Page 108 of Now and Forever

“Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.”

I stand there, stunned.

My Iceman has bought me roses for Valentine’s Day, and I didn’t even mention it, and I don’t have anything for him.

“You’re my best present, sweetheart. I don’t need anything else,” he says reassuringly.

“I owe you a present. But for right now, I’ve got something for you.”

I take the packet of gum out of my pocket and show it to him. He smiles. I pull out a piece. I put it in. Amused by what that means to us, he asks, “So now you’re going to get hives, and your head’s going to spin around like the girl fromThe Exorcist?”

Our laughter is delicious.

“My green face and spots are the new style. What could be sexier for Valentine’s Day?”

Eric kisses me.

“Frida told me she’s going to a party at a swingers’ bar tonight. Do you know anything about it?”

“Yes. Luigi called to invite us to the Nacht, but I turned him down. You’re not up to a party, are you?”

“Well, no ... but if I were more presentable, I would’ve liked to go.” Eric kisses me and bites my bottom lip.

“You naughty girl, do you need it that bad?” I laugh, and shake my head no, and he squeezes me against him. “There’ll be other parties. I promise.”

When he sees the look on my face, he says, “OK, sweetheart, what do you really want to ask?”

I smile. He’s getting to know me so well. I move close to him.

“Have you ever done a boy bang?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, nice!”

Eric laughs at my response.

“Darling, I’ve spent more than fourteen years practicing a kind of sex that’s still new to you. I’ve done a lot of things, and I assure you I’ll never want you to do some of them again.”

I’m looking at him, eager to know more, so he elaborates. “S and M.”

“Oh! I don’t want that,” I clarify. After hearing Eric’s laughter, I ask, “What do you think about orgies?”

Eric looks at me the way he does, and when my patience is about to run out, he answers, “Too many men between you and me. I’d prefer you didn’t suggest it.”

Before I can say anything else, he changes the subject. “I’m thirsty. You want a drink?”

Feeling in love, my rose bouquet in one hand and my other hand in Eric’s, I walk with him down the house’s long, wide hallway. As we enter the kitchen, Simona looks at me with a smile, and I get the surprise of my life. “Susto!”

The dog runs toward me, crazy with happiness, and I’m even crazier. After carefully hugging Susto and telling him a thousand sweet things, I look at my blue-eyed tough guy. Not caring that Simona is there, I hug him and murmur in Spanish, “Never mind the gang bang! You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and I swear I would marry you right now with my eyes closed.”

Eric grins, in high spirits, and kisses me.

“You’re the most beautiful thing. And whenever you want ... we can get married.”

Oh my God! What did I just say? Did I just ask him to marry me? I could die.

Susto jumps around us, and Eric tries to stop him.

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