by Layla Frost
I took two steps down before Theo called out, “Luggage is in the last spare bedroom’s closet!”
“Thank you!” Sprinting the rest of the way, I grabbed the bag and a medium sized suitcase. I packed some clothes before Theo came in.
“Don’t forget walking shoes. And pack at least one dress.”
I added my sneakers, a pair of knee high suede boots, and some heels to the suitcase. I set out a black dress. “What’s the airport rule about flying with liquids? Wait, did I pack too much? Will you have enough room for your stuff?”
Theo chuckled. “Relax, my gattina. Private plane means you can bring your shampoo and stuff in the regular bottle. You can add more clothes; I have my own that’s made for suits. I’ll put your dress in mine so it doesn’t wrinkle.”
“Private plane?”
“It makes more sense for Amaric.”
“Do you travel a lot?”
“I used to,” he said, rubbing his stubbly chin on my neck. “Now I let Luc handle it since I prefer to stick close to home.” He cupped me between the legs as he said it, as if being deep inside me was where he considered home.
If that was the case, the feeling was mutual.
Unfortunately, he released his hold and moved away. “If you forget anything, we can get it there.”
“Okay.”
Less than two hours later, we were stepping onto a gorgeous plane. There were a few rows of chairs which looked like the traditional airplane ones. Behind them were long booth style seats and tables. There was a small crew who greeted us, but then we were left alone.
“I’ve never flown before,” I said, my stomach twisting with nerves.
He covered my hand with his. “It’ll be fine. The flight is only a little over an hour, and the skies are clear.”
When we took off a short while later, I clutched his hand in a death grip. I refused to look out the window, instead focusing on the movie that played on the small screen. I wasn’t paying attention, but it let me pretend we were in a theater, and not however many miles above ground in a magical flying tube.
“What’re you working on?” I asked Theo, glancing over at his laptop.
He opened a few new tabs. “This company, MeatCute, was started by two classmates from Columbia University. It’s basically a dating and restaurant app in one. You fill out the personality part as you normally would, but then you also put in your food preferences. It uses their algorithm to match based on both, then suggests a local restaurant to meet at. You can also use it to just meet new friends who also want to eat a specific meal that night, not necessarily anything romantic.”
“That’s a really good idea. Why would they need you?” At his raised brow, I added, “No offense.”
“It’s hugely successful. But one of the partners let it get to his head. The problem with a lot of these startup creators is they go from broke college kid to millionaire in a few months, and they don’t know how to handle it. They get involved with things they shouldn’t, go on crazy shopping sprees, or make poor business decisions. Usually, the fad ends and they’re left with nothing because they didn’t save or invest.”
“Where’s this one fall?”
“One of the guys hooked up with a party chick and lost his half of the company for pussy and blow.” He switched to a tab of a nerdy cute guy. “Dax Miller is a smart kid. When the idea started to form between him and his roommate, he insisted they go to a lawyer to make a partnership contract in case one of them wanted out, or things went south. One of the clauses was regarding drugs. When his partner failed the drug test, he automatically forfeited his half.”
“Smart of Dax Miller.”
“Very.” He switched tabs again to an email with a lot of bullet points. “Miller wants to bring in someone he can trust, while also retaining control of his company.”
“Don’t you take control of already failing ones?” I asked.
“Normally, yes. But in this case, we want to help him out before it gets to that point. We’ve been hired more as consultants.”
“Is Luc working it, too?”
Theo nodded. “He’s already there, most likely presenting his own bullet pointed list of why Miller should let him expand MeatCute to Boston.”
“That’s a really good idea.” As far as I could tell, from my Food Network and Travel Channel viewing, NYC and Boston both had more than their share of amazing restaurants.
“Yeah, it’d do well. Luc is always looking for a new challenge or hobby.”
The pilot came over the announcement system, making me jump and my stomach lurch. Relief flowed through me when he was merely announcing our descent.
“The city is all lit up, want to look?” Theo asked.
Closing my eyes, I shook my head as I clutched at Theo and the armrest.
I should’ve ordered a drink…
Or ten.
···
I’m officially in love.
After arriving in the city, we’d taken a cab to our hotel to drop off our bags. Since the hotel was right in Times Square, I’d gone from tired to wide awake.
It was incredible.
In Boston, there was life all around. Shopping, culture, history, everything I could want was within a short walk or T ride.
Because that was my life, I hadn’t expected New York City to be anything jaw dropping.
I’d been way wrong
After dropping our bags off in the swankiest room, better than anything on the Travel Channel, I’d practically pulled Theo out onto the street. We’d shared food truck food, including the mandatory hot dog, and walked the city blocks. I’d snapped about a million selfies of us, uploading them to my rarely used Facebook.
We’d only spent a few hours out before I’d reluctantly said I was tired. It wasn’t a lie, though I’d have pushed through, but Theo had his meeting early.
It’d taken me a while to fall asleep, but I’d still jumped out of bed the next morning, full of energy and ready to go. I hadn’t even been sure if I had anywhere to go. I may have been used to a big city, but NYC was a beast of its own. My sense of direction wasn’t great, and I didn’t want to end up on the other side of the city.
