He chuckled. “What kind of drink would a snowman have?”
I shrugged. “A White Russian? Y’know, because it’s cold in Russia?”
“Maybe? I’ve never been there… What about a peppermint Schnapps?”
“Also a good idea. I'm sure you'll come up with something.”
He got to work while I pulled out a sweater with a snowflake pattern on it, deciding to add blue sparkly charms on it. After all, it has kind of become my life's motto not to let anyone dull my sparkle.
While we glued and pinned (and let a swear word slip from time to time), we talked about the last ten years and our goals for the upcoming year. Cohen didn't much believe in New Year's resolutions, but I always liked the idea of a fresh start (and an excuse to buy fresh planners).
We talked about trips we might want to take with Ollie and his partner and on our own as a couple and all the things wewere looking forward to in the new year. It made me so proud of this life that we had created together. Step by step, even when it looked like it wouldn’t work out for us.
Eventually, Cohen said, “I think mine is done.”
I squeezed my eyes shut and said. “Don't show me. Let's try them on and surprise each other like a first look at a wedding.”
He chuckled heartily, “Now you’re okay with surprises?”
“Well, this last one was kind of fun,” I said, reaching out and nudging his shoulder.
With a smile, he said, “I'm down for seeing my bride.”
I folded my sweater in half and said, "I'll go to the bathroom. You change out here.” Once he agreed, I left the living room. Safely inside the bathroom, I examined the sweater. I’d put so many jewels on the sweater, it had to be at least ten pounds heavier than it was when I started.
Then I pulled off my shirt so I could change. That’s when I remembered… I'd worn some sexy Christmas lingerie, planning to surprise Cohen once we got home from the party.
But this would be even better.
I took off my skirt as well and slipped on the bejeweled sweater, wearing only it with a lacy thong and bra underneath.
They matched perfectly.
I couldn’t wait to see what Cohen would think.
4
COHEN
Birdie calledfrom the bathroom like a monster truck rumble announcer, “Are you ready?”
I laughed as I finished tugging on my sweater, making sure that the cotton balls had stayed in place. Like she had suggested, the snowman was holding a drink, but it looked more like a glass of marshmallows than a White Russian.
I said, “Ready!”
I was excited to see her in that sparkly thing she’d made, but my jaw quickly dropped to the floor when I realized that’s all she had on.
She looked like a sexy Christmas Eve disco ball without pants on, and then I saw the peek of red lacy fabric underneath to match the sultry look she was giving me.
I scrubbed my hand over my chin, my mouth going dry. “I thought it was supposed to be an ugly sweater party.”
She hugged the sweater around her waist and batted her eyes at me. “What do you think?”
My voice came out hoarse. “I think you should take it off.”
“The sweater?” she asked, tugging up the fabric so I could see more of her thong.
I shook my head. “The underwear.”
