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.”

Chapter Ten

“Oh!”  I sit up and kiss Nate quickly on the mouth and jump off his lap.  “I have something else to show you.  Wait here.”

I can hear Nate’s chuckle as I run up the stairs back to my bedroom, pulling off my clothes along the way.  I strip out of my black skirt, thankful that I wore my black thigh-high stockings today, my bra and shirt and grab my shiny new black leather jacket.  I push my feet into my new black Jimmy Choo stilettos and take a look in the mirror.  Hmm… hair’s not right.

In the bathroom I brush my hair vigorously, giving it a wild look, and touch up my makeup, adding red lipstick.

I look like a hot rocker biker chick.  It’s a new look for me, and I am totally working it.

I walk downstairs, in my heels, black stockings and unzipped black jacket, and find Nate just finishing with the dishes.  His back is to me; he’s taken off his suit jacket, rolled the sleeves of his white shirt – yum, that tattoo – and his ass just looks so fantastic in those black slacks.