Part 31 (1/2)

”It's easy. It's set on auto. Just click.”

As we walk through Lincoln Park, Weston clicks away and captures my image against the greenery, the cityscape in the background and the lovely fountains and ponds.

I admit-this was not a completely selfless idea-I manage to snap a few photos of him as well-capturing his gorgeous smile, the spark in his brilliant green eyes, even that rebel lock of hair.

He takes one or two selfies of the both of us, stretching out his long arms, the camera looking down on us. As I smile at the camera, I can't help but realize this is probably one of the unspoken rules-no ”loving couple” photos. But I push away the thought from my mind almost as soon as it makes its appearance. I want a photo of him and me. No matter what happens, I know I can look back at the photo when I'm ninety years old and remember him and this absolutely tumultuous time in my life.

”Nice choice,” Weston says as we sit comfortably on the terrace at Mon Ami Gabi, a French bistro style restaurant. ”This place is quite charming.”

”It kind of feels like we're in Paris, right?” I say playfully. ”If only I knew what Paris feels like,” I'm quick to add. ”I've never been.”

”I'm sure you'll get to see it someday,” he tells me, looking at me in that way he always does-like I'm the cutest thing on the planet.

”I sure hope so,” I respond, scanning the menu.

Weston orders a gla.s.s of red from the rolling wine cart, and I order a white since I plan to have the roasted chicken with frites.

”Happy belated birthday,” I blurt out when the server finally leaves us.

He smiles shyly and doesn't quite look at me. ”Thank you. Although, I think I'd rather forget all about it.”

My fingers are trembling as I reach into my oversized purse. ”Here, I got you a little something.” My nerves are tied up in knots as I hand him the small wrapped package. I'm not sure why I'm so fl.u.s.tered. I just hope he likes it.

”Thank you,” he says, clearly surprised. ”This isn't a picture of you, is it?”

He tears the wrapping off and smiles when he sees the CD I made for him.

”You've made me a mix-tape, I see,” he says, a grin stretched wide across his face. ”Very old-school.”

”It has some of my favorite songs...some stuff you've probably never heard of,” I explain, a little nervous. ”I'm always looking for new music.”

He studies the list of songs scribbled on the cover paper. ”I love it. I like a lot of these songs. I'll listen to it when I work out.”

I smile, happy he likes my gift. Then, I swallow hard and stare down at my dress. ”I also have something else for you.”

He tilts his head. ”Oh...” is all he says. He seems curious.

”Which I'll give you at the hotel.”

A slow mischievous smile spreads across his face. ”I'm intrigued.”

I smile at him, not wanting to divulge more.

And I hope he can't see just how petrified I am.

When we get back to the hotel, Weston asks me about the second gift.

”It's not really a gift,” I tell him as we walk into the elevator. ”It's not something tangible.”

”I am bursting with curiosity.”

I start to doubt myself-maybe this was a horrible idea. I don't even know if I can pull it off.

I take my shoes off once we're in the suite, and sit on the sofa. My nerves are in knots-I'm so anxious.

He pulls his satchel over his head. ”It's a shame I don't have a CD player here. But I'll have Kathryn transfer the songs to my iPod as soon as she can.”

”I hope you like them,” I say, my voice barely a whisper.

He takes a seat next to me on the sofa and takes my hand in his. ”Thanks for the CD.”

I look away, ill-at-ease. ”It's not much,” I say. ”But it's really hard to get a birthday present for the man who has everything.”

He laughs. ”I do have everything,” he confesses as he trails his finger along the edge of my face.

I know what he wants. And I want it too.

But I need to stick to the plan.

I pull his hand away. ”Uh...” I stammer. ”About your other present...”

He perks up. ”Yes?”

I stand and walk toward his bedroom. Once I make my way there, I pull one of the arm chairs and position it to face the bed.

”Here. Sit here.”

He does as he's told, pausing to examine me, eyeing me with a suspicious smile. I'm sure he's wondering what the heck I'm up to.

I clutch my bag against my chest and sit on the bed, right in front of him. He studies me intently and tilts his head to the side.

I'm surprised at how nervous I am. Weston and I have been together a few times now, and we've become quite intimate, yet he still manages to unnerve me-in many ways, it's still like being with a stranger every time I'm with him.

I finally summon the courage to speak. ”Well...Weston,” I say, sucking in a long breath. ”As I've said already, you're not exactly easy to shop for...”

He smiles, his elbow propped on the arm of the chair, his chin rests on his thumb, and his gold-speckled green eyes fix me intently. I'm sure he's not trying to be s.e.xy, but he sure is.

I reach for my bag slowly, my eyes locked on his.

He leans in. ”What do you have in there?” he asks. His eyes have an energy about them-I can tell I'm driving him a little crazy.

”I've racked my brain thinking about what I should get you. I wondered about the things you like, what you like to do...” I go on as I retrieve a silver case from my purse. ”And an idea came to me.”

I slide my fingers along the hard edge of the case, and slowly open it. My breath hitches. ”I know...how...” I bite my lip. ”You like to watch,” I quickly add, my words barely a whisper. I can't believe how difficult this is. I thought it would be easier. I thought I was comfortable enough with Weston but...”I thought I'd give you a little show.”

My heart hammers against my ribcage as I turn the case toward him and show him my vibrator. I look up at him to see his reaction-it matters so much to me.

He smiles-that wicked smile which I only see when we're about to do something delicious and naughty. He bites his bottom lip. ”I must say...I love this gift so far.”

I smile. ”It hasn't even started yet.”