Page 19 of Dark Time

The more I thought about it the more I liked the idea, and I decided I’d ask her when she made it home. I also knew I should go out and pretend she’d surprised me.

I picked up everything I’d dropped off and made my way out to a shopping center. I picked a few things, and then I went to have something to eat. I texted her and waited for her response.

When I got a reply, I smiled. She was more than a little happy to find out I was home and said she was on her way back to the penthouse. I was given strict orders to wait for her to be home before I made my way up. I knew then that she wanted to surprise me, and I’d been right to come out.

I thought about what she’d done and how excited she was and thought about past Christmases. When I was little, we couldn’t have a tree. The one time Dad had tried to put one up, Mom had almost torched the house when she tried to put candles on the thing for some reason. Dad put lights on it, but she’d wanted the candles anyway.

When I was older and had gone to live with the James family, they’d always put up a tree and decorated, but there was always something restrained about their Christmas displays. They weren’t religious people, and I thought the only reason they even celebrated Christmas was because of me. I’d appreciated their efforts and would always love that they’d tried, but what Emily had produced with very little space really impressed me.

I waited about twenty minutes then made the drive to the penthouse. When I texted her that I was home, she came down in the elevator to meet me. She looked happy but nervous. We’d never really talked much about religion or holidays, and I knew she was probably worried about how I’d react.

“I’ve got a surprise for you, Dylan,” she said after we’d made our way to the elevator to go up. I had her tucked up under my arm, and her left arm was wrapped around my back. I really wanted to pin her to the wall and have my way with her, but I knew this was important to her, so I tried to stay sane for a few more minutes. For her sake.

“Have you, indeed, princess?” I kissed the top of her head and brought her around to face me. “What is it?”

“Well, I’ve, uh…” She had the cutest face when she was excited but uncertain about something. Like a naughty child who wanted you to be pleased with their exploits but wasn’t sure you should be.

“You’ve what?” I lifted an eyebrow as I stared down and gave her a look that said I was curious.

“I’ve, well, you’ll just have to wait and see.” I guessed she lost her nerve because she moved away and stared at the numbers on the panel.

“Hmm. Is this going to be something that deserves a spanking, by any chance?” I teased as I bent down to whisper in her ear. “I’ve missed you terribly and can’t wait to have you riding my dick, Emily.”

“Dylan!” she said and turned to me, her eyes wide. Then this little smirk came, and I knew she wasn’t as shocked as she pretended to be. Or wanted to, whichever was the case. “No, it shouldn’t deserve a spanking.”

Her tiny little nose went up in the air, and she side-eyed me, but I could see the way her lips twitched.

“Are you sure?” I tried to pull her back, but she slapped my hands away and stared up at the ceiling in mock annoyance.

“I am quite sure.” She even nodded for emphasis. Minx.

“Hmm. I guess we’ll find out now.” I took her hand as the elevator came to a stop, and we stepped through the penthouse door together.

“Oh my, what’s that smell?” I asked as I sat down my bags and luggage. “Did you make cookies? Is that my surprise?”

“No! Come with me.” Her eyes danced with joy now, and she was the one who pulled as I followed her into the living room.

I let the wonder of it all come over me again and examined every aspect of her decorations a second time. “I love it!”

“Do you?” She almost danced in place as she watched me. I nodded and looked around.

“It’s like the Christmas I always wanted but never had,” I declared and meant it. It was every kid’s fantasy of what a home should look like for Christmas.

“I know we didn’t talk about it, but it’s not far away now, and well, I couldn’t help it. I was out with Roxie, and we kind of went overboard with the decorations.”

“Did you leave any in the store?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen to get a drink.

“I left a few. I didn’t want to be too greedy.” I saw the pleased smile she tried to hide behind her hands and pulled her into my arms.

“I love it, Emily. It’s perfect, really. Just like you.” She was to me. Every inch of her was pure perfection. “Can I get you naked now?”

“May I?” she said primly and pulled away. “No, not yet. I need a shower, and then maybe you can. I’ve been out all day.”

It wasn’t late, but it had gone dark. She wasn’t usually out that late, unless it was for her charity, so I didn’t begrudge her a shower. I could use one myself, but I waited for her to finish before I went in. When I came out a little while later, she was in a very sultry long, gray nightgown that matched my eyes more than hers.

The material was silky, and soft black lace trimmed the neckline and hem. She’d made two cups of coffee, set out a few snacks, and was curled up on the couch waiting for me when I came in.

“Sit with me, tell me how the trip went.” She held her hand out, and I took it before I sat beside her.