He hugged her to him. “There is one more thing. An actual ring. Two, really. You need one and I need one. I don’t want any question that we’re married.”
She nodded. “Yes, rings. We need those.”
“Good. Let me get dressed and we’ll go shopping.”
She tilted her head at him. “I have a job, remember? And I am booked with clients for the rest of the day.”
“You do have a job. Remodeling our new house.”
She made a face at him. “Funny. No, I mean my current job.”
“Ah yes, and all those clients waiting for you. Mrs. Crabapple is right after me, followed by Ms. Simmons, then Mr. Franklin—”
“How do you know the names of all my clients?”
He smiled broadly, rather pleased with himself. “Because they’re all me. Well, all appointments made by me. And no pressure, but if you would rather not be employed here, that’s fine with me too. Now that I’m no longer a danger to anyone, I would love to travel again. With you.”
Her chest rose and fell with a single breath. “Are you offering me a life of leisure?”
“I’m offering you whatever kind of life you’d like. What would make you happy?”
“More time with you.” She shook her head. “Wow. I guess I’m going to quit.”
“You don’t have to decide right now. You can think about it while we’re ring shopping.” He winked at her. “Willa is expecting us.”
“She is?”
He nodded. “And then I thought we could go to dinner at Guillermo’s, the Italian place in town. Willa said it’s very romantic.”
Imari put her hands on his face and kissed him. “How did I get so lucky to have you for a husband? I never thought I’d have a man so wonderful, never dared to think my life could turn out this way, and yet, here I am. It’s like…a dream. Except you’re real.”
He smiled and kissed her back. Dream was a good word. “I feel the very same way. When I told you I had everything I needed? Everything I’ve ever wanted? I was lying.”
Her face fell a little. “You were?”
“Yes. But I can say that now and it’s the truth. Imari Dupree, you’re my wish come true. I love you.”
Her smile returned, and she laughed as she leaned into him. “I love you, too, Lucien. I never would have thought I’d spend the rest of my life with a grim reaper, but for a guy who’s basically death, you’re pretty perfect.”
He gave her a sheepish look. Perfect was not a word that had ever been used to describe him. It was a lot to live up to. “I hope you still think that when you realize how hard I am to live with.”
“Hard to live with? I’m a genie. You saw the house I grew up in. Now you’re offering me a life of leisure? I might turn into a spoiled brat.”
“I would love to spoil you.” The idea thrilled him, actually. “Nothing would bring me greater pleasure.”
“You sure about that?” Her brows lifted and the light in her eyes took on a spirited gleam. “That’s quite a bold statement right before we go ring shopping.”
“Absolutely.” He hoped she picked out the biggest rock in the store. “In fact, I say bring it on. Show me what you’ve got.”
“Really?”
“Really.” He could tell she didn’t quite believe him. She’d learn. “See if you can give Elenora something to be jealous of.”
She pursed her lips before bursting out laughing. “Be careful what you wish for.”
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About the Author
USA Today Best Selling author Kristen Painter is a little obsessed with cats, books, chocolate, and shoes. It’s a healthy mix. She loves to entertain her readers with interesting twists and unforgettable characters. She currently writes the best-selling paranormal romance series, Nocturne Falls, and the cozy mystery spin off series, Jayne Frost. The former college English teacher can often be found all over social media where she loves to interact with readers.
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Other Books by Kristen Painter
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Nocturne Falls series:
The Vampire’s Mail Order Bride
The Werewolf Meets His Match
The Gargoyle Gets His Girl
The Professor Woos the Witch
The Witch’s Halloween Hero – short story
The Werewolf’s Christmas Wish – short story
The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée
The Vampire’s Valentine Surprise – short story
The Shifter Romances the Writer
The Vampire’s True Love Trials – short story
The Dragon Finds Forever
The Vampire’s Accidental Wife
The Reaper Rescues the Genie
Can’t get enough Nocturne Falls?
Try the Nocturne Falls Universe books.
(http://kristenpainter.com/nocturne-falls-universe/)
New stories, new authors, same Nocturne Falls world!
Sin City Collectors series:
Queen of Hearts
Dead Man’s Hand
Double or Nothing
Box set
Standalone Paranormal Romance:
Dark Kiss of the Reaper
Heart of Fire
Recipe for Magic
Miss Bramble and the Leviathan
COZY PARANORMAL MYSTERY:
Jayne Frost series
Miss Frost Solves a Cold Case – A Nocturne Falls Mystery
Miss Frost Ices the Imp – A Nocturne Falls Mystery
Miss Frost Saves the Sandman – A Nocturne Falls Mystery
Miss Frost Cracks a Caper – A Nocturne Falls Mystery
When Birdie Babysat Spider – A Jayne Frost short
Miss Frost Braves the Blizzard – A Nocturne Falls Mystery
Happily Everlasting series:
Witchful Thinking
URBAN FANTASY:
The House of Comarré series:
Forbidden Blood
Blood Rights
Flesh and Blood
Bad Blood
Out for Blood
Last Blood
The Crescent City series:
House of the Rising Sun
City of Eternal Night
Garden of Dreams and Desires
Nothing is completed without an amazing team.
Many thanks to:
Cover design: Janet Holmes
Interior formatting: Author E.M.S
Editor: Joyce Lamb
Copyedits/proofs: Marlene Engel/Lisa Bateman
The Reaper Rescues The Genie Page 24