Page 73 of It Must Be Love

"God, I'm mortified."

Amias laughed. "Come on, Miss Mortification, let's go eat an early dinner so I can mortify you some more."

He drove us to a gorgeous little inn nearby, and we ate by the light of a crackling fire.

"To our first Christmas." Amias raised his glass.

He was saying first like there would be many more. I couldn't hope. I didn't dare to hope.

"Merry Christmas, Amias." I clinked my glass with his.

"I was wondering," Amias began and then winked at me, "how about we spend the night here and not drive back to Boston?"

The Inn was beautiful, and I had thought it would be lovely to stay.

As we had driven here, I thought it looked like a scene from a storybook, its windows aglow with soft, inviting light that pierced the early evening gloom. Nestled amidst a blanket of snow, it promised warmth and an old-world charm that piqued my curiosity and excitement.

Stepping inside, we were greeted by the gentle hum of conversation from the main parlor, where a fire crackled merrily in the hearth. The aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked bread filled the air, enveloping us in a sense of immediate comfort and welcome.

"Ah…but we don't have a…we didn't pack anything."

"I always have an overnight bag in the car, so I can make sure you have a toothbrush."

"Clothes?"

"You don't need them tonight," he smirked.

I felt heat rise through me. "You want us to…ah…stay the night here and…?"

"Yeah. But we don't have to, Naya."

I let out a long breath. "I want to. I…do. But I have a request."

"Tell me."

"Can we not have the lights on?" I closed my eyes when I said it. I was scared that in the middle of lovemaking, he'd bolt.

"No."

"Amias," I protested.

"Until you agree to having the lights on, I'm not putting out."

I laughed; I couldn't help it. "I've seen the women you date. And none of them have—"

"Shut up, Naya, and finish your chocolate cake. I'll be right back."

Our suite, a beautifully appointed room that melded rustic charm with understated elegance. I wanted to ask him how much it cost because god knew I didn't have the money to afford such luxuries, not until I was out from under the crippling mountain of medical debt.

"Don't say it," he remarked as he put his overnight leather bag on a chair.

"Say what?" I asked, confused.

"I know what you're thinking."

I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, you're a mind reader now?"

I didn't know where this sassy woman was coming from, but here she was. It wasn't like I hadn't met this Naya before. I had very close friends like Darren and a few others when I was in high school with whom I had been open. But Amias and I had not known each other very long, and I was surprised with myself.

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