Page 33 of Stolen Holidays
“Never.” My steps slow now that we are out of the inn and crossing the back patio, where the firepit sits, towards our destination.
With the help of Hilly and Jeff, the little table is exactly how I left it. I wanted to make sure they knew what I had planned to guarantee my and Talia’s privacy. Aside from all the animals, the owners have transformed this place into more of a homey bed-and-breakfast versus the impersonal inn with bored, uninterested staff that it used to be.
“Oh, Cam. You didn’t,” Talia says breathlessly as she sees the surprise waiting for her.
“Yes, I did.” I place her on her feet beside the table. A bouquet of her favorite blush-colored peonies sits beside a square black velvet box, two crystal glasses, and a bottle of champagne. Our robes lay draped over the nearby chairs. “I wanted to do more.”
“No, this is perfect.” Talia shakes her head, running her fingers over the delicate petals then the velvet box beside it. “What’s this?”
Stepping behind, I band my arms around her chest and shoulders, resting my chin on her head. Not gonna lie, I’m a little nervous about the chain inside. Talia loves tracing her name on my chest, and it got me thinking. She’s not a jewelry person, but thelast thing I want her to do is mark her flawless skin. I thought this gift would be a nice alternative for nights when I’m away on the road.
“This is a little something I had made especially for you.” I kiss her temple.
“Can I open it?” She tilts her head back and looks up at me.
“I’d be sad if you didn’t.”
“The last thing I want is for you to be sad,” she says, all tease. I give her space to lift the box off the table and open it. I can’t see her face, but the sharp inhale of breath has my heart galloping. “Cam.”
Nestled inside is a rose-gold layered necklace. On each layer, a personalized pendant dangles in the center. A one-karat sapphire, to match her engagement ring, hangs on the chain closest to her throat. A diamond-encrusted twenty-four hangs from the bottom, and in the middle, in the same script as her name, is mine.
“Don’t leave me hanging, Itty Bitty. What do you think?”
“I think you should put it on me.” She sniffles, and I swear I can feel my heart twist. I hate it when my girl cries.
Talia lifts her hair out of the way as I pinch the delicate metal between my fingers, free the hook, drape the chains around her neck, and fasten the clasp. I place a kiss on her neck and spin her around in my arms.
“Tals.” A small tear tracks down her cheek, and I wipe it away. “Baby, don’t cry.”
“I’m sorry.” She laughs as more tears roll down her cheeks.
“Shh. I’m the one who’s sorry for making you cry.” I wipe the tears away with my thumbs.
“These are happy tears, you big, sexy dork.”
I smile at her. “Really?”
“Of course. I love it.” She places one hand on the necklace and the other over the tattoo, hiding beneath my shirt. “I love you. I couldn’t think of a better way to carry you around with me all day. Especially when you’re on the road.”
“I’m going to miss you like fucking crazy.” That’s the truth. But I would never pull her away from her career. I’m so proud of her and all her accomplishments. She’s an amazing nurse.
“Me too. But you have more trophies to win, big guy. And I’m going to be there beside you for as long as you want to play.”
“That means more to me than you know. In the meantime, I want you to have something special for those nights when you can’t be by my side. I carry you everywhere I go.” I place my hand over hers. “I also know how much you love the tattoo, and I don’t want you to put a single mark on your flawless skin, so I thought this was the perfect alternative.”
Talia raises an eyebrow at me. “Wouldn’t it turn you on to see your name inked somewhere on my body?”
Well, fuck. When she puts it like that…
My cock jerks to the ready position in agreement. My name permanently on her for everyone to see? I shake my head, pushing the thought away. A hot as fuck thought, yes, but not what I really want. “Listen, if you want to get a tattoo, fine with me. But you get it because you want it. Not because you think I need it.”
“You are by far the sweetest man on the planet.” Talia wraps her arms around my neck and tugs me down for a kiss.
“Don’t tell anyone,” I tease.
“Never. Then every woman on the planet would want to steal you away.”
“They could try, but they’d be shit out of luck. I’ve got everything I want and need right here in my arms.” I kiss her sweet mouth. “Besides, your cousins would chop my balls off, and your brother would kill me if I even looked at another woman. I prefer to live. Balls intact.”
