TWENTY-ONE: Taryn

TWENTY-ONE

TARYN

A few nights later

My family is beyond smitten with James, so much so that tonight is the first night we’re returning to the room before midnight. They’ve been keeping us awake until the wee morning hours with our endless traditions and estate tours, but he hasn’t complained at all.

“Can I ask you something, James?” I follow him onto the balcony.

“Anything.”

“Were you planning on giving me a promotion for Christmas?”

“After you blatantly disregarded my demand about coming to work?” He shakes his head. “ Hell no , and we’ll talk about your future at Magnolia Marketing later.”

“Sounds like you’re threatening to fire me.”

“Quite the contrary, Miss Stone. ” He kisses my forehead. Then he pulls a shiny sage box from his pocket. “Merry Christmas.”

“I can't accept it yet.” I shake my head. “I didn't get you anything.”

“You gave me a reason to never fall asleep when you’re driving.”

“I’m not that bad.” I push his shoulder. “Can you give me a week to find something for you and then we’ll exchange?”

“No. Open it now.”

Pulling the black string, I lift the top.

“Keys?”

“To your much needed new car.” He smiles and presses the button.

A beautiful dark grey Mercedes chirps from right below our balcony.

Too stunned to say a word, I stand on my toes to kiss him, and he wraps his arms around my waist.

“You have an appointment with a specialist in the morning,” he says. “He’s going to personally show you all the features.”

“Does it come with camping gear?”

“No, but I tucked a bottle of bear spray in the glove compartment just for you.”

I laugh. "What about the back seat? Does it fold over in case I’ll ever need to stay in it overnight?”

“I believe so.” He traces a finger against my lips. “We should test it out to see if it works.”

“For sleeping ?”

“Sure.” He grips my waist. “After we test it out with sex…”