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Kiera’s smile disappeared. “You need to go, don’t you?”
“Unfortunately. Come with me. Call in sick or see if someone can cover for you. I’ll have you back here in two days.”
“You know I can’t do that. My family doesn’t own the restaurant. They don’t write my paychecks, which means I can’t make my own hours like you do.”
He didn’t have as much freedom as she thought, and definitely not as much as he once did.
“You’re right, and I understand. But I wish you were coming with me.” He kissed her forehead. “Can you to do something for me while I’m gone? Your birthday is in three weeks. Take that whole weekend off, including Friday and Monday. We’ll go away. I won’t even take my phone with me. No one and nothing will disturb us.”
Kiera nodded. “I have that Saturday and Sunday off already. I’ll talk to Robin and see if he can work that Friday and Monday. I covered a bunch of his shifts in the fall. I think he’ll agree. Then, I can talk to Pierre and tell him Robin’s willing to help me out.”
“Remind me to send Robin a big, expensive bottle of champagne when he agrees.” Gray rubbed her silky skin, his body aching to join with hers again.
“I thought you needed to leave,” she whispered against his mouth.
Gray slipped his tongue into her mouth and lifted her at the same time. Immediately, Kiera wrapped her legs around his waist.
“First, I need to make love to you. Pleasure you enough so that you won’t think of anything else until I get back. Then I’ll go.”
It took him a long time to leave.
***
Gray handed his bag to Becky and took his usual seat. If nothing else, the flight to California would give him a chance to rest. He hadn’t realized how tired he was until he left the hotel and drove to the airport.
As the plane got positioned for take off, Gray rested his head against his seat and closed his eyes. He wanted Kiera’s birthday to be extra special. No matter where they went or what they did, he didn’t want work spoiling it. So far, she’d accepted the last minute changes that kept coming up. He wasn’t sure that would always be the case. Unfortunately, as long as he found himself on the Agency’s payroll he couldn’t guarantee work wouldn’t interfere in their lives.
Now where should they go? If they had more time, he’d pick Paris or maybe Venice. A long weekend wasn’t much time for that kind of trip. An island in the Caribbean might work. He loved both Anguilla Island and St. Barth’s.
With two possible destinations settled on, he needed the perfect gift.
He leaned his seat back. What were some intimate gifts? His mind kept coming back to one specific type of jewelry.
Gray could picture the type of engagement ring she’d like. It would be simple. A classic design that wouldn’t call attention to itself, nothing like the diamond his cousin, Sara, wore.
Yup, when he got back to New York he’d find the perfect ring for Kiera.
Warm air greeted him hours later, a stark contrast to the chilly temperature he’d left behind. He would’ve gladly given up the sunny skies and warm breezes if he could be with Kiera. The next time he traveled for work, hopefully she’d be able to come along.
Gray walked to the waiting car. After he handed over his carry-on, he gave the driver instructions and pulled out his phone. Even with the time difference, he might catch Kiera before she went into work. By the time he got back to his hotel after the fundraiser tonight, it would be rather late.
She picked up on the fourth ring.
“Hi, Gray. I can’t talk long. I’m almost at work.”
“I’ll be quick. I don’t think I’ll be able to call tonight. I wish you’d come with me. Maybe next time.”
“I wish I was with you too. I’ll take care of getting my birthday weekend off.”
At least he had that to look forward to.
“I need to go, I just pulled into work. Love you.”
He put the phone away and watched the traffic outside, letting his mind focus on the night ahead. Once he got work handled, he could get back to more important things.
Kiera dried her hands, then checked her appearance in the mirror above the sink. She looked the same as she did every night. It didn’t seem possible because she no longer felt the same. Happiness warmed her from the inside. Gray loved her. He made her feel cherished and desired. How could all of that not show?
She adjusted her toque and headed for the kitchen. She passed two waitresses and smiled. They each glanced at her, gave her half-smiles and walked away, whispering to each other. Kiera dismissed their behavior and entered her domain. The usual sounds and smells greeted her, and she jumped into her usual routine.
