Page 67 of Drop Pass

I practiced once, but since I didn’t know how they were supposed to taste I wasn’t sure if they were right or not. They tasted good, so hopefully I didn’t mess them up. After gathering the ingredients, I made a batch big enough for both of us. I collected the toppings I’d read online, caviar, sour cream, and honey because that sounded best to me.

I picked up his present from the counter and carefully made my way to his door. I knocked, hoping he was awake.

After knocking again, the door opened. Nikolay was rubbing his eyes and wearing only a pair of black pajama bottoms. My eyes scanned over his defined chest to his rippled stomach. Each muscle was perfectly defined.

“Elena?”

I blinked and met his eyes, embarrassed he’d caught me ogling his body.

“Merry Christmas.” I tried to sound normal, but my voice was tight.

He smiled and waved me in. “Merry Christmas.”

I hurried past him, hoping he’d let me off the hook. “I made breakfast.” I set everything out and stepped back to watch his expression.

He took in each topping, his smile growing. “You made bliny?”

I nodded. “I really hope you like it.”

His eyes met mine. “It looks perfect.”

I let out a sigh and moved to get plates out. “I wasn’t sure how they’re supposed to taste, but hopefully they’re good. I also read that they’re served with sour cream or caviar, but that sounded weird to me so I brought honey too.”

He waited for me to finish then smirked. “I’ve had them served sweet and savory.” He took a step closer and I forced myself not to look down, keeping my eyes on his. “Thank you.”

I nodded, my heart moving to my throat as he bent down and kissed me. It was gentle but sent a shock down to my toes.

He stepped back with a smile. I watched as he made up a plate using all three toppings and followed his lead. I wasn’t very excited about the traditional options, but if an entire country liked it there had to be something I was missing.

We sat at his table and he cut in. After one bite he was smiling with his eyes closed.

“Are they good?”

He nodded while chewing. “It tastes like home.”

I beamed, there was nothing better he could have said. I tried a bit of each and decided I’d been right. Honey was the way to go.

Once we were finished, he stood and took our plates. “I’ll be right back.”

He came back from his room holding a small wrapped box. I smiled and hurried to the counter to grab his. He waited for me at the couch where we exchanged gifts.

“I didn’t expect you to get me anything,” I said as I looked down at the wrapping. He had obviously tried to do it on his own. I smiled and glanced up.

“Me either.” He held up his present with a smirk.

“Open yours first.”

He nodded and gently tore the paper along the seam. He pulled it back and stared down at the packaging. He blinked then looked up at me. “Thank you, Elena.”

I smiled. “I wasn’t sure if you needed one, but I saw it and thought of you. It’s really helpful with tracking workouts and controlling your music. There’s a ton you can do with it.”

He let out a deep breath and gave me a small smile. “It’s perfect.”

My chest swelled. I hadn’t known if he even wanted a smart watch since he didn’t already have one, but most of the other guys did and it was so helpful I decided to take a chance.

“Now open yours.”

I smiled and tore into the paper. A small box sat on my lap and I slowly lifted the lid. Inside was the bracelet I’d been eyeing when we went shopping for our white elephant gifts. I lifted it, in shock.