“Is there anything else I can get you, sir?” the young man asks.
“Not for now.” Giving him a tip as a thank you, I close the door after he leaves.
Taking the bags, which are a surprise for Arya, I carry them to the closet. Reentering the room, I saunter to where she’s lying comfortably on the bed. In sleep, she looks even more angelic and innocent, surging my protective instincts to shelter her from any harm.
Her hair is fanned out on the white pillow, face turned toward me, lips slightly parted as she rests on her back. The belt of her robe has come undone and fallen open in the middle, revealing her creamy skin in all its jaw dropping glory and making my mouth water.
My need for her is endless and unquenchable. Whether it’s making love to her constantly, listening to her talk, laughing with her, becoming lost in her eyes rather than my head.
I can’t say about my current life, but in past life, I must’ve done something good to deserve her in this one.
The urge to slide into bed with her flares hard. However, I need to wake her up if we’re going to make it on time to the fundraiser. Bending down, I caress the side of her face with the back of my fingers. “Angel.”
She shivers, leaning into my hand.
I can’t help but smile.
Lowering my mouth to the shell of her ear, I murmur, “Wake up, Ari.”
She stirs, turning her head toward my voice.
I nip her lobe, biting gently. “Your surprise is here.”
“Hmm.”
Shifting back, I curl my hand around her waist and rub it up and down. Goosebumps erupt on her flesh. Caressing her again, I warn playfully, “I’m going to tickle you if you don’t wake up, angel.”
“No!” she gasps, her eyelashes fluttering open.
I do it anyway, unable to resist.
“Nathan!” She lurches upright, laughing and breathlessly pleading, “I’m up! I’m up! I’m up!”
Taking mercy, I stop. “You’re cute.”
“You’re mean.”
“Good thing you love me.”
Rolling her eyes, she pushes me back and stands up. Cocking her hip, she eagerly demands, “What’s my surprise?”
She doesn’t have a clue, but this is the first of many surprises I have planned for her on our trip. It’s the first time I’m traveling as a couple and I want to make it as special and memorable as possible.
“I’ll show you,” I answer, lacing my fingers through hers and tugging her into the closet. Her eyes immediately land on the line of bags.
Squealing in delight, she runs up to them. “Oh my god! Did you shop for me?”
“Yeah, angel. I bought you a dress that I’d like you to wear tonight,” I reveal, just as she picks the tall garment bag and unzips it. “I also got you matching heels and a diamond necklace. Hope you like them.”
I know she had packed a stunning cocktail dress and brought it here, but the possessive man in me wants to see her wear something bought by me. The surprise is as much for her as it’s for me.
My heart is in my throat as I watch her raptly, waiting for her reaction. Parting the carrier until the silver sequined gown comes into view, she audibly gasps. Touching the bodice with trembling fingers, she peers at me with a light sheen in her eyes. “Nathan, this is the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen.”
I cross over to her and circle her waist. “It’ll look even better on you.”
“I can’t wait to wear it,” she murmurs, clutching it to her chest.
“I’m going to become insane with jealousy when every man drools over you, but it’d be worth it.”
