Page 68 of Subbing For Santa

“Not yet apparently.” He grins, and I nod.

“Ok. Well, my birthday is usually cold, and yuk given it’s in July, so I usually go out for dinner with friends, and head home before midnight. It’s too cold to be waiting around for taxis that time of year.”

“Ok, I’m rephrasing that question.” Griffin grumbles and I laugh, glancing back up at him.

“Why?”

“Because we can do better than that for your birthday.” He presses his lips to my forehead before pulling back and rephrasing the question.

“If money was no barrier and you could do anything you wanted for your birthday, what would it be?”

I consider that for a beat, my mind stuck on an answer since I’ve never had the luxury of considering it before.

“Maybe something just like this.” I gesture around me. “Warm sun, the ocean, a boat, and you.”

A low growl rumbles in his chest, taking me by surprise before he leans forward to nibble on my lips. “Done. I can make that birthday wish come true.”

I shake my head, grinning wide before I ask him to answer the same question.

“Your turn, Mr Marx.”

“Hmmm. Well, my birthday is in September, so it’s still a little cold here in Victoria, but I think I’d like to take our private jet to the Maldives. Rent out a villa over the water and get lost in your body for an entire month.”

I giggle. “I can help with the getting lost in my body part.”

“Yes, you can, my little elf. You do that so well.” He nips at my lips again, turning it into a searing kiss that nearly causes me to spill my champagne.

“Ok, next question.” I urge pulling back, and he grins, his eyes moving back to focus on his phone.

“Do you like alone time, and if so, how much do you need?”

“Wow, these are quite personal.” I point out and Griffin nods.

“Like I said, a good way to get to know one another.”

“Ok, so yes, I do like a little alone time. I like to do yoga in the mornings, and as much as I enjoyed our bath together a few nights ago, I do really enjoy a quiet soak in silence.”

Griffin grins and gives me a nod. “Noted.”

“And you?” I ask, and he shrugs.

“I’d prefer to take a shit alone. Other than that, I’m good.”

My head falls back as a laugh rips free, and Griffin grins, pleased with himself.

“Next question.” He chuckles. “What is your favourite food?”

“Oooh, that’s easy. Anything with chocolate.”

Griffin chuckles. “A sweet tooth, hey?”

I nod. “A little food play, too. With chocolate.” I smile, shooting Griffin a wink, and he throws his head back laughing this time.

“My favourite food is a ribeye steak, but I think I’m going to revise that now. Eating chocolate off you sounds way better.”

“It really does. I think we should do that soon.” I grin and he nods.

“Later today. I’m pretty sure there’s a whole array of chocolate on board.”

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