by Candace Shaw
“You’re forgetting these.”
Blythe halted in her tracks at the deep voice behind her. She turned to find Preston holding the vase of yellow roses. Tiffani squeezed her hand and winked at Preston before leaving them alone.
Great, is Tiffani really leaving me? “Oh... I didn’t mean to forget them. I’m just tired from this evening. I’m exhausted, but not as exhausted as you, I’m sure. You’ve been with the children playing all the games and enjoying the rides like a big kid. I saw you on the merry-go-around.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, but it was well worth it. They’ll remember this evening for a long while. So will I. Can’t wait until next year. It’s going to be even bigger!”
“Is that even possible?” she questioned in a joking manner, because she knew with him it was very possible. “You look so tired, Prez. You’ll probably sleep all day tomorrow.”
He nodded his head with a sleepy smile. “Mmm... I suppose. It’s Christmas tomorrow...in fact, it’s Christmas now.”
“Oh, yeah...it’s after midnight.” She continued walking with him by her side. “Merry Christmas,” she said uneasily as they stopped at the door of the lobby and she remembered their plans for tomorrow.
A naughty smile formed across his face. “Merry Christmas to you, baby girl,” he said, glancing up and then settled his smoldering gaze back on her. “You know where you’re standing, right?”
She glanced up at the mistletoe as her breath caught in her throat. “I can run really fast to my car,” she joked, tilting her body as if she was about to run.
“Doesn’t matter.” He shrugged, closing the gap between them. “I’d still catch you, either way. I’m sure you’d love the chase.”
She shook her head. “You don’t quit, do you?”
“I’ve told you before, when I want something, I go after it. Like the card with the roses said, I’m still here. You’re not pushing me away that easily over a disagreement.”
Setting the roses on the floor, he grabbed her to him and crashed his lips on hers in an untamed, fervent kiss. Pleasure soared through her body at the intensity and passion of his lips on hers. His hands ran down her sides and clenched her hips, bringing her closer to him. His body meshed with hers, and she could feel the hardness of his chest, his abs, his manhood and his thighs pressed against her in an erotic way. It was almost like they were one. She didn’t feel his sweater or jeans against her. She felt the warmth of his skin radiate through her clothes and onto her skin. Their connection was strong. The protective and loving embrace he had her wrapped in was peaceful and serene. She was where she wanted and needed to be. She’d missed the hell out of him.
“I’ve missed you, woman. You know that?” he asked between kisses. “It’s been two days and I’ve missed you like it’s been twenty years.”
“Me, too. Prez... I...feel like I need to apologize to you for act—”
He placed his finger over her lips. “Shh...don’t say anything. Not tonight. It’s been a long, overwhelming day, but tomorrow we’ll talk. You aren’t the one who needs to apologize. We’d originally made plans for Christmas before our disagreement, and I’d like to keep them since you’re not going home to Brooklyn for the holidays. So, brunch at my place and dinner with my family at Megan’s?”
“Yes, I’ll be there, and I hate that we argued, too.”
He stooped down and picked the roses up. “I’ll walk you out.”
Later on that night, as Blythe drifted off to sleep, she finally made her decision about Preston and her future with him.
Chapter 11
When Blythe strolled into Preston’s home Christmas morning, she was in awe at the extravagant decorations. The fireplace was flanked with evergreen garlands and holly, three stockings were hanging from the mantel, and a huge Christmas tree with gold-and-silver ornaments stood proudly in the center of the main seating area, lit with white lights. There were other over-the-top decorations around the loft as well, and delicious aromas from the kitchen reached her nose.
Hope, who was adorned in reindeer antlers and jingle bells around her collar, rushed toward her with a rapidly wagging tail.
“Hey, pretty girl.” Blythe set her belongings and purse on the floor to hug the dog. “Are you really happy to see me, or you just want your peanut butter-flavored bone in the bag?” She ruffled the dog’s fur. “I know you can smell it.”
