Page 54 of Mister Curb Appeal
Ali unplugs her ears and shares in our laughter. “Phew for that.”
Little does my girl know I’ve laid rose petals all over her apartment when she gets home. I also bought an early Christmas present; those satin Victoria Secret PJs she loves so much, and maybe some sexy underwear to match.
Once I got over the initial embarrassment of being in that store, the staff were really helpful in getting sizes, and packaging it all up in pretty paper. Women like pretty things, so I’ve come to realize, and my girl deserves the best, which is why I also snuck into La Perla to buy her something really special for Christmas day.
“Hope the open house goes well.” Lexi can’t wipe the cute smile off her face. “I’ll see you later.”
“Tonight.” I smile back. Boy, have I got a few things in store for us, and I can’t wait.
Ali toots her horn as they drive off, both casting me a little wave, and I watch the car disappear into the distance.
A few hours later, I get a text from Lexi as I’m pulling up to her place; I smile as I read it.
Lexi
Joshua! You’re a fiend! You did all of this for me?
Me
Just pulling up now
Lexi
Good timing, I’m trying everything on
My heart races at that, and I fumble with my seatbelt to scramble out of the car. We’ll head to my place later, but I wanted Lexi to get comfortable ahead of the festivities.
When I let myself in, the lights are dimmed and there’s subtle Christmas music playing. I chuckle to myself. She just can’t help herself, Little Miss Christmas.
“Oh, Lexi,” I call, reaching down to pick up Mr. Snuggles, who’s rubbing himself against my legs. I can cuddle him now without him trying to claw my eyes out. “Where is that naughty Mommy?” I kiss his head and set him back down.
I head toward the bedroom, and I’m not disappointed. Lexi is standing there in the pink matching set I got her; it looks as if lace is my best friend. I loosen my tie. “Holy shit, Princess. Look at you.”
“You spoil me.” She struts toward me, and I hold my arms wide.
“You deserve it.”
“I think we need to change our dinner plans.” She wiggles her eyebrows as we embrace.
“I think you could be right.” I kiss the top of her head, then tilt her chin so she’s looking up at me. “You’re gorgeous.”
“I’m almost naked.”
“That’s not the only reason.” I peck her lips. “You’re beautiful inside and out. I don’t know what it is about Christmas, maybe it’s your influence, but it makes me want to stay in and eat chocolate off your body.”
Her eyes bulge in surprise. “So not what I thought you were going to say.”
I grin. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“We’re gonna end this year with so many memories already. I can’t wait to start the new year with so many possibilities. One of them being.” I palm the back of my neck. “Well, I know it’s soon, but I was wondering how you’d feel about moving in together?”
I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and yes, it’s pretty sudden, but I want to spend every waking moment with her. I don’t want to come home to an empty house, and we’re either at one house or the other. This makes sense.
Now her eyes widen in shock. “For real?”
I wince. “For real good, or for real bad?”
