Page 12 of Yes to The Holidays
“What?” she asked breathlessly as I let my gaze move over her face.
“This,” I said before I leaned down and took a hungry kiss.
Her hands went inside my coast, fisting my shirt. Using my other hand to pull her closer, I kissed her like we weren’t standing in front of a huge tourist spot with people watching. But she didn't push me away, so I didn’t mind who saw.
Her lips were warm even as her cheeks grew cold from the crisp air. We finally broke away after someone let out several obvious coughs. I turned, and an older lady had a brow raised before stomping away.
Janie giggled, then pulled me toward the entrance. We passed the ticket window and walked inside, and she held her phone out to the employee.
“You didnothave to buy tickets for me.” She really had taken care of everything this morning.
“Well, you can make it up to me later.” She winked, licking her lips as she did.
Oh, I will.
We went inside, and just as she said, decorations were already up. Lights and garland were draped along the walls with snowflakes and huge shimmery balls that looked like Christmas tree bulbs hanging from the ceiling and rafters.
The place was packed, but it was still cool inside, so we left our coats on. We started at the freshwater exhibit hand in hand. We threaded our way through the crowds, pressing against each other to squeeze through.
We talked, but it was about the creatures we were seeing. Tropical fish, penguins, and sharks. We walked through a tunnel that was see-through, so we were surrounded on both sides and above by water. Nurse sharks swam over us as we walked down the tube while others stood on the conveyor belt to just look up and not worry about bumping into anyone.
After a couple of hours, we made it to a huge observation wall where benches were scattered around, so we went to sit. I worked my coat off, finally feeling warm. She wiggled from hers, and I grabbed it to hold for her.
“So, what did you think?” she asked as she looked ahead to the large wall of glass as manta rays passed over it.
Pulling her close, I kissed her temple. “Beautiful.”
She turned with a sparkle in her eye. It wasn’t even dinner time, and I’d already had the most fun I could remember.
“It’s pretty cool. I came when they first opened. And once we held a holiday party here for work. The boss was feeling very generous that year.”
“No other times?”
She shook her head gently, looking back at the observation wall.
“I guess it’s easy for places to lose their luster if they’re so accessible. Although, when I am home, I will catch a Broadway show or visit the museum from time to time.” I tried to enjoy the things around me as much as I could, whether home or away.
She stayed quiet. Janie seemed to love the places she’d taken me, but every time I asked, she hadn’t been in ages. Sensing the tension in her shoulders, I decided to drop the subject for now.
We sat for a while watching the colorful show. She snuggled close and relaxed against me. Comfortable silence. With a beautiful and fun woman.
She reached for her coat and pulled her phone from the pocket. “Oh shoot. It’s nearly five, and we need to get going.” She texted someone, probably the driver. After she was done, she stood and donned her coat, so I did the same, then we headed back outside.
It was already getting dark and much colder than earlier. Twinkling lights of candy canes, trees, and snowflakes on streetlamps were now visible. Clopping sounds came from the right of us, so I looked that way, and there was a horse-drawn carriage headed in our direction.
“I didn’t realize you had those here,” I said, pointing with my free hand. “We have those in New York as well.
She nodded. “They can be fun, but one time we took one, and the horse pooped the whole time, so it smelled awful!”
Laughing, I pulled her close. They could be awfully stinky. But looking down, I watched as her eyes followed the carriage. “Maybe we can take one sometime soon?”
She turned her gaze back to me. “Oh, maybe. I’m sure you’re busy this week, plus the holiday is coming.”
The car came around, so I opened the door, and once she was inside, I followed. She immediately went to the middle seat and buckled so I buckled as well then wrapped my arm around her. “What’s next, tour guide?”
“Dinner. And it’s a totally iconic place.”
She squirmed as I nuzzled her neck. I inhaled her peach scent and then whispered, “I’m ready for dessert.”
