giving in. You’ll find out as soon as we finish eating.”

Arella is quick to inhale her pork chop and vegetables. If I could sense her excitement, I’m sure it’d be on the same level as Javina’s was earlier outside the spa. Apparently, my girl has no patience, and neither do I, because I finish my meal within minutes of her.

My gut churns as I lead her down the hall and stop outside my bedroom. “Wait here while I put on the final touches.”

She nods, then I slip inside, shutting the door behind me.

First, I turn the nozzles to fill the Jacuzzi with warm water. Then I press play on my speakers, and the bathroom fills with soothing piano music. After that, I float a little fireball around to light the wicks of the many candles I’ve already placed around the tub and bed. The last thing I do is position the velvet box behind some strategically stacked candles on the edge of the Jacuzzi. Finally, I open the door.

Arella clasps a palm against her face as her jaw drops. “Wow...”

Rose petals cover everything from the bed to the floor. The candlelight sways to the soft music, inviting her in.

I intertwine my fingers with hers and lead her to the bathroom, where more rose petals are sprinkled everywhere. “You like it?”

She attacks me with a kiss. “I love it!”

Internally, I do a happy dance. There’s no way she’ll say no.

A minute later, we’re naked in the tub. Arella sits between my legs with her back against my front and her head leaned against my shoulder. I wouldn’t have it any other way. As I caress her arm, I tenderly kiss up and down her neck.

“My apartment will be ready for me this weekend,” Arella says, bursting my bubble of peace.

I scowl, even though she can’t see it. I don’t want her apartment to be ready. That means she won’t sleep here anymore. Well, if she says yes, neither of us will be sleeping here anymore.

It’s time . . .

“I have another surprise for you.” From behind me, I grab the jewelry box and hold it out in front of her.

“Another? How many do you have tonight?”

Oh, just you wait . . .“Open it.”

She dries her wet hands on a towel, then accepts the box from me. It’s so big, it’s almost double the size of her palms. Slowly, she flips the lid.

“Aw, it’s our picture.” She takes the photo out of the box, then gasps. “Wow! Honey! It’s... wow!”

The flickers of candlelight reflect over a gold pendant necklace hanging from a dainty gold chain. The pendant’s angel wings are spread, with a two-carat diamond heart in the middle.

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