Page 43 of Silent Night Temptation

I chuckle. “And you’ll be my first client.”

Coco laughs, the sound soft, yet familiar. “Shouldn’t you be on your way by now? You’re gonna be late for your date.”

“Date?” I play dumb, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t even try it,” she says, nudging me with a knowing look.

Today marks two years since Marcus and I started dating. Two years that have changed everything for me. And tonight, I have something special planned.

“So, any big plans for tonight? Or are you just gonna keep my dad enchanted by your usual ‘Nyree charm?’” Coco’s tone is playful.

I grin, feeling the excitement pulse in my chest. “I’ve got a surprise up my sleeve this time.”

Coco’s eyes widen, eager for the gossip. “Oh, come on, spill! What is it?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” I say with a wink, handing little Emily back to her.

“Whatever happened to the good ol’ days when we shared secrets?” Coco laughs. But before she can protest further, she turns to Emily. “Let’s go see Kitty Marcus, shall we?”

“Kitty Marcus!” Emily’s face lights up with excitement.

Kitty Marcus, the cat Marcus gave me before a long business trip, is something of a family mascot now. The name I chose always makes Marcus cringe a little, but it’s become endearing, especially to Emily, who adores the cat.

“Kitty Marcus misses you too,” I say, gently tapping Emily’s nose before I turn to leave, a smile tugging at my lips. Tonight is the night. I can already feel the thrill building as I head home, ready for what’s to come, for the surprise I have for him.

The preparations are swift but deliberate, every detail meticulous. By the time Marcus arrives, I’m just finishing my makeup. I make my way out, heart fluttering, but there he stands, dashing in a sleek tuxedo. The black fabric is a perfect match for the elegant Audi behind him.

“You... you’re so beautiful,” he says, his voice soft but reverent. The words nearly send my knees buckling beneath me.

“You too,” I murmur, stepping closer to press a light kiss on his lips.

Before long, we’re on the road, the hum of the engine steady as we speed toward the restaurant. When we arrive, it’s like something out of a dream; luxurious but intimate, the kind of place that whispers exclusivity in every detail. We’re guided to our table, a private spot at the top of the building, where the city spreads out below us, lights twinkling like stars.

“We’ll have the best view when the fireworks start at midnight,” Marcus says, his words igniting an extra thrill inside me. It’s become our tradition, watching fireworks together on New Year’s Eve. It’s a ritual that feels more meaningful with each passing year.

The evening flows smoothly; steak, wine, and easy conversation. Marcus talks about work, and I share updates on my own. We reminisce, laughing over memories we’ve collected in these past two years. Each moment with him feels like a gift, and my love for him deepens with every shared laugh, every glance. But underneath it all, there’s a quiet flutter of nerves, a secret excitement that’s growing within me, waiting to be revealed.

I look at him, my heart racing, wondering how he’ll react to my surprise. It’s big, life changing even. The anticipation swells, mingling with the nervousness I’m trying to hide.

Marcus checks his watch, then smiles. “Almost midnight. Just a few more seconds.” He stands, extending his hand toward me. “May I have this dance?”

I laugh softly, placing my hand in his as I rise. Together, we move closer to the edge, where the city stretches out before us. The distant murmur of a crowd rises from below, all eyes waiting for the countdown.

“10… 9… 8…”

The seconds slip away, anticipation buzzing in the air.

“Happy New Year!” the crowd cheers, and the sky erupts in a riot of color. Fireworks bloom above us in bright, magnificent bursts.

Marcus turns to me, his gaze warm and full of love. “Happy New Year, my love.”

“Happy New Year,” I whisper back, and he kisses me. It’s the kind of kiss that feels eternal; the world fades away as the fireworks explode around us. Just him, me, and this perfect moment.

When we pull apart, the light show continues, but I barely notice. My heart races again, not from the kiss but from the knowledge of what I’m about to say. Now is the moment. It’s time.

“I have something I want to tell you,” we both say, our voices overlapping in a jumble that makes us laugh.

“You first,” I urge, still chuckling.

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