Page 82 of Tackle

She shook her head. “I am. It’s just… so thoughtful. I honestly never expected to go. That you made it happen…” Choking up, she took a moment to get her emotions under control. She cupped the side of his face. “What I’m trying to say is, thank you. It’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received.”

She placed a tender kiss on his lips. Oz tried to deepen it, but she shook her head, climbing off his lap. “No more kisses until you open yours.”

“In this state, that’s called blackmail.”

She chuckled. “I think in any state.”

He picked up the package, twirling it in his hands. “It’s smaller than a bread box.” He held it up to his ear and lightly shook it.

Growing antsy, she said, “Quit stalling and open it.”

She watched expectantly as he peeled off the paper and took the lid off the box. Inside was a brass ornament depicting Pittock Mansion and under that, two tickets. He pulled everything out.

“I know how much you love architecture, and with Pittock Mansion being one of the oldest preserved structures in Portland, I thought it would be something you’d enjoy touring. I didn’t know if you’d ever been, so I arranged for a private, behind-the-scenes tour.”

Staring at the tickets, he mumbled, “I’ve never been.” He looked up, something shining in his eyes. “Never had anyone to go with before.”

She reached over, resting her hand on his forearm and softly said, “Well, now you do.”

“Thank you. For both the gift and you.”

She felt those damn tears forming again. Blinking rapidly, she fought them back, and whispered throatily, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Taking her face in his hands, he murmured, “Happy Valentine’s Day, beautiful.”

∞ ∞ ∞

“Thanks for staying to help clean up,” Britney said, moving a chair so Emerson could sweep under it. “It was an unexpected surprise.”

“I couldn’t leave you to take care of this all by yourself.”

They’d ushered the last of the diners out about fifteen minutes before and the place was blissfully silent, if a bit messy. Serving hundreds of people hadn’t left a lot of time for in-between cleaning.

“I thought I’d be the only one without Valentine’s Day plans.”

“Oz and I celebrated yesterday.”

“That was smart.” She grabbed another chair, lifting it to set it on top of a table.

“It was Oz’s idea.” Emerson looked up from her task and smiled. “He knew I felt bad about having to work.”

“He’s a great guy.”

Emerson swept a French fry into the dustpan. “He is. I’m really lucky.”

“Must be nice.”

She heard the wistful quality in Britney’s voice and looked up again. “No boyfriend?” She didn’t know much about Britney’s personal life and couldn’t help but be a bit curious.

“Nope. I’m a single girl. But I’m always on the lookout.”

“Haven’t foundtheone yet?”

“Oh, I’ve found the one. And then the two. And the three.” She laughed and Emerson joined in.

“It’ll happen.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself.”

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