“Can I see what you put on my wrist?” This time I fully turned, lifting my hand.
“It’s your birthday present,” he said. “I know it’s tomorrow, but I believe you deserve your own day to celebrate.”
“Gentlemen, the observation deck’s closed,” a security guard called out behind us. I reluctantly let the surprise on my arm wait. We needed a moment of alone time. In all probability, I was going to love this present and needed a make-out session of appreciation.
“Come on,” I murmured. “I want to see what you got me.”
I didn’t resist reaching out to him, taking his hand as we walked toward the brightly lit elevator with its doors wide open. Beau offered a quiet apology to the security guard, and we ascended two floors, my anticipation growing with each moment. This perfect day was far more than I thought we’d share. Beau genuinely surprised me with a material gift.
With much difficulty, hell, everyone knew I wasn’t a patient guy, I managed to wait until we were seated in the lounge again to shrug off his jacket and finally take a look at thebracelet hanging off my wrist. That wasn’t exactly true, it fit to size comfortably. I recognized the antique silver chain styled in open block links, which I had occasionally selected for myself, but needed to trace my finger along the material that threaded through the chain.
“Is it wood?” I asked, instantly rejecting the thought.
“Yeah. I knew you’d figure it out,” Beau said proudly. “Now what kind?”
I stared at the unusual piece, trying to identify the source. Nothing came to mind as I retraced the grain.
“Black walnut from Sea Springs,” Beau answered excitedly, unable to hold back the response any longer. He was proud of his gift, which made it better in every way. “I bought the bracelet from a group trying to make money to help the Houston flood victims. I saw it and thought of where we started.”
The gorgeous piece of jewelry became the most treasured I’d ever received. “The trees are ones that were uprooted, none were harmed to make this.” Beau covered my hand with his, drawing my gaze up to his. “Do you like it, or was it dumb?”
“I love it. Try to get it off me.”
Beau’s eyes turned doe-eyed sweet, and I leaned across the small table for a kiss.
“Take me home. Let’s finish the celebration in bed tonight. It’s my turn to top.”
He was already scooting out of the chair before I finished the sentence.
“So, no new drinks?” a waitress asked.
“No,” I said. Forward thinking was my new jam. I purposely hadn’t opened a tab, so we’d have a faster escape route when we needed to leave. “We’re done with the table.”
“Got it. Be careful out there,” she said.
Careful was the last thing I intended for the rest of this night.
11: The Anniversary
Dash
July 4
Something in the way Beau’s expression softened while sleeping was incredibly endearing to me. The sweep of his hair fell across his forehead. His strong jawline and wide lips fascinated something inside me. His masculine, rugged beauty drew me like bees to honey.
My head rested on one hand while the other gently moved the swipe of hair off his forehead. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. Tired confusion furrowed his brow as his gaze sought me out, not that finding me was hard as I lay snuggled against his side.
“Is it time to wake up?” A yawn followed.
“It’s our sixth anniversary.” I raised a festively bowed jewelry box that I’d been eager to give to him for well over a month. However, at this moment, I began to doubt my decision, uncertain this was a good idea.
“What time is it?” Beau asked, another yawn followed.
“I think somewhere around six fifteen,” I said.
“In the morning?” Beau asked, blinking wildly, a hint more awake than seconds before.
“Yes.” A smile spread across my face, aware of how much my guy cherished his sleep. I, on the other hand, worried about missing something important during my few hours of rest at night.
