He came up behind me, slid his arms around my waist, and kissed my neck just once before backing off like he didn’t want to distract me too much. I stirred in cocoa powder, a splash of vanilla, sugar, and melted chocolate chips. When it was done, I poured it into the two holiday mugs that were waiting when we arrived at the cabin.
I handed him the red one and watched him take a sip. “Damn. This is actually fire.”
“Exactly,” I said, taking a sip of mine too. “Now come on. We got gifts to open.” We sat cross-legged on the rug near the tree, mugs in hand, lights from the tree flickering across our faces. I reached under the tree first and handed him a small, flat box. “Open this one first.”
He looked at it like he already knew it was something serious. “You didn’t have to get me nothin’, gorgeous.”
“I wanted to,” I said. “Just open it.”
Woods sat forward, that lowkey smirk playing on his lips like he was trying to act like it wasn’t a big deal, but I saw it. Theway his fingers moved a little slower than usual. The way his eyes flicked up at me before pulling the wrapping back.
As soon as he lifted the lid and saw the bottle, he gave a low, appreciative hum. “Gucci Guilty Platinum,” he muttered, turning the bottle over in his palm. “This is my shit. The one that gets that pussy jumpin’.”
I smiled, biting my bottom lip. “Exactly that one.”
He chuckled and leaned over to kiss my cheek, then grabbed the second box and tore into it. When he pulled out the black Gallery Dept. hoodie, that smirk turned into a full grin. “Check you out,” he nodded, running his hand across the bold lettering. “Spent some money on a nigga, huh?”
“Something like that,” I said, watching him hold it up and admire it.
He looked at me, really seriously. “You a real one. I appreciate you.”
I blushed, shaking my head as he stood up and walked over to the other side of the tree. He squatted down to grab a couple of boxes before coming back over to where I sat on the rug. He sat back down and handed me the first box, and I peeled back the paper. Lifting the lid, my breath caught. Inside was a jet black satin slip dress with the Balenciaga tag still on it. The simple but sexy piece I’d rock.
One by one, Woods handed me gift after gift. I was so overwhelmed with joy and appreciation by the time I’d opened everything. He’s gotten me a Jo Malone candle set, diamonds, Gucci and Marc Jacobs perfume, Chanel boots, and a Ugg blanket.
I climbed into his lap without a word and kissed him slowly. “Thank you, babe.”
He pulled me closer, whispering against my mouth. “You make it easy to go all out, gorgeous. A good woman like you deserves the world.”
I wrapped my arms around him, heart full. “I love you,” I whispered, voice low, vulnerable, honest.
“I know, baby,” he said, kissing my shoulder. “I love you, too.” Before things could escalate into some freakiness, Woods’ phone started buzzing from the couch. He kissed my forehead and groaned, “Damn. That better be Jesus himself callin’.”
I laughed and swatted at him as he reached for it. “Who is it?” I asked.
He checked the screen. “Mom’s.” He walked over to the window with his phone pressed to his ear, mumbling “Merry Christmas” while looking out at the snow falling outside.
While he talked, I grabbed my phone from the side table to check messages. I had texts from my dad wishing me a great Christmas, along with a picture of him and Vanessa at the airport. Just then, an incoming FaceTime popped up. I smiled and answered, walking into the kitchen for a little quiet.
“Merrrrry Christmas, biii—” he started, stopping himself when he saw where I was. “Oh. Ohhh, you ain’t home!?”
I rolled my eyes, laughing. “Merry Christmas.”
Troi wore a green satin bonnet and a fuzzy robe and held a mimosa with a peppermint stick. “You glowin’ like a tree topper, and I don’t even need to ask why.”
“I’m just happy,” I said honestly, leaning against the counter. “It’s been a good Christmas.”
“Oh, I bet it has,” he said, sipping his drink dramatically. “You look all well-loved and moisturized. You must’ve got that Merry Dickmas special. I just knew you had a boo. I ain't stupid!”
I choked on my laugh. “Troi!”
He waved it off. “Anyway. I just called to say I love you, I miss you, and I hope y’all openin’ real gifts and not just each other’s legs today.”
I shook my head, grinning. “Shut up. I got him some real gifts. And he surprised me, too. It was cute.”
“Oh, he got money and sentiment? I approve.”
I looked back toward the living room and saw Woods still on the phone, now leaning against the wall, laughing about something with his mom.
