Page 133 of Halo

“I don't know,” he teases, glancing down at my pittie. “Sounds like you've been replaced—”

Angus lets out a heavy growl, shutting us both up fairly quickly.

Our gazes meet, and we burst into laughter as Angus settles his head between us for the rest of the ride.

***

“It smells amazing in here.”

“Garlic and herbs probably wasn't the smartest idea for action on Yes Night.” He chuckles, shrugging off his jacket.

“Bold assumption,” I joke, kicking off my boots. “Lucky for you, your girlfriend brushes her teeth.”

“Ooooo …” He pulls me close for a tender kiss. “Beautiful and good oral hygiene.”

“I'm the total …” My words fail me as I see a stunning bouquet of pink peonies on the table. “Nick, are you kidding me?”

“What?” He tucks his hands into his pockets. “It’s your birthday.”

“I know, but … they're … so …” I burry my nose into a bulb, unable to contain my smile.

“And that right there …” He points at me, giving me that crooked grin of his. “That cute little noise you just made makes it worth it.”

Can we just go straight to the bedroom?

My heart swells, trying to understand how this man makes caring for me seem so easy. He easily spent more than two hundred dollars on these for me, for one simple moment of making me happy.

I catch the front of his sweater and pull him down for a kiss. “Thank you.”

He presses his lips to mine again. “Let me take Angus out back.”

“Are you sure?”

He gives me a look. “It's thirty degrees outside.”

“Knock yourself out.”

Nick opens the back door, and Angus bolts outside, kicking through the fallen leaves before taking off across the yard in a full sprint.

Grabbing my carry-on, I head upstairs to unpack for the weekend. I pass Grady’s darkened room, and a small ache settles in my chest at the empty bed. I continue down the hall and push open Nick’s bedroom door.

And freeze.

Oh, Nick …

Nearly every surface of his dark bedroom is covered in a stunning sea of peonies. Cream and blush blooms in crystal vases are accented with delicate sprays of baby's breath while dozens of electronic candles flicker throughout the room, casting a warm glow over the wooden furniture.

I close my eyes for a moment and breathe in the heavenly scent, remembering the girl who once believed in romance, the kind found in books and fairy tales, where women are cherished and hearts are won.

Nick is the proof.

I move my bag into the ensuite bathroom, where three garment bags hanging from the closet door catch my attention, each one embroidered with the logo of a luxury lingerie boutique.

Curious, I slink toward them, my fingertips tracing over the zippers.

“It's hard keeping secrets from you.”

I giggle, peering over my shoulder at my handsome man. “Nick, this is way too much.”