Page 66 of Heal Me

He grins sheepishly. “I do miss her. As long as you’re sure.”

“Tell you what. Why don’t we head back to your place tonight after work, and we can pack up her stuff, and yours. Then we can come back here and watch a movie or something, let her get used to the place.”

Jocelin kisses me on the cheek. “Thank you,mon cœur.”

“You are very welcome. It’s the least I can do for my boyfriend.” I kiss him one more time, grab my laptop bag, and head to work.

33

Jocelin

“Jocelin,whateveryouarecomfortable wearing is fine. There’s no dress code.” I stare into my closet while Gunnar pulls his skin-tight gray T-shirt over his head, then slips his arms around my waist.

I lean back against him and sigh. “Why won’t you tell me where we’re going? Then I would know exactly what to wear.” His beard tickles my neck, and I laugh when he bites my shoulder playfully. “Seriously, Gunnar, I’m stressing about this!”

Sighing dramatically, he props his chin on my shoulder. “Fine. Casual is appropriate. You see what I’m wearing.” He lets me go and does a little spin with his arms outstretched.

I take full advantage and openly appreciate the way his T-shirt clings to his rippling muscles, and the jeans hug his perfect ass and thick thighs. I am one very, very lucky man. “You’d be sexy as hell in a burlap sack,mon chéri. But those black jeans look amazing on you.”

Gunnar kisses my temple. “Thank you, babe. You’re stressing over nothing. Wear jeans. Pick a shirt you like. Nothing too dressy. And wear comfortable shoes. We might be standing a lot.”

I wave a hand in the general direction of his biker boots. “And those are comfortable?”

He smirks and flexes his ridiculously sexy biceps. “Gotta keep up my bad boy image. And actually, yes, they are.”

I roll my eyes. “Hmm. Well, at least that gives me a little more to work with.” I pull several shirts from my closet, laying them out on the bed.

“Before I get roped into helping you pick which one, I’m going to grab a beer from the fridge. Do you want one? Or a glass of wine?”

I frown at his retreating back. “Aren’t you driving?”

“Nope.” He pops the ‘p’. “We’re taking a rideshare since we’re staying here tonight.”

We’re actually staying here in my loft this entire weekend so Dracona can settle in after our week at Gunnar’s, and I can get ready to go back to work this coming Monday. “Well, in that case, yes. I’d love a glass of red.”

Fussing over shirt options, I finally settle on a dark blue button-down with the cuffs rolled up my forearms, slim jeans, black belt, and black suede ankle boots. I accessorize with the snake earrings Gunnar bought me, and with significantly less anxiety now that clothing has been settled, I do a last check in the mirror. Happy with my appearance, I go downstairs to get Gunnar’s final approval. I do a little spin of my own, which earns me a wolf-whistle. “Looking good, babe.” He snags me around the waist and pulls me against his chest. “Really good. I love the earrings. Nice touch.”

I shrug like it’s no big deal. “Thanks. My boyfriend got them for me. He’s very thoughtful like that.”

His grin is a mile wide. “And he has good taste.”

“In earrings and boyfriends.” I smooth my hands across his pecs. “Speaking of looking good…”

He tsks at me. “Careful. What will your boyfriend think?” Handing me my wine, he picks up his ale and offers a toast. “To finally clearing your good name, even though we knew it would happen, and to your reinstatement at work.” We clink glasses and drink.

I hum at the delicious plum and cherry notes, then set down my glass so I don’t spill any while I lean into Gunnar. I’d hate to ruin either of our outfits and have to choose again. “So you seriously won’t tell me where we’re going or what we’re doing? Not even a little hint?” I give him my best puppy eyes.

Gunnar groans. “Don’t do that to me, baby. Youknowthat look is my kryptonite.”

I love that he tells me things like that. He’s so open with his feelings, and it’s refreshing. “That’s why I do it, of course. And don’t even try to tell me you don’t do it right back, when it suits you.”

“Fair point.” He takes my hand and kisses my palm. Just that little brush of his lips sends shivers through me, making my belly swoop. “Baby, let me surprise you with this. Please? We’re celebrating. I want to do something nice for you. And I promise you’ll love it.”

I can’t even be annoyed because his motivation is just too sweet. Gunnar going to this much trouble to surprise me makes my heart feel far too big for my chest. “Fine. I’ll trust you.” I point at him. “But if it’s not a good surprise, I reserve the right to throw it back at you forever.”

“Forever, huh?” Gunnar’s grin is equal parts adorable and smug. “So you’re planning on us being together forever? I like that.”

The heat pouring off my cheeks could light the house on fire, but I don’t back away from the comment. “Let’s say I’m allowing for the possibility, and things look promising.So far.”

---