“I’m happy to see you,” a low, sexy voice remarked in front of her. “Very happy.”
A warm wave washed over her skin, and she glanced up to see Preston emerge from the kitchen and head toward them. Standing, she kept her hand on the dog’s collar for support since she was still somewhat anxious about their upcoming conversation.
“Hi, Prez. Merry Christmas,” she said nervously as everything she needed to say to him filled her head and was ready to rush out of her mouth.
“Merry Christmas, indeed.” Yanking her by the waist to him, he dipped her and kissed her slowly on the lips. “I’m glad you’re here. I thought you might not want to spend it with me.” He raised her back up and held her in his embrace, swaying back and forth to the Christmas jazz playing through the speakers mounted throughout his home.
“No... I told you I would come. I want to spend Christmas with you, but...” She stopped as she thought about the elephant in the room.
“I know...” He caressed her face and stared at her with an apologetic expression. “We need to talk about what happened, and I want to start first.”
“Okay. Let me put the cake in the fridge before I forget about it.”
His eyebrow rose at the mention of the only dessert she knew how to make. “You brought the cake? It will go perfect with brunch. The caterers dropped everything off earlier.”
Her eyes perused the living area. “And did they decorate, as well? It’s immaculate in here. I wasn’t expecting a mini Winter Wonderland. Is there snow somewhere, too?” she teased. “Are we going snow sledding?”
“No, babe. No snow, but I wanted something special for you. I know how much you love Christmas, and you aren’t with your family this year. The same company that did the trees for last night’s event did the decorations this morning. I just wanted it perfect for you.”
“Well, it is. Thank you.” She skipped over to the bags by the elevator with Hope on her heels. Blythe reached into one of them and gave Hope her present, and the dog darted off to her favorite spot in front of the fireplace and started to lick the bone.
“She’s going to be busy all day, chomping on that huge thing,” Preston remarked. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” She grabbed the box with the cake and made her way to the kitchen as she thought about everything she’d intended to say to him. She’d tossed and turned while mulling it over last night and thought about it some more during the drive to his home. However, since he wanted to go first, she’d hear him out. Setting the cake in the refrigerator, she turned to find him leaning on the island and staring at her intently. She assumed he wasn’t the only one ready to discuss their argument.
Clasping her hand in his, he led her to their favorite spot in front of the fireplace. That’s when she noticed there was a stocking for her, Preston and Hope. Their names were sewn on them. It reminded her of home in Brooklyn. Her mother would hang one for each of their family members, as well. Sitting down, she tucked her legs underneath her, grabbed one of the toss pillows from the back of the chaise and held on to it tightly. She thought Preston would join her or sit on the other chaise, but instead he stood and paced around for a few seconds before kneeling in front of her.
Exhaling, he reclasped his hands with hers and gave her full eye contact. “Blythe, I want to start by saying I’m sorry for not telling you that I took Marissa home. I’m sorry I don’t have a reason other than the one I already gave. I know that sounds terrible, but just listen to me.”<
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“Okay. I’ll hear you out.” Because that’s not exactly how I expected that to come out.
“I have to admit that no other woman has held me accountable for anything like that before. I’m used to doing whatever I want and not having to answer to anyone, but that’s no excuse. I wasn’t intentionally trying to lie or hide anything from you. You’re very special to me, baby girl, and your feelings are important to me. I’ve been going crazy at the notion of losing you over not understanding your feelings. I sincerely apologize for hurting you and being insensitive to the fact that you were hurting. I shouldn’t have called the argument petty because it mattered to you and therefore it was a big deal. I truly hope you can accept my apology and forgive me for being a jackass.”
Squeezing his hands, she let the sincerity and honesty of his words sink in before speaking.
Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. “Prez, I accept your apology. I shouldn’t have overreacted. And I shouldn’t have compared you to my ex. You’re right. You’re nothing like him. He never saw the wrong he’d done no matter how many times I told him I was hurting and he clearly saw my tears. You were man enough to apologize and own up to it, however, I need to own up to my part in this, as well. I jumped down your throat and that was wrong of me. I stormed out without staying here and talking it out. I’ve always tried to avoid confrontations, but that’s no excuse. We have to communicate.”
