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“Tease,” I say and give her a quick kiss as I fix my clothes and she lowers her dress.
She tries to look busy and grabs a notebook, but I’m pretty sure she’s holding it upside down. Then she starts talking like we were in the middle of a conversation and opens my office door.
“And like I said, I’ll have those to you within the hour, but I’ll need to read over this first.”
Now I’m the one hiding my smile as she looks up and then sputters a hello to Carol. “Oh, hi.”
“Hey there, you two.” Carol grins brightly but doesn’t say anything about the two of us being flushed and sweaty or my office smelling like sex.
Instead she holds up a large box and places it on Joy’s desk.
“What’s all this?” Joy asks as she drops the folder and moves toward it.
“Just a little gift from your husband,” Carol says, and she’s already starting to walk out. “See you two later tonight!” she calls over her shoulder before she’s out the door.
“Next time remind me to lock the outside door along with my office,” I say, and Joy smothers a giggle.
“Thank goodness it was only her.” She eyes the box and then me. “What the heck did you do?”
“Just a little something special for my bride,” I say and walk over and kiss the top of her head. “I’ve made you an appointment at the inn for an afternoon of pampering before the party.”
“What?” Joy looks shocked, and then her eyes begin to water. “North, this is too much.”
“Nothing for you is too much,” I say and take her hands in mine. “If you don’t mind, I asked Tinsel to go with you so you’d have someone to get ready with. I’m going to meet you tonight at the Winter Wonderland Dance and give you the rest of your surprise.”
“The rest of it? This is already too much.”
“It’s not nearly enough,” I say, bringing her hand to my mouth and kissing the gold band there.
“Heard you guys were scromping in your office,” Tinsel says as she comes strolling into City Hall. “And on taxpayers’ furniture?”
“Okay, so maybe asking her to go with you was a mistake,” I say to Joy, who laughs.
“Look I’m the sheriff and all, but I’m illegally parked out front. Make it snappy, folks.” Tinsel walks right back outside, and Joy grabs her box before running after her.
I grab her by the wrist and pull her to me for one last kiss. By the time I let her stumble back, we’re both breathing heavily. Holy shit, I could get used to this married life.
“See you tonight,” I say, and Joy smiles once more before she’s gone.
I stand there alone for a long moment, and the quiet of the office sets in. I’m with Joy for so many hours a day that I almost forgot what it felt like to have her with me and the space she fills. Not just here at City Hall, but in my heart too. How is it I’m missing her so much already?
It’s a couple of hours later that I change into my special suit for tonight and go to the inn and wait for Joy. I know Jack’s got a crew of people handling everything, but I want tonight to go perfectly.
By the time I get there, the sun is setting, and the lights from the trees sparkle through the windows. Inside, the ballroom is beginning to fill up, and the band is playing holiday music. I grab a champagne flute from the bar and make a quick round to say hello to some people and mingle.
I’ve been checking my watch every five minutes like an obsessed stalker, but my need for Joy is only growing. Just before it’s time for her to meet me, someone steps in front of my path and stops me in my tracks.
“Don’t you look inviting,” Donna Hale purrs as she reaches out and puts a hand on my chest.
“It’s a nice party, isn’t it?” I try to back away from her touch, but the room has gotten so crowded that I bump into someone and offer an apology.
“I couldn’t believe someone told me you ran down the aisle, with your secretary no less.” She pretends to be shocked. “Shotgun weddings are a little old-fashioned, don’t you think?” Donna glances down at my band and then winks at me. “Although I do love the look of it on you.”
“As does my wife,” I say, trying my best to be polite even though my patience is running out.
“You know I’ve got a lot of good friends that need a little time away from their wives.”
“I bet you do,” I mumble and try to move around her. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“All I’m saying is that maybe I could be that kind of friend to you.” When her body presses up against mine, my skin begins to crawl, and I jump back. “You wouldn’t have to worry about an accident with me.”