Thankfully for me, Luc had come early with Niall.
Unfortunately for Niall, that meant he was on babysitting duty.
Niall barely spoke, making me feel like I was on my own. It was nice to have the time to be in my head for a while, taking in everything and people watching.
The only time I’d really noticed him was when he’d insisted on carrying my messenger bag. I’d hesitated to take too many pictures, not wanting to spend all day acting like a gawking tourist. Every time I’d spend longer than a moment looking at things, though, Niall would hand me my camera and then return it to the bag after.
As I stood in Central Park, pretty much keeping my camera to my eye, I was blown away by the size of it. I’d always thought it was just a basic park, but it spanned a couple miles. Since everything was covered in snow, I’d expected it to be empty, but I was wrong about that, too. There were massive rock hills that children climbed on located near an unusual playground. I was tempted to go swing just because I felt so giddy and carefree, but I was pretty sure that would’ve pushed Niall’s patience too far.
Instead, I walked, pausing occasionally to look around. I also stopped to pet every dog who came to me.
When we exited the end of the park, I asked, “Street meat?”
Niall’s lip curled.
“Ohhhkay,” I muttered, offering, “Pizza?”
“That I could eat. Come on.”
We walked along, passing several pizza places before he finally opened the door. The smell of sweet tomato sauce, garlic, and spicy pepperoni hit me like a wall. Once we got in and ordered our slices, we sat at a small table near the window.
“Have you come here before?” I asked.
“Every time I’m in the city. Lots of places claim to have the best pizza, but they actually do.” He picked up the slice, folde
d it, and took a bite. It was almost odd seeing him eat. In all the times I’d been around him, I couldn’t recall him ever eating or drinking. Between that and his stoic personality, he could’ve easily passed as a robot.
I followed his lead, eating the same way. “That’s the best bite of food I’ve ever had.”
“Told you so.” For a moment, there was a tiny hint of a smile before his expression blanked again. He took out his phone. “Mr. Amato said to check your phone.”
I pulled mine out and saw it was still set to silent.
Theo: Having fun, my gattina?
Theo: I’ll take your lack of response as a yes.
Theo: Meeting should be wrapping up soon. Meet at hotel?
Me: Sure.
With all the excitement, I’d barely slept, so a quick nap sounded perfect.
“Ready to head back?” I asked Niall as we tossed out our garbage.
He nodded, holding the door for me and then signaling a taxi as soon as we stepped outside.
I spent most of the ride to the hotel with my eyes closed as I clutched the door handle. My legs were even wobbly when I climbed out.
And I thought Boston driving was panic inducing.
Niall walked me to my room before taking off to do God knew what.
Collapsing onto the bed, I closed my eyes.
I’ll set an alarm for a half hour and grab a power nap.
In one second, I’ll do it.
One quick second.
I fell asleep.
···
Opening my eyes, the room was dark except the glow of Theo’s laptop. He sat at the desk, quietly working.
“What time is it?” I asked.
He turned toward me. “Little before six.”
“AM or PM?”
Chuckling, he got up and moved to sit at the side of the bed. “PM. Dinner is in an hour. Want me to cancel the reservations?”
I shook my head. “I can be ready. Casual or dress?”
“Dress.”
“I’m on it.”
After showering and blow drying my hair so it wasn’t dripping, I quickly did my makeup and pulled on my strapless black dress. I had a pea coat, but worried my legs were going to freeze. Stepping into blue and purple swirled pumps, I made a mental note to put my flats in my bag.
“How hungry are you?” Theo practically growled when I stepped out of the bathroom.
“Very,” I answered honestly, though reluctantly.
He nodded, helping me into my coat before putting his own on. We walked from the room to the elevator in silence. Only when the elevator doors closed did he speak. “I’m going to put a mirror wall in the elevator at Amaric.”
I looked to the side that was all mirror. “I like that idea.”
“And then I’m gonna fuck you against it.”
“I love that idea.” I also loved the way we looked together. It was times like those, when I caught our reflection randomly in a mirror or window, that I couldn’t believe how my life had changed.
Never, in my absolute wildest dreams, would I have imagined being with someone like Theo. Especially not standing next to him, both of us looking like we just stepped out of an upscale advertisement. My shoes, dress, and coat were as far from the taffeta thrift store nightmares as they could get.
Walking outside, I barely registered the cold as we walked the short distance to the restaurant. We sat and ordered drinks before I asked, “How’d the meeting go?”
“Good. We helped narrow down the choices, but Luc is going to do more thorough digging than Miller did.”
“And Luc’s side mission?”
“Pretty sure it was a success. I could only follow along with about half of what they said, but Miller seemed to like him and be receptive to the idea.”
“Sounds like a productive day. Does that mean we go back tomorrow?”
“We can.” Theo paused as the server dropped off our drinks and we ordered. “Or we can stay through New Year’s Eve. I have a meeting on the second, so we’d have to leave the first.”
I grinned, my foot bouncing. “I didn’t pack nearly enough for the rest of the week.”
