Page 107 of Tempting Him

He reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out an envelope, handing it to me. “Here.”

“What’s this?” I ask, flipping it over to open it up.

“You’ll see.”

I pull out several pieces of folded paper and read them over.

“We’re going on a trip?” I ask, my eyes wide. “To The Bahamas?”

“We’ll spend a couple days in Miami first, but yeah. I remember you talking about wanting to go to a proper beach. We’ll be staying at Atlantis Bahamas.”

My eyes scan the rest of the papers, looking at the photos printed, and all the details of what he’s planned.

“Holy shit,” I say with a laugh. “I can’t believe it. When?”

He takes a paper and brings it to the top, pointing out the dates. It’s a couple months from now, but I recognize the time frame. “That’s when we met. An anniversary trip?”

Alek nods, his smile wide. “I love you, Jay. It’s been an incredible ten months, and I can’t wait for everything we’ll do in the future.”

I squeeze him tight in my arms, kissing his neck. “Fuck, I’m so lucky. I have no idea how I managed to land you.”

“You were relentless, and beyond tempting.”

I chuckle. “True. I knew what I wanted.” I step back and study the papers again. “So, we’ll be in Miami for your birthday. Lots of celebrating to do.”

I found out later that he had just turned forty-one before we met, so our anniversary and his birthday are only separated by a few days.

The doorbell rings, alerting us that my family has arrived. It’s the first time they’ve been here since my graduation, but we’ve had a few conversations over the phone, and Dad has adjusted well to us being together.

I stuff the papers in the envelope and place it on his desk before giving him another kiss.

We make our way to the living room, and I open the door to reveal my parents' happy faces.

Mom hugs me first before saying, “Hey, Alek,” and wrapping her arms around him. “How are you?”

“Happier than ever.”

She beams. “Good.”

Dad enters, hugging me before extending his hand to Alek and giving him a slight nod. “Hey.”

“How’ve you been?” Alek asks.

“Pretty great.” Dad looks around. “This is a nice place.”

“Thanks. It’ll do for now,” Alek replies.

Janae enters, giving me a hug and saying hello to Alek before she starts touring the place. “This is the kind of apartment I want when I move out.”

“Then you better start making some money now,” Dad jokes.

She rolls her eyes and Mom laughs.

“Well, I’m starving,” Mom announces. “What do you say we make some dinner?”

“If you’re helping, I’m down,” I answer with a laugh.

“Boy, you still haven’t learned to cook for yourself?” she chides.

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