After I change into nicer clothes, I rejoin the party. Powerfluff seems to be the guest of honor. I wait my turn to scratch behind her ears. The cat closes her eyes in bliss, the queen of our New Year’s celebration.
I laugh. “The queen has found her throne for the night.”
“She does look like a queen. Guess that makes me her lady-in-waiting,” Abby says. She’s wearing a sparkly dress and heels.
Flutters fill my stomach. “Wow.” I drink in the sight of her. “You are stunning.”
She blushes, smoothing her dress down. “Thanks. You clean up well yourself.”
As other guests arrive, we mingle and chat, but I find my gaze constantly drawn to Abby. She fits in seamlessly with my family and our friends. Wherever I am, I can pick out her laugh above the music and chatter.
As midnight approaches, anticipation builds. I make my way to Abby’s side, my palms sweaty.
“Hey.” I touch her elbow. “Want to step out on the balcony for the countdown? The view of the fireworks is great from there.”
She nods, following me outside. The temperature has dropped, and I drape a blanket over Abby’s shoulders. We lean against the railing, our arms brushing.
“Ten! Nine! Eight!” The chant from inside grows louder.
As I turn to face Abby, my heart pounds. “Thanks for coming here tonight.”
“Seven! Six! Five!”
She looks up at me. “This is exactly where I want to ring in the New Year.”
“Four! Three! Two!”
I cup her face gently.
“One! Happy New Year!”
As cheers erupt and fireworks explode across the sky, our lips meet in a tender kiss that sends sparks shooting through my entire body. Abby arches against me. Her arms wind around my neck as she deepens the kiss. I lower my hand from her face and wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer.
When we finally part, Abby rests her head on my chest. I hold her close, feeling as if we are a perfect fit.
“Happy New Year.” I brush my lips over her hair.
She tilts her face up to mine and smiles. “Happy New Year, John.” And then she kisses me again.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Abby
The January chill makes me wish I’d worn a scarf to work this morning. My fault because I wasn’t entirely thinking straight when I said goodbye to Powerfluff. As my breath puffs out in little clouds, I hurry across the parking lot. At least I remembered gloves, even if they’re the ones my parents gave me for Christmas. So far, they’ve kept my hands warm. Time will tell if that continues.
I stop at the entrance to the office building. It’s freezing, yet I only stare at the door.
No need to be nervous.
John’s SUV wasn’t in the parking lot, so I won’t see him first thing. Not that it matters when I see him.
Just another workday.
I wish. Today is different because I won’t just see my boss, Mr. Barrington. I’ll see my boyfriend, John.
Boyfriend. The word still feels weird to me, and it shouldn’t.
He’s talked to corporate headquarters. Everything is fine. No need to worry.