“No, you needed your space, and I understand that you were scared history was repeating itself, but it’s not. I just hope that we’re on the same page. You’re it for me. I’ve finally found my soul mate. My equal. The one woman I can honestly say I’m in love with, and I can’t see myself with anyone else but you, Blythe.”
Blythe rested her hands on either side of his face and kissed the lips that she craved and missed so much. “I love you, too. Very much, Prez, and I can’t see myself with anyone else, either.”
Rising from his spot on the floor, he moved next to her and set her on his lap. Hope bounced over carrying the bone in her mouth, dropped it and placed one of her paws on Blythe’s leg in an affectionate manner.
“I think Hope agrees with our decision. She saw how mopey I was these past few days. She missed you, as well. You left your Paint, Sip, Chat T-shirt here, and she’s been carrying it around and searching for you. She even slept on your chaise lounge last night.”
Blythe petted her head. “Aw, how sweet. You missed me, pretty girl? I missed you and your daddy very much.”
Hope barked before lying back on the floor and chewing on her bone once more.
“Do you want to open one of your gifts right now?” Preston asked.
“I’d love to. And I have yours, too.” She slid off his lap and headed toward the elevator to retrieve his gift.
“Meet me by the tree.”
Moments later, they sat in front of the tree, and Blythe was giddy as well as curious what he was going to give her for Christmas. She hadn’t hinted at anything, but Prez was creative, and she had a feeling he’d put a lot of thought into it, as he did everything else.
“Close your eyes and hold out your hand.”
She started to giggle but did as instructed. “Goodness, I’m nervous.” She sensed him move away from her when a whiff of his cologne flew past her nose. “Preston, did you leave?”
“Keep your eyes shut, baby girl.” He yelled it out, and she sensed he was in one of the rooms down the hallway.
“Okay, hurry up. I’m excited,” she squealed, bouncing up and down on the floor.
Seconds later, she felt something squirmy and warm in her hands and screamed out a laugh as she opened her eyes to see a golden retriever puppy with sweet brown eyes whimpering and staring at her.
“Oh, my goodness. It’s a puppy. A cute little puppy.” She nuzzled it against her and then lifted it up to see what the sex was. “Oh, he’s a boy, and so cute.”
“He’s all yours. He’s ten weeks old. Shots are all updated, and he just needs a name. I’ve been calling him Sport, but you can name him whatever you like, and I’ll get it engraved on his tag.”
“How did you know this is the only thing I wanted for Christmas?”
“You’d mentioned when you met Hope that you wanted another dog. I saw this little fellow where Hope trains, and I knew he’d be perfect for you. He’s actually a distant relative of Hope’s.”
“Aw, and he is adorable. I love the name Sport, and I think he does, too,” she decided as his ears perked up at hearing his name. She put him down and rubbed his belly, which he seemed to enjoy.
“I also have everything you’ll need for him. Training crate, bed, food, toys and treats.”
“Oh, my, thank you.” She handed the puppy to Preston and rose. “Let me go grab your gift from behind the tree. Close your eyes.”
Moments later, she set the wrapped painting in front of him. “Okay, open them.”
Opening his eyes, Preston grinned wide as he ripped the bow and wrapping paper off to expose a painting of him reading to the children at the hospital with Hope lying at his feet. “Wow...when did you...? How? This is wonderful.”
“I took several pictures of you while you read to the children. I was going to send you the pics, but I know how much you love paintings.”
“This is beautiful. Thank you. I think this is the best Christmas ever.” He placed the painting next to the couch and pulled her down to the floor with him. “I can’t wait to spend many, many more with you.” He imprisoned her lips with his in an unhurried, engaging kiss that eventually ended with them intertwined and naked by the fireplace.
