Page 58 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
“I asked if you’ve been busy in New York since I left.”
He nods. “I have actually. I’m working on something new. I’m honestly really excited about it.”
I lean forward, wineglass in my hand, interested. “Will you tell me what it is?”
“I will. Soon.” He takes a drink from his own wineglass. “I just want to make sure it’s all going to come together like I’ve envisioned.”
“Well, now I’m intrigued.”
He chuckles. “I promise you’ll be the first person I tell.”
I’m curious, but I don’t press for details. “Okay.”
Dinner is fantastic, but it goes by too quickly. “Come upstairs for another drink?” he asks as we depart the restaurant.
I nod and feel the warmth of his hand on my lower back as he guides me to the elevator in the hotel lobby.
His suite is incredible—with a small kitchen, dining table for eight, and a sunken living room that contains two green velvet sofas. Everything is decorated in rich shades of navy, maroon, and deep green, and the lighting is low. It’s moody and romantic, and somehow seems to amplify all my many emotions.
There’s a bottle of expensive champagne chilling on ice, with two glasses and a silver-dome-covered plate.
“What’s this?” I ask.
“You have to have a slice of cake for your birthday. It’s practically mandatory.”
He’s planned ahead, and there’s something incredibly sexy about that. I smile inwardly, remembering the times Scarlet told me that Will had never been more attractive to her than when he’d cleaned the kitchen or done all the laundry in the house—like the art of taking action was somehow irresistible. Like he’s taken something off her plate or, in Hart’s case, made this moment all the more seamless and memorable without me having to ask for anything or lift a finger.
“Take a seat.” He motions to the couch.
I obey, slipping off my heels, then folding my legs on the cushion beside me.
He presses a couple of buttons on his phone, and low music begins, filling the room with a pulsing rhythm. Then he settles in beside me, uncorks the champagne, and pours me a glass.
I take a sip, even though I had two glasses of wine at dinner and feel slightly tipsy.
“Thank you,” I say, meeting his eyes. Even if I wouldn’t admit it, I’ve been silently dreading my birthday this year. To be single and alone on your birthday ... it’s not my idea of a great time. Especially not as I inch closer to forty.
“I got you something.”
“You did not have to do that—” I start, but he shushes me with a chaste kiss and then bounds up off the sofa and grabs a small box wrapped in silver paper and a black gift bag with silver tissue paper.
“Open this one first,” he says, handing me the gift bag.
I reach inside and pull out a book. I turn it over and discover a first edition of the first volume ofLittle Women, printed in 1868, with its green cloth cover and gilded lettering, and my heart stops. It’s an extravagant gift.
I hug it to my chest. “This is incredible. How did you find this?”
He grins. “I have my ways. I remember seeing the quote in your office.”
“I love it. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. Now open this one.” He hands me the small box, which looks like a jewelry box.
I open it and discover a stunning pair of earrings nestled into the velvet. For a moment, I have no words.
“They’re pink diamonds from Africa,” he says. “Which I know is a special place for you. And these are ethically sourced.”
“This is way too generous; I can’t accept these ...” I try to hand him the box, but Hart only shakes his head.
