Page 7 of A Love So Sweet

Allison covered her heart. “You’ve already outdone me, and I haven’t even given you my gift yet.”

Lance peered down at Allison. “You got me a gift?”

Allison balked. “Yes, I got you a gift. What are you talking about?”

“Valentine's Day is for the ladies.”

Laughter bubbled from her gut. “No, it’s not. Who told you that?”

“No one told me; I just assumed. Never in the history of Valentine’s Days have I ever seen a man being treated with gifts. And don’t mistake my experience for bitterness. I’m simply stating facts.”

“Well, you can dismiss those “facts”,”she said, putting her fingers in quotes, “that stops now. This is our third Valentine’s Day as a married couple, and I’ve gotten you gifts before!”

Lance thought about it for minute. “I didn’t realize those were Valentine’s presents. I assumed you got them because you loved me.”

Allison gawked. “Are you messing with me?”

“Maybe.”

She swatted him. “You will take these gifts on this day as presents for the occasion whether you want to or not.”

“What did you get me?”

“When we get home, you’ll find out.”

“Fair enough.”

They strolled into the entrance and were met by a familiar face.

“Good afternoon, I’m Adaleru, and I’ll be taking care of the first treatment during your visit today.”

“Adaleru?”Allison snapped her fingers, and she pointed at him. “Tell me you are not the same Adaleru who gave me the Indian head massage!”

Adaleru glanced between Allison and Lance, and Lance nodded once.

“I am.”

Allison turned back to Lance and swatted him on his chest again, then twirled back to Adaleru.

“Shut up!” Adaleru closed his mouth tight. “No, I don’t mean really, shut up, I mean… it’s an expression. Um… never mind.” Still shocked, Allison turned to face Lance. “So, this is what we’re doing?”

“It’s Valentine’s Day, and I wanted you to experience a taste of India once again. Because you’re six months pregnant, flying won’t work for us. While we could get on the jet and go over, I think we should stay local. So, I flew Adaleru over, along with your masseuse and mineral bath specialist. You’ll get all the treatments you received in India from the very people who are the best.”

Allison grabbed Lance’s face and drew him in. Rarely did he lose his breath, but she’d sucked the wind out of him at that moment.

“Your love is on another level. This must-have cost…” her voice trailed off.

“What did I tell you about expenses?”

“I know you have it, but—”

“We… we have it, Beauty. I’m a working man, aren’t I?”

“Yes.”

“You’re a working woman,” he mumbled, “even though you don’t have to be.” Allison smiled into his lips as they were still connected from their kiss. “We are good. Never forget it. Now…” he twirled her around and spanked Allison on her ass once.

“Ah!”

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