Epilogue
A year later
Preston bobbed his head to the sounds of the Braxton Chase Quartet on New Year’s Eve at Braxton’s club. All of the Chase family and committee members were present for the appreciation celebration after the second annual Winter Wonderland project, which was bigger and more extravagant than the first.
Preston had never been happier than he was at that moment. He had his arm wrapped around the waist of the woman of his dreams, who chatted with Tiffani as they sat in a VIP booth with a perfect view of the stage. Every now and then, Blythe would kiss his cheek or his lips. He loved her so much, it was inevitable to him of what he planned to do that evening.
He snickered to himself as he thought about how over a year ago, at the christening brunch for Megan’s twin daughters, Braxton had pointed out that Blythe Ventura could be the one. Preston had laughed it off but found himself staring at her for the rest of the afternoon. That wasn’t uncommon when he saw her at events with Tiffani or ran into her at the bakery. He’d never been able to take his eyes off her and always found a reason to speak or flirt with her. And while a part of him had wanted to ask her out, he knew he wasn’t ready for a woman like Blythe. She was the kind of woman you introduced to your mother and one day married. Now he was ready. He had to make her all his for the rest of their lives.
Preston placed his focus on the stage as Braxton hit the last note of “’Round Midnight” on his grand piano, which sat center stage. Standing, he made his way to the front of the stage with his microphone. He gave Preston a knowing glance before speaking to the crowd.
“Alright, it’s about that time, ladies and gentlemen. Just a few more moments before midnight. Make sure to grab your loved ones.” Braxton made his way to Elle, who stood just below the stage, holding their daughter, Bree, and pulled them close to him.
Preston laid a kiss to Blythe’s bare shoulder as she giggled. “Ready for the new year and all the exciting adventures that await us?”
“Mmm-hmm. Indeed I am. You’re going to be in it again, right?”
“For sure. I wouldn’t miss it. I enjoyed this past year, getting to know all of your cute quirks. I intend never to miss a single year with the most beautiful woman in the world.” He kissed the
same spot again and ran his lips to the side of her neck, which always produced a sultry moan from her. “Alright, woman, you’re making me forget we’re in a public place, but I do have the pass code to the back offices.”
She giggled again and pinched his cheek. “Let’s go join your family on the dance floor for the champagne toast.”
Minutes later, the big countdown began, and at midnight, he grabbed Blythe for a long, deep kiss. He once again forgot they were in a public place as his lips joined with her tantalizing, kissable ones, but he didn’t care. He had his woman in his arms, and life couldn’t get any better, except that it could and it would soon.
Pulling her away from the crowd, he led her to a photo booth set up in the lobby area.
Blythe started to grin when she saw it. “Oh, I don’t remember seeing this when we entered. We could’ve taken pictures then.”
Shrugging lightly, he pulled back the curtain and motioned for her to get in. “You wanna make another memory?” he questioned as she slid in, followed by him. Pulling the curtain shut, he turned to face her. Her eyes were wide like saucers.
“Prez...right here, with everyone we know just a few feet away? And people passing by?”
“Um...you do remember the Christmas party at Tiffani’s last year and this past summer at Megan’s home in the Hamptons? Right?”
“Baby...”
“No, I’m teasing, but let’s hurry up and take pictures before the rest of the crowd begins to do the same.”
“And then we can leave and go home?” she asked with a devilish expression. “I have something for you that I think you’re going to enjoy.”
“Oh, yeah? Alright, I’ll push the button, so get ready.”
She ran her fingers through her curly hair and sat up straight. “Ready.”
He pushed the button. The first flash went off a few seconds later. He posed with her and then dropped to his knee and pulled a black velvet box out of his tuxedo jacket pocket. Confusion washed over her face and then was replaced with excitement as she started to laugh and cry at the same time. Preston opened the box, and she saw a gorgeous five-carat, flawless, princess-cut diamond ring. Blythe’s happy tears streamed down her face, and the tears in his own eyes flowed.