Page 38 of Under the Influence
He sets his phone and one of my binders on the curling corners and smooths his hand across the plans, tapping on tiny letters. "This is foryou."
Not quite sure what I'm looking at in the designs, I peer closer.Claw foottub.
My eyes burn again for the second time in five minutes. But this time happiness triggers theemotion.
"I'm blowing out the wall to the guest room to the left of the master. We can expand the bathroom for the tub and give you your own walk in closet. My guy said it would take about two months to complete." He finally looks up, hopeful expectation filling his gaze. "What do youthink?"
That the idea is totally unnecessary, extravagant, and amazing. "That you'rewonderful."
I swear he blushes from my sentiment. My sweet, crazy, soft-hearted mobster. So eager to please me. When all I need is his love. That I finally know in this moment, with this gesture, Ihave.
"I meant the remodelingproject."
"I know." Tucking against his chest, I breathe in the fresh pine scent he carried in with him. Relaxing in his strong arms curling around me. His lips on my head. His heart thumping under my cheek. His hands in my hair. Wrapped in perfection. "I love it, and I love you. Thankyou."
"Got to keep the wifehappy."
I let his comment pass. Which doesn't go unnoticed with his playful smack on my bottom when I release him. Reminding me how domineering he istoo.
The clear bins I stored in the hall closet of my old apartment line the wall. Not nearly enough ornaments to cover the enormous tree he bought compared to the small ones I would lug home and decorate along with wreaths, baskets, and candles. Somehow, with the enjoyment softening his expression, I don't think he'll mind. Clicking off the lid, I lift out a long cord of old-fashioned fat red lights that I don't even think you can buy anymore, and plug in the strand to check the bulbs. Unable to keep from smiling myself when they all glow to life. We just need one more thing to make our task even better. I grab the remote, scrolling down the list on the screen to the music stations, and select holiday instrumentals. Now we're all set withO Holy Nightdrifting through theair.
We work well together. Easy harmony between us as we coil the strings around and around the diameter and hang every silver, gold, and iridescent ball I have on the branches. My giggle mingling with his chuckle of my lopsided snowman from second grade artclass.
I rifle through the tissue paper in the last crate. "I guess that's it. They're allempty."
"You forgotone."
He points to a plain black box sitting on the sofa. No label or markings. I don't remember the small container, but the mischievous smirk curling up his lips tells me I wouldn't. He snuck one in without me realizing his scheming. Probably a baby ornament since he's soobsessed.
Stifling an eye roll, I flip up the lid and my heart flip flops before jumping into my throat. The ring he showed me. The ring he bought for me. The ring he carried with him for six months to remind him ofme.
Myring.
Before I can manage to speak, he’s on one knee in front of me. Overwhelming me with the emotions swirling on his face. Engulfing us in our own perfect Christmas fantasy. The soft lights flickering on his shirt. The hymns wafting in the background. The scent of cinnamon and cloves permeating the air. All for us. For ourfuture.
I had a speech prepared. Not eloquent or fancy like she is. But the words I wanted to say and the words I want her to hear. Fuck me if my mind goes blank from the exhilaration radiating from her smile. The drops glistening as they roll down her smooth rosy skin. The joy pulsing through her small frame. All for the question I should have asked her so damn long ago. Somehow, some crazy way, I’ve earned her forgiveness. Received a second chance I sure as hell don’t deserve. And, I refuse to fuck it up. “I know for too fucking long I let you think I didn't want you. That I didn't want to be with you. That's why I keep coming on too strong and moving too damn fast. Because I don’t want to waitanymore.”
Trembling hands grasp the tiny box. I stroke over her fingers, encouraging her to loosen her grip. A small laugh mingles with a sob, escaping from her grinning lips while tears shine in her huge eyes. Allowing me to lift the lid, I hold up the platinum band. The enormous diamond sparkling between my thumb and finger to remind her how fucking deadly serious I am about her. "I’m fucking desperate for you to know I want you here. All the time. In my bed. On my sofa. At the table. In your tub. Please Books, marry me and let me give you everything youwant.”
Another whimper bubbles out and she drops down with me, cupping her trembling hands around mine. Together holding the symbol of my promise to her. "You already have. Being with you is all I’ve ever wanted. I loveyou."
Fuck me if my own eyes don’t burn like the fucking pussy ass bitch that I am from the confidence in her tone. "How do you dothat?"
Deep lines furrow her brow. Attempting to understand my meaning. "What?"
"Own me. You’re the only person who makes me soweak.”
"You have the same power over me." Her stunning smile returns as she gazes at me. "But I decided I’d rather be scared with you, than in hell withoutyou.”
I have to squash that hint of uncertainty. I clutch the back of her neck and haul her closer. My forehead pushed against hers. “No fear angel. For either of us. No one doubts. No one gives up. No oneleaves.”
She shudders from my ferocity, but thankfully nods in agreement. “Okay.”
Good girl. “Then is that a ‘yes’?”
“I have nothing else to give as my Christmas gift to you.” Her head tilts, cheeks pink with a shy innocence I fucking love. “So yes, I’ll marry youGiovanni."
Fuck me. She’s going to be my wife. I cup her lifted cheeks and give her a chaste kiss despite the fact I want to fuck her. Right here right now. Under the tree with the colorful lights dancing across her gorgeous naked body. But, I can’t ruin the moment because of my insatiable cock. Unwilling to tarnish the romantic memory she deserves. “Then that's when we should make it official. A Christmaswedding."
