We step back for a breath and I slip her hand into mine as we pass through the lobby. The gothic-inspired architecture of the building is a stunning sight and she loves gazing up at the details while we head to my penthouse. The elevator door closes behind us after I swipe my fob.
She wears less makeup than she normally does. There’s a tiredness to her eyes, like she hasn’t slept well this weekend.
“Hey, are you alright?” I ask, hoping nothing is wrong that I can’t fix.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Her smile is pleasant but not genuine. I recognize what it is,let’s not talk about it or worry about me.Not exactly something I’m able to do, but if she doesn’t want to open up, then I’m not going to press it. Yet.
“I’ve already scheduled our dinner delivery, it should be here by eight.”
She hums with appreciation. “Sounds perfect, thank you.”
“Plenty of time for fun.”
She wiggles her eyebrows. “What type of fun?”
“Well, it’s going to take both of us.”
“Yeah?” She steps into my arms, playing along with me.
“It’s gonna behard,” I say, kissing her cheek.
“Ooooh.”
“Andbig,” I whisper, kissing her neck.
“Just the way I like it.”
“It will take all night.”
“It better,” she says with a breathy sigh.
“It’s a dragon.” I trail my nose to her ear.
“Baby, don’t I know it,” she coos.
“We need to get to the sanctum and fight the dragon to get to the amulet so I can boost my spell casting, ’cause everyone in our party keeps dying.”
Emilie lets out a dramatic and over-the-top fake moan that echoes around us before she joins me in a burst of laughter.
When our amusement finally ends, I ask, “How was your weekend?”
She’s always vague about how she spends her time. “It was good, tried a new restaurant, got some shopping done. So what’s this surprise you have for me?” she asks, more like herself this time, bouncing a little on her feet, and I’m thankful that whatever troubles she’s brought to the door, she can leave them there.
A little laugh escapes me. “You’ll see very soon.”
She fakes a pout for a moment but then says, “How was work this week for you?”
“Good. Very good. I’m working on a collaboration I’m very excited about. My company is in charge of an app that we anticipate having millions of users within the first month and projected steady growth from there. We’re workingon the last few bugs. The launch will happen in a few weeks if all goes according to plan.”
Before I can tell her about my closest friends and the pack we are starting, the elevator door opens right into my living room.
My home is a mix of modern and classic decor. I have a fair amount of cat-safe plants that work well with the dark wood of the massive bookshelf that frames the large TV and the hardwood floors. Bronze accents on the table and picture frames tie the place together. I love the large windows that give us great views of the city.
Dreamsicle screams for attention the second Emilie walks in, who immediately picks him up like a baby. She rocks him while giving him chin scratches, telling him what a good boy he is.
Lucky cat.
I didn’t name the chunky orange guy that. Personally, I think it’s a very silly name for a cat, but he was surrendered to the shelter after his elderly owner passed away, and I didn’t have the heart to change it since he had already gone through so much.
