Chapter 33
Lou: Hey, uh, Chuck?
Chuck: Yeah, Lou?
Lou: Did you know phones could do that? I think I need to upgrade mine for the missus.
“You’re not going to propose to her on Christmas, Big Head!” my cousin snarls as she stares with heart eyes at the glass display.
My head snaps in her direction. “And why the hell not? I love her, and I know she’s who I’m spending the rest of my life with.” I watch as her eyebrows almost knock into her hairline from surprise.
“Calm down, Cupid, I know you do. Still.” Selene shakes her head like she does when she’s holding something back.
Still looking at my cousin, I squint my eyes. “Come on with it.”
“It's nothing.” I let her sit in the uncomfortable silence I know she’s feeling.
She will break eventually. “It’s just—you forgave her so quickly, and I don't want you getting hurt. I still can't believe you didn’t tell me about your first relationship with her. When I think about the start of your international tour, it wasn’t great and you weren't eating and your game was way off. You almost lost that sponsorship.”
She’s right, she always is. “All those things are true, Sel. The only difference is, this time, she isn't running away scared. She’s ready. This has all been at her speed. I also have had seven years to work through my shit. Did she play a part in it?” I ask the question out loud for both of us to hear, and reach out, laying my hand on her forearm.
When I respond this time, my tone has softened from the hard edge it had a moment ago.
“Yeah, Sel. She played a part, but it isn't all her fault. Not completely. Truth is, it wouldn't matter because she pulled my heart out and kept it with her for seven years. And I don’t want it back. I want to hold and cherish hers. I want to show Paloma that her heart is safe in my hands. I love her, Sel. I promise you, this time is different.”
A muffled sniffle comes from behind the counter, and when I look up, I see the jeweler who has been helping me look at rings. She looks at me and says, “That was so beautiful.” She continues to sniffle, and I smile at her.
I look over at Selene and smirk, before agreeing, “Fine, I won’t propose on Christmas.”
“Can I see this tennis bracelet?” I ask the attendant, and she nods. Pulling it out of the case, she lays it on a velvet display holder. My eyes dance over the glass case as I search for the matching marquise diamond earrings. “And these too.”
Selene scoots in next to me. “You cannot drop this kind of money on a damn bracelet and earrings,” says the woman staring at a six-thousand-dollar watch, one I make a note to come back for.
“How about you let me worry about how much money I’m spending on my woman.” She rolls her eyes, but I see the smirk. “Do you really not like her? Enough to not want me to propose?”
“I like her, Clinton, and even more than that, I like seeing you happy, and I want you to stay that way. I don't want to see you hurt.”
“That’s the only reason why you don’t want me to propose?” I question Sel, needing to know for sure.
Before she can respond the jeweler walks back up to us with the matching set, along with a pair of earrings I didn’t ask for.
“Mr. Morrison, I know you didn’t ask for these, but they match the lovely set you already have.
Think how beautiful she’ll look for an elegant night of dancing.
These would be the perfect addition to your fiancée on your wedding day. ”
Without much more convincing, I reply to her, “Can you wrap them up?” She nods as she smiles and retreats to the other end of the store to package everything up.
Following her to the register, I swipe my card and grab my gifts for Paloma.
As Selene and I leave, she looks at me and finally explains, “You shouldn’t propose on Christmas because this is your first Christmas together.
Celebrate it for what it is and then propose.
Let it have its own day. You both have missed out on so much time together, so make sure she gets the chance to enjoy it all. ”
Walking to the neighboring restaurant gives me the chance to fully appreciate all the hard work the town has put into the season’s decorations.
Wreaths hang on every door while the black light poles are wrapped in string lights, with large ornaments adorning the tops.
I feel like I’m visiting one of those feel-good movie towns I watch during the holidays.
Snowflakes flutter around in the wind as I wave goodbye to my cousin.
Lunch was great, and it’s always a good time to be with one of my favorite people, but I couldn't keep my mind off wanting to get Paloma’s gifts back to my condo, where they would be safe and sound.
Treasures gives every other jeweler a run for their money; I made sure to sneak back in to grab the watch for Selene.
A ping sounds from my phone, and a smile creeps across my face as I tap on the notification that her other gifts have shipped.
One of them is a cat bed for Waffles; it’s actually a plush dog bed with warming settings I’m sure he will enjoy.
He is a big boy, and the cat prioritizes comfort like no other.
It's quiet in the building, and I make my way up the elevators and into my place in no time. Setting the three small boxes inside the safe, I close the door and lock it. When my phone chimes this time, my breathing settles as if I was waiting for her all day.
Dove
I miss you.
Clinton
I miss you, baby.
What are you doing tonight?
Dove
Waiting for you to come over.
I smirk at where I know her thoughts will quickly go.
Clinton
Why don’t I pick you up for the tree lighting?
And then we’ll go back to your place.
Dove
I'll be ready in thirty mins.
It doesnt matter what she’s wearing—if she’s naked or clothed—she is the most fucking beautful woman I have ever laid my eyes on.
Paloma’s black, baggy cargo pants still fit her hips snuggly, I lick my lips at the thought of unzipping them and peeling them away from her hips and ass.
Fuck, I love her ass. As she makes her way down the steps, she zips up her cream-colored puffer jacket and tucks her gloved hands into her coat.
I exit the car and round it to open the passenger door wide. Paloma reaches her hand up toward my growing beard and caresses my chin, slightly tugging on the hair there.
She hums pleasantly and says, “I think I like a full beard on you, Golf Daddy.”
Every fucking time she calls me that, she has a vicious little smirk playing across her face. Blood rushes low. I don’t bother adjusting myself, and instead, I pull her into me. “It’s chilly out here, Dove. And I really want to see this tree, but you’re making me think you’d rather go back inside.”
Her eyebrows rise, and her gaze darkens slightly at my words.
Tapping her ass, I nod my head to the open door and only close it once she’s buckled herself in.
Once I’m back inside, I turn on the heated seats.
Gripping the back of her seat, I look into the rear window out of habit as I reverse out of her driveway.
The car has a camera, but the habit isn't something I’ve been able to knock.
Once my focus is back on the road, I rest my palm on her warm thigh and squeeze. “Let’s get to the center of town.”
The town center is alight with string lights, wreaths, and poinsettia plants. Each storefront has their doors wrapped up like a gift box.
Paloma’s hand is warm in mine. Needing her closer, I press a soft kiss to the top of her hand.
“I haven’t been to the tree lighting in—” She pauses in thought before she continues, “Honestly, I don't even know the last time.”
Paloma holds my hand a bit tighter as we make our way to the front of the unlit tree. “Maybe it can be our tradition.”
She angles her face up at me with a soft smile. “Just ours.”
“I love you, Dove.” My voice is almost a whisper as we stand in front of the towering tree, still dark while they wait for the right time.
“I love you too, Clint.” Paloma throws her arms around my neck, and the busy chattering crowd blurs to the background as our eyes lock.
She runs her fingers through the low curls on the side of my head as she stretches herself onto her toes.
Bending down, I press my lips to her soft and warm awaiting ones.
Kissing her feels like home, like traditions, like forever.
The crowd erupts into cheers, and we finally break the kiss, her leaning into my chest, as I wrap my arms around her. Lights twinkle, glowing against her face. Paloma’s laughter bubbles up. “We missed the lighting.”
“I think we’re perfectly timed.” She’s beaming, and it’s the only lighting I give a damn about.