Page 212 of Sin City Dark
“Uh-huh. Bacon, too. I waited until you were up to cook the eggs.” She traced a fingertip over his pec and looked up with a sassy little smile. “What would you like to do today, Birthday Boy?”
“How did you know it was my birthday?”
“A little sleuthing. I’ve known for a while.”
Of course she had, his Jannie. He shook his head, unable to suppress a grin.
“So, what would you like?” she asked.
“Hmm …”To get married?
He smiled at the thought of sweeping her up, putting her in his truck, and driving to the Little White Wedding Chapel. But so far, his proposals had been met with evasion. For now, she was living with him. Her beautiful face was the last thing he saw before falling asleep and the first thing he looked at when he opened his eyes in the morning.
He would take that. Hell, yeah, he would, with gratitude. And he’d wait however long it took for her to say yes.
Nick stroked her silky hair. “I don’t celebrate.”
Her eyes widened. “Never?”
He shook his head.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Never felt like it, I guess. Not since—”
Since Mom died.
He didn’t need to say it; the look in her beautiful eyes told him she had guessed. His mother had always made such a fuss over his birthday. For the first few years after she was gone, it was too painful to even think about. After that, it became just another day, and none of the women he was with had even thought to ask him when it was.
“OK, that changes right now. Because I planned to make your day a great one.”
Nick smiled. There really was no need. Since she’d sold her home in Florida and moved to Las Vegas into his small apartment, every day had been great. Jannie wanted a yard for Rolf, but so far, none of the houses they looked at checked all the boxes, so the search was ongoing.
It wasn’t easy with Rolf and no yard. But with frequent walks, regular hikes at Fletcher Canyon and Calico Tanks, and stays with David Winters at his dog training facility, they managed to make it work.
“Who’s on call today? It better not be you.”
“Actually …”
“Oh, no. Absolutely not. You’re off today.” She grabbed his phone and handed it to him. “Call. Now.”
He grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”
Guess he wouldn’t be flying today.
The air ambulance venture was a success. Jannie wanted to invest in a second plane, but for now, he was happy with the Lear and the two pilots he’d hired. He didn’t want to grow the business too quickly because he was also busy helping Jannie work toward her multi-engine rating, since he wouldn’t let anyone else give her flying lessons.
She kissed him sweetly, then pinched his nipple. “Make the call and get in the shower. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
Hmm. Morning sex, then, wasn’t part of her plan. A bit disappointed, he watched her fabulous ass as she walked away. No one wore jeans as well as Jannie.
“Be quick, I’m hungry,” she said over her shoulder. “And I have presents for you.”
He didn’t need any gifts. She was the only gift he’d ever wanted, and, unbelievably, he had her.
Jumping out of bed, he ran a palm over his stubbled face and headed for the bathroom with a spring in his step.
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