He rubbed his jaw. “Hmm. If only we were somewhere known for shopping. What awful luck.”
Rolling my eyes, I took a sip of my drink before saying, “You know what I mean.”
“I’d have said something earlier, but I wasn’t sure if the hotel would have a vacancy. They do, so if you want to…”
Watching the ball drop in NYC with Theo?
It seems like every day with him is a once in a lifetime experience.
“I love you,” I blurted out instead of answering.
Theo smiled, reaching across the table to cover my hand with his. “Love you, too. Is that a yes?”
Grinning so wide I expected my face to split, I nodded.
“Good. What should we do tomorrow?”
Be really ridiculously happy?
···
It was chaos.
I didn’t want to even think about how much Theo had spent to get us into the upscale bar on such short notice, but we’d staked claim to a spot near the window. The place was packed, but it was nothing compared to the city streets below us. Cold and snow wasn’t scaring anyone off.
Tipsy, but not totally drunk, I almost wished we’d have just stayed in our room. I couldn’t keep my hands off Theo. In a suit with no tie, his collar undone to show a hint of chest hair, he looked so sexy.
During one of our many adventures in the city, I’d gotten a deep, dark purple body con cocktail dress for the night. It was a covered in sparkles, but not like a disco ball, more of a shimmer. The neckline wasn’t too low, but the back dipped enough that I couldn’t wear a bra. I’d also gotten a pair of nude pumps to wear, and I was already looking forward to keeping them on while Theo fucked me.
“What’re you thinking about, my gattina?” Theo asked, his hand resting on my ass.
I knew people were watching us, but the alcohol went a long way toward not caring.
“My heels digging in while you fuck me when we get back to the room.”
His grip tightened. “We have that in common.”
Turning so my front was against his side, I looped one of my arms around his back. My other hand rested on his tight abs as I tilted my head back to look at him. “Thank you for an amazing week.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. What was your favorite part?” I opened my mouth, but he added, “Other than spending time with me.”
My mouth closed as I thought about it. Although we’d slept in most days, we were on the go from the time we woke until late at night.
“Times Square is the obvious, but I think Chelsea Market,” I answered. We’d grabbed a bunch of spices, salts, and other goodies for Rachelle in what could only be described as a ‘Foodie Paradise’. “What about you?”
His lips tipped up on one side. “Spending time with you.”
Looking at him through narrowed eyes, I tried to look serious. “You said other than that.”
“I said it to you, not myself.” He kissed my forehead. “I’ve been to the city more times than I can count. It wasn’t until coming with you that I appreciated it for more than an overcrowded hassle. It was a new experience, and a much-needed vacation.”
“I’ve never been on vacation,” I shared, something which was probably obvious.
“Then we’ll plan more. Where would you like to go next?”
Shrugging, the weightless excitement made me laugh. “I have no clue.”
“We’ll start researching when we get home.”
I’d have been lying if I said what Theo gave me had nothing to do with money. I knew I’d have been happy sitting in a tiny apartment with him while we watched the New Year countdown online like I used to. But there was no denying that watching it with him live from an exclusive spot while wearing an insanely sexy outfit was much better.
Luckily, I’d already accepted I was probably a bad person for not putting up a fight
when Theo wanted to buy me things. I’d lived through being so poor I couldn’t always eat. If the man I loved happened to have God knew how much money, who was I to say no?
Money couldn’t buy happiness, but it damn sure didn’t hurt anything.
In that moment, pushed close to Theo, my mind wasn’t running wild with doubts and arguments.
I didn’t feel the need to justify anything.
I drank amazing cocktails. I ate delicious food. I laughed with a carefree abandon.
I was happy.
Not just for a moment. Or despite anything. Or because I was too tipsy to care.
I was happy because Theo had made it so.
Looking out the window, the countdown clock showed we were a little over a minute away from midnight. I tugged Theo’s head down so I could drunkenly whisper, “For the first time in my entire life, I feel excited and hopeful about what the new year will bring. I love you, my Theo.”
His eyes blazed as he cupped my face, but I could only see them for a moment before his lips touched mine. I was vaguely aware of the countdown happening around us, and Theo pulled away with only seconds to spare.
We watched the ball drop, the confetti spray, and the whole city roar as the clock struck midnight.
Theo’s lips brushed across mine, his hold tender. “Happy New Year, my gattina.”
“Happy New Year, my Theo.” I went onto my tiptoes, my hands on his hard chest. “My panties are in my purse.”
The amount of desire that crossed his face had me squirming in anticipation. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”
I smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
So Right, So Wrong
Dahlia
Rolling over, I reached out for Theo but found his side of the bed empty. I got up, rubbing my eyes as I checked the time. I was surprised. Not only was it early, but Theo was supposed to have the day off.
We’d gotten back from NYC a few days before, and he’d been working basically nonstop.
Something probably came up since he’s so busy.
I showered before dressing in some leggings and long sleeve tee. I loosely braided my hair and swiped on a little makeup in case Theo was able to get away for our brunch plans.