Her expression turns a little defiant.
“Hey, by the way, I got an email that the second wedding present I got you is ready. I’ll pick it up when we get back. It’s a present that cuts both ways actually. Partly it’s for me.”
“I thought you liked the cuff links I got you?”
“I do. I love them. Platinum Aces? Perfect for me. I plan to wear them every time I have to put on a suit.”
“So then what’s this about needing another present?”
“It’s for you, but I’m going to enjoy seeing you wear it. I had a custom necklace made for you. Gold with emeralds. It’s a good match for the bracelet I got you. The one you like.”
“You don’t need to buy me lots of expensive jewelry, Scott. Where will I even wear it?”
“You’ll be able to wear it when we go out to dinner or to a party. Wherever, really. It’s not too flashy.” I grab the tablet and open the photos I have of the emerald-studded collar necklace. It’s mainly yellow gold but diamond-cut white gold embellishes it to make a geometric diamond pattern. Front and center is a thick open ring that’ll land on the hollow of her throat. The incorporated loop is a subtle alternative to having a ring hanging from the collar as an attachment.
“That design…” She leans over the tablet. “First of all, itisquite flashy.”
“The emeralds are only half a carat each.”
“But look how many there are! And the way it sparkles. It’s not a casual piece of jewelry, Scott. It’s a statement piece for sure. And…” Her voice trails off as she pauses to study it. “Hey, Trick?”
The fact that she calls me Trick tells me she suspects what it is. “Yes, Laurelyn?”
“Is it a pet collar?”
“Not unless you’re going to play a pet for me.” I tap a button that shows the inside where it’s engraved with a letter O that has a triskelion inside. It’s an Irish Celtic symbol, and more.
Her brows pinch together, which means she recognizes the symbol’s nod to BDSM. “Is it a slave collar?”
“Is that what it looks like?” I counter, keeping my voice neutral. “If you saw it on someone else, would you jump to that conclusion? Try to forget for a minute what I’m like in bed.”
“That’s pretty hard to forget,” she says, a wry little smile playing at the corners of her mouth.“What if someone suspects what it is? I wouldn’t want to have to explain.” Her dark suntan almost hides her blush, but not quite.
“I don’t know why you think you need to explain yourself to anyone ever. The only people we answer to now are each other.”
She straightens and steps back. “It’s beautiful, but whether I wear it in public is something I want to think about.”
“Sure, you think about it.” I deliver the line casually, but we know each other too well now for her to buy that my feelings are as casual as my tone.
Her eyes narrow. “Do not start plotting, Trick.”
“Would I do that?” I tease.
“Of course you would, Mr. ‘Everything’s a Game.’ Try to remember how wonderful this week has been. There’s no need to revert to your bad boy ways with me.”
“Revert? Do you not remember your arms being tied to the headboard last night?”
“That was different.”
“How so?”
“It was just sexy fun. Pretty silk scarves wrapped around…I think a lot of couples probably do that kind of thing on their honeymoons.” She scoots away as she adds, “Anyway, I should finish packing.”
“You do that,” I say softly, the corners of my mouth curving up.
She’s on her way to the bedroom when she stops and turns back, trying to pin me with a look. “You said you’d give me a say in things.”
“Yeah, anything new we can talk about. Anything I’ve already done to you, whether you’ve considered it normal fun or not, is fair game.”
