I nudge the front door closed behind me with my foot, my arms and hands loaded down with bags from Neimans and climb the stairs to my bedroom, throwing the bags onto the bed.
I did good.
Nate was very generous today.
I didn't go crazy. I replaced the underwear he ripped, and bought some extra because they are sexy and will most likely meet the same fate the lacy panties of mine met this past weekend. I splurged on a couple of pretty nightgowns, and the rest is a hot, black leather jacket, shoes and handbags.
Oh, the shoes and handbags.
Two pairs of Blaniks and one pair of Jimmy Choos that are, frankly, to die for. Nate also got me a Gucci handbag and matching wallet.
He really shouldn't have.
I laugh as I pull everything out of the bags and put them away in my closet. The smallest bag has a tiny wrapped box in it, tied with a red bow and I hug myself, excited to give Nate his gift.
This gift was paid for by me, of course.
I hear my doorbell and I race down the stairs to greet my man.
"Hi," I smile up at his beautiful face. He's let his hair down – yum – and he's holding a large bouquet of red roses in one hand and a white plastic bag full of food in the other.
"Hi, gorgeous. These are for you."
"Thank you." I bury my nose in the soft blooms, inhaling their sweet scent and grin. "Come inside, make yourself at home."
I step back and lead him through the house to the kitchen so I can fuss over my lovely roses and put them in water.
"Plates?" he asks and I point to the cupboard that houses the dinnerware. I love this house, and I'm thankful to Natalie every day that she lets me live here, rent free. It's beautiful, with a fantastic view of the Puget Sound. The kitchen is state-of-the-art, though not quite as sexy as Nate's.
I arrange my flowers and put them on the breakfast bar where I can admire them.
"These are fantastic, thank you."
"You're welcome." Nate leans down and kisses my cheek, then loads both our plates full of Italian food. We settle at the dining room table with our dinner and I pour us each a glass of red wine.
"So, did you have fun today?" Nate digs into his lasagna.
"I had a blast today, thank you again."
He grins, looking exceedingly proud of himself. "You're welcome. What did you get?"
"Oh, you know… lingerie, shoes, handbags… the things girls love the most." I smirk and take a sip of my wine.
"I'm glad." He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles. "I'd love to go with you next time. You can try the lingerie on for me and I can attack you in the dressing room." His eyes are shining with humor and lust and my belly clenches.
"It's a date." I finish my food and push my plate away. "How was your day?"
"Uneventful, but profitable," he winks at me and smiles. I'm sure it was. He's very good at his job.
"That sounds like a good day."
"It's much better, now that I'm here."
"Such the charmer," I wink at him and nudge his leg under the table, making him laugh. I have something for you." I clear our plates and take them to the kitchen, then snag the small box off the kitchen island.
"Oh?"
"Yes, here." I set the box on the table and smile. "This was not charged to your account today."
He frowns at me and looks down at the box. "You didn't have to get me anything. It's your birthday."
"You don't always have to have an occasion to buy a gift." I roll my eyes at him. "I wanted to get you something."
His eyes soften for a moment, and then they burn with excitement. I can tell he's dying to see what's in the box.
"Open it."
"Okay." He pulls the ribbon off and unwraps the white paper. Inside is a small black jewelry box. He flips the lid, and nestled in cream colored satin are two platinum cuff links with his initials engraved in them.
His face is completely blank. I can't tell what he's thinking. He hates them? I just don't know.
Then his face transforms into his big, panty-melting grin and he pulls me into his lap, nuzzling my neck. "Thank you, baby. I love them."
"You had me worried there for a second." I run my fingers through his hair and enjoy being in his arms.
"I'm not used to getting gifts."
"Get used to it." I kiss his nose, and then sweep my lips over his mouth, sweetly kissing him.
"Well, since we're giving gifts…" He shifts, pushing me back on his lap and pulls a small red Cartier box out of his pocket.
Holy Fuck.
"Nate, you've spent too much money on me today already."
"Stop." He rests his fingers over my mouth. "I've been waiting a long time to give you things, Julianne. Don't rain on my parade."
Oh, he's just so sweet.
I open the lid on the box and nestled inside are princess cut diamond earrings. They sparkle brilliantly, reflecting the light from the chandelier, and simply take my breath away. They are easily a carat each.
And way too expensive.
I shouldn't accept them.
But when I look up into his gray eyes, I see apprehension and maybe a little fear, and I know I can't tell him no.
"Thank you," I whisper, overcome. Tears begin to run unchecked down my cheeks and I don't bother to try to stop them.
"Hey, what's wrong, baby?" He brushes my tears away with his thumbs.
"I'm just…" I swallow and turn my tear-filled eyes to his, and I know I have fallen in love with him. Not because of his expensive gifts, but because of how gentle and generous and kind he is, not to mention sexy as sin and smarter than any man has a right to be.
But it's too soon to tell him.
"I'm just thankful, and maybe a little overwhelmed by your generosity."
He kisses my cheek, tucks me under his chin and I curl up on his lap, enjoying the feel of his strong arms around me, holding me to him.
"Get used to it, baby."