Page 228 of Time Stops With You

I give in to the impulse, pulling deep satisfaction from the sound of my hand hitting her soft flesh and the coquettish little grin she tosses over her shoulder at me, communicating that she doesn’t mind the sting.

Curious about what Nardi has planned, I move over to the bundle of clothes. It’s a bright red T-shirt and green pajama pants. What an awful color combination, especially since my preference is black, white and grey clothes.

I briefly consider not changing, but the thought of Nardi’s disappointed face has me reaching for the pajamas. After pulling on the obnoxious get-up, I brush my teeth and leave the bedroom.

From the hallway, I can see to the living room. There are Christmas decorations up in the corner and a big Christmas tree is standing tall near the windows.

Belizean Christmas music plays loudly and Nardi approaches me, dancing along to a Caribbean version of a Christmas classic. She’s wearing reindeer ears and a sly grin that only widens at my puzzled expression.

“What is all this?” I point to the Christmas tree as a buzz of excitement sweeps over my skin.

“Thisis a year in a day.” She preens. “Over here, we have Christmas.” Grabbing my shoulders, she turns me exactly ninety degrees. “Over here is New Year’s.”

I hold back a chuckle when I spot a strobe light covered in foil. “Is that supposed to be a disco ball?”

“Hey, I bought this after you fell asleep last night. FYI, the 24-7 mart isn’t exactly overflowing with holiday decorations. Work with me here.”

I smirk.

“Anyway,this,” she motions, “is Valentine’s Day.”

There’s a pink blanket on the floor closest to my computer room. A glass of champagne and two heart-shaped chocolate boxes sit atop the blanket.

“Saint Patrick’s Day. You’ll only need to change into a green shirt, since you’re already wearing the pants for that. Fourth of July. Thanksgiving?—”

“Nardi,” my eyes bug, “how long did it take you to put all this together?”

“It took a while. I had to make two trips to the mart. And then the Christmas tree fell. All the ornaments went rolling away. It was so noisy! Thankfully, you were out like a light.” She laughs.

I shake my head, overwhelmed by her effort. Her creativity shines from every detail and I can tell she put a lot into making this happen for me.

Nardi slips her hand in mine and I look down at her.

“Cullen,” she says earnestly, “you once told me that time moves faster in your world. You said what takes someone years, you could do in aday.”

“I meant in reference to purchasing buildings.”

“Yeah, well… now it’s in reference to this.” Nardi swings her hand around to show off the room.

I pull her in for a hug. “This is really thoughtful, Nardi. Thank you.”

She smiles up at me. “You’re welcome.”

Heart slamming against my ribs, I run my thumb over her dark skin. “I love you.”

Nardi steps closer. “I know.”

I tilt my head. “How do you know?”

“You light up whenever you see me. Your gaze lingers on me, especially when you think I’m not looking. You treat me like royalty and I’ve never had to doubt that you’re constantly thinking of me first. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”

Something swoops low in my stomach, something close to yearning. More than anything I want to be with her.

Should I take everything I have left and fight to stay with her?

It’s not my first time considering the thought, but itisthe first time I’ve felt the urge so strongly within me. At this late stage, it’s an empty wish. One that leads to high expectations and a tragic let-down.

Taking in the Christmas decorations, I release a sigh. My last gift to Nardi will be the gift of quietly disappearing from her life and leaving behind no regrets.

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