Vivienne throws her head back, laughing. “You’re diabolical then.”
“Guilty. Now go pick out a jacket. Remember, it’s only going to get colder.” I watch as she wanders into the display of jackets, waiting for her to return with something.
Once she finds a jacket, we head to the register to pay, stopping to grab a hat and gloves on our way. I pay Mazie’s to ship Vivienne’s sneakers back to the house so she can wear the boots out. Thankfully, our trip to Mazie’s was uneventful. My strong, independent woman allowed me to do something nice for her, and no one recognized either of us. It’s definitely a win in my book.
Back in the car, the driver heads towards Central Park. I can’t wait to show Vivienne all the famous spots, and nothing says romantic gesture like a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park.
Chapter thirty-one
Rockstar Cas Wilder has a secret sweet side, and I’m obsessed. At home in his city, he’s relaxed and at ease. The number of times he’s let his guard down is a new record—one I’m certainly not complaining about.
I stomp my feet on the sidewalk to stay warm,secretly glad Cas forced me into warm, fuzzy boots and a heavy jacket. I’m currently waiting for him to tell me I can turn around. He planned a surprise in the middle of a park. I’ve been standing where he left me a few minutes ago, trying hard to resist the urge to peek over my shoulder.
At last, Cas calls from not too far away, “Alright, Vivienne, turn around.”
When I spin around, my eyes land on Cas. He’s standing in front of a horse-drawn carriage. There are Christmas wreaths and giant red bows decorating every crevice of it. Inside, plush blankets are piled on the seat. It takes my breath away. I stroll over to Cas. My hands grip the collar of his jacket as I push up on my tiptoes and kiss him. “You’re such a hopeless romantic,” I whisper against his lips before I pull away.
“Once again, guilty,” he rasps, low enough only I can hear.
Cas helps me into the carriage, then climbs in next to me. He tucks the blankets around me, and to my surprise, it’s much warmer than I expected it to be. I’m not even cold anymore as I settle against him. “Thank you. This is magical. Truly, you’ve outdone yourself, and I know you’re only just getting started, which actually makes me terrified to find out what else you have up your sleeve.”
“I told you, little muse, you’re mine for keeps. I might be bossy and diabolical, but I know how to treat my woman. I thought you’d know that by now.” His voice rumbles against my ear, and my stomach fills with butterflies.
He’s right. “I guess I’m just not used to it.”
“And I hate that. From the moment we met, all I wanted to do was show you what love should feel like.”
Shit! Cas said the four-letter word that’s been hanging between us since the moment I woke up in his bed this morning. Silence surrounds us. I don’t really know what to say to that or how to respond. But he doesn’t mind. We ride in a comfortable silence until we reach the first stop. The driver tells us all about the location, including the movies it’s been featured in. I listen intently, immersed in the experience. We pull away a few minutes later, heading to the next stop on the tour.
“Take a picture with me,” Cas says, breaking our silence.
“Okay,” I shrug. “Are you going to post it?” I ask nervously.
“Of course I am. Think of it as our holiday greeting card to all our fans. They get to see us happy and celebrating our first Christmas together.”
Our.
I pick up on it the moment the words leave his lips. It’s cute that he’s already planning more. This man is obsessed with me in an unhinged way. He’s acting like we’re in a committed relationship or something. I pause. Are we in a relationship? It sure feels like it. I’m definitely overthinking things. He’s been calling me his. He got on a plane immediately after his tour to kidnap me, and we’ve each role-played a fantasy. I think it’s safe to say we’re in a relationship.
I lean into him, beaming as he holds up his phone and snaps a pic.
Happy holidays. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.He types into the caption.
I melt. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be either.” I kiss his cheek.
“Good,” Cas growls, cupping my face and bringing his lips to meet mine. They crash together hungrily until once again we come to a stop. Even though I could kiss Cas in this carriage for hours I pull away, opening my eyes to see where we are.
The driver drones on in the background about where we’ve stopped. Cas kisses my neck gently enough to be a distraction. It’s impossible to focus on anything but him. “You’re quiet.” His warm breath lands against my ear. “What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” My response catches him off guard. “I’m just existing,” I explain, snuggling in closer to him.
“Okay. I like when you exist this close to me,” he teases.
“I like it too,” I confess enjoying everything about this moment. “Talk to me. I missed the sound of your voice.”
A deep, satisfying sigh is followed by, “That’s not all you missed.”
“Cas!” I hiss, scolding him, which elicits a few chuckles.
