“Now for my gift to you.”
Jumping out of bed, I run downstairs to grab the envelope from my jacket pocket. Excitement bubbles in my chest. She’d better like it. Who am I kidding? I want her to bloody love it.
When I discussed my gift idea with Dog, he told me it was too much. I ignored him. Millie, however, was very excited about my plans. She thought Katie was a very lucky woman. Dog better have bought Millie something better than the toaster he was considering.
Back in the bedroom, Katie is still sitting where I left her. Messy blonde curls surround her make-up-free face. At this time in the morning, our difference in age is obvious. Lines fan around her eyes and mouth. She’s never looked so beautiful.
She’s concerned about other people’s opinions of us, and when we go out in public, she tends to spend over an hour on her makeup. I notice the time is increasing rather than decreasing.
Walking toward the bed, putting on my best naked swagger, I present her with a pink envelope adorned with a bow.
“Your gift, ma’am.”
She pinches it between her fingers and flips open the flap to pull out the photo inside. It’s a picture of the two of us at the bar in Inverness. Tipsy with huge smiles, arms wrapped around each other. Her eyes lift to mine, then back to the photo.
“Turn it over,” I prompt, impatient for her to get to the good part.
To My Katie,
Time spent with you is incredible.
I’m taking you away to a secret location for the weekend.
You’ll be spoiled, pampered, and treated like the queen you are.
Pack a bag and be ready to leave on 30th December. You’re bringing in the bells at New Year with me. We are living for now.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my darling.
Love,
Your Major McDonald xxx
Her eyes scan the words, darting back and forth. For what seems like forever, she says nothing. Not a word passes her lips.My confidence drains, and I wonder if I’ve made a huge mistake with this gesture.
“Say something,” I plead. “Is it too much? Have I upset you?”
She shakes her head.
“You want to spend the new year with me?” she asks, and I smile.
“There’s no one I would rather spend it with. Katie, you’ve made my year a fantastic one. What could have been three hundred and sixty-five days of misery is ending on a high. I want to celebrate together, just us, away from here and prying eyes. Please say you’ll let me do this for you, for us.”
She cups my face between her hands and stares at me. I’m sure she can see to the depths of my soul. Then her mouth is on mine, and she kisses me fiercely. I pull her closer, desperate to deepen the connection between us. My hands roam over her naked body. I breathe in deeply—she still smells of our sex from last night. Heaven. This woman is my heaven.
She pulls back and swipes a curl from her face. A shy smile plays on her lips. “Major, I would love to go away with you.”
Pure elation fills my chest—she said yes. A whole weekend with her. There’s nothing I want more right now.
Two hours later, we are sitting in front of the roaring fire sipping hot chocolate. The gigantic tree stands proud in the window, dominating the cottage room. Hundreds of lights twinkle and reflect off all the various baubles hanging on each branch.
Katie bought us onesies for the big day. Mine is blue with little Santas dancing a jig spotted all over the material. I’ve never worn anything like this before, and having to unzip yourself from it every time you want a piss is a bloody pain in the ass. Katie’s onesie is red and decorated with reindeer. We both look like we’ve stepped out of a supermarket advertising campaign.
“Let’s get dressed and take the dogs for a walk,” I suggest, and she rolls her eyes. “Come on. The snow’s on the ground. The trees look stunning with the icicles hanging from them. It’ll be worth your while.”
She raises her eyebrows. “How?”
“I’ll give you a night to remember. Just think of the hours of sexual pleasure I’ll owe you.”