Stevie is propped against the base of the couch, swaddled in the pink and gray blanket as she stares into the crackling flames dancing around the hearth. “Penny for them?” I ask, handing her the ice cream and spoons before easing down beside her. Setting the bottle and glasses on the ground, I proceed to pour the wine while she pries the lid off her favorite black cherry chocolate chip ice cream. I always ensure the cabin refrigerator is stocked up with the stuff. I buy it from a local parlor in Woodinville. It’s one of their most popular cartons, and they regularly sell out, so I like to pick up a few when they’re back in stock.
Stevie turns on her side, handing a spoon to me. “I was just thinking about how this was my fantasy the first time I came here.”
I hand her a wineglass and take a sip of my own drink before digging my spoon into the yummy, creamy goodness. “Eating ice cream naked in front of the fire?”
“Not that part,” she says before licking her spoon and moaning.
My cock stiffens because those sounds she makes are my own personal aphrodisiac. “Which part then?”
“The sex part. The second I saw this rug and the open fireplace, I had a vision of us drinking wine and making love in front of a roaring fire, and now we’ve done it.”
I lean in and kiss her chocolaty lips. “I want to fulfill all your fantasies.”
“You do, handsome. You’re the best boyfriend.” She snuggles into my side, dropping kisses along my arm and my shoulder. “I mean it, babe.” She looks up at me through a layer of long, thick, gorgeous lashes, looking sweet as sin and good enough to eat. “You look after me so well, and you make me feel loved and protected.”
“Loving you is as easy as breathing.”
“I’m happy we’re all spending Christmas together.”
“Me too. I want to prove you can join my family for the holidays and it will be normal and wonderful, not like that Thanksgiving nightmare.” I leave Stevie to finish the ice cream while I savor the crisp sauvignon blanc.
“I already know tomorrow will be nothing like that disaster. It’s going to be great.”
“You better believe it.” I tweak her nose before handing her the bag with the small gift-wrapped box. “I want to give you your gift now while we’re alone.”
Discarding the half-empty ice cream tub, she sits up straighter, placing the bag on her lap. The blanket falls from her shoulders, pooling at her waist. Strands of messy auburn hair tumble over her shoulders, brushing the tops of her perfect round tits. Her nipples are hard, and my dick is flying at full mast now, pointing at her like a loaded weapon.
I’m already salivating at the prospect of round two.
But I want her to open her gift first.
Stevie is quiet as she removes the package from the bag. Trembling fingers tear at the pretty purple wrapping. Her head jerks up, and panicked eyes meet mine when she reveals the small square jeweler’s box.
“It’s not what you’re thinking. Breathe, baby. Please.” My fingers caress her face and neck in a soothing motion.
Her chest rises and falls as she opens the box. Wide, dazed eyes stare at the custom piece of jewelry.
“It’s a promise ring,” I explain because she’s gone deathly pale. I sit cross-legged in front of her, watching all manner of emotions flit over her face as she stares at the ring.
A layered red topaz stone occupies center stage, surrounded by small diamond edging, arranged to look like petals, resting on a rose gold band. I couldn’t be more thrilled at how it turned out. “It’s a poppy ring,” I blurt, staring to panic when she still hasn’t said anything. “I had it made especially for you. I wanted to give you a ring that was uniquely you and something that represented my commitment to us.” I tap a gentle finger across my plastic-wrapped wrist. “In the same way you gave me a gift of your commitment.”
“It’s beautiful, Garrick,” she whispers, looking up at me with glassy eyes. “But this is too much and far too expensive.”
“You are worth it.” I wind my fingers in her hair. “Put it on. It should fit. I measured your finger one night while you were sleeping. I wanted to ensure I got the right size.”
“That was sneaky,” she says, carefully removing the ring from the box.
“Here. Let me.” Taking it from her, I slide it onto the ring finger of her left hand. “There. Perfect.” I almost choke on emotion as I force the words out. I can’t describe the joy I feel seeing my ring on her finger. If I had my way, it’d be an engagement ring, but I knew Stevie would balk if I proposed to her. I’ll have to build up to that.
She holds out her hand, admiring it. “It’s stunning.” Biting on her lip, she stares at it like she’s almost scared of it.
“If you don’t like it, we can return it and pick something together.”
“I love it, Garrick. I really do. I couldn’t have picked anything more perfect.”
“But?”
Air expels from her mouth in a rush. “I’m happy to wear your promise ring, Garrick, as long as we’re on the same page about marriage, and I’m fearful we’re not.” She scoots in closer to me, her features softening with love as she peers deep into my eyes. “I want to marry you someday, but that’s a long way away for me. I’m not even twenty-one yet.”
