Page 88 of Checkmate
She leaned forward, kissing his cheek, and Marcus forced himself to stay still and not turn his head.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, clearing his throat as his shoulders relaxed. “Shall I open mine now?”
She nodded, pulling her gaze from the sunflower and placing it back in its casing. “Go ahead.”
Tearing at the paper, Marcus grinned over at her, unable to help the frisson of excitement. When was the last time he had received a gift that wasn’t from his parents?
Holding up the keyring he revealed and letting the light hit the two charms, Marcus glanced over at her with a smile.
“A crow and a starling,” he said, running his fingers over the two birds.
“So we’ll be together even when we’re apart.” She beamed at him, and Marcus swallowed past the unexpected lump in his throat.
“I love it,” he replied, holding the charms tightly in his hand. “I really… It’s perfect, Erica. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, leaning in for a hug. Marcus wrapped his arms around her, holding her against him as he breathed in her scent and let her wash over him.
What he wouldn’t do for this woman.
It was a small gesture to her, but to him, it meant the world. He let her go, immediately adding the keyring to his set of keys. He looked at the two birds sitting together and smiled before Erica gasped in fright as the ride stuttered underneath them.
“It’s okay,” he assured her, pulling her against his chest once more. She settled against him like two pieces of a puzzle finally slotted together.
Over the rooftops, the city was coming into view, and Marcus held his breath as the ride kicked into gear once more.
The beauty astounded him, as it always did. Erica gasped again, only this time in awe, as she curled her hand against his chest.
“Oh, Marcus, look at it.”
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He brushed his lips over the top of her head. “You’re right, it’s going to look incredible once all the lights come on.”
“Very romantic,” she said. “You know. If you were going for that vibe.”
He smirked against her hair, amused by her attempt to cover up the longing in her voice. “Very romantic indeed. If you were going for that vibe.”
She chuckled, making a soft and content noise as they looked out over the city.
“I never asked,” he murmured, filling the silence. “Are you all prepared for Christmas?”
“As ready as I can be,” she whispered. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be fully ready.”
“But you’re certain?”
“Yes. I’m completely certain. I’ve told Lottie the plan – she thinks I’m insane, but she’s ready to help where she can.”
“That’s good.”
“It is, because the more time goes on, the more I think I’m becoming quite the hypocrite.”
He hadn’t expected that.
Frowning, he turned away from the view and met her gaze. “A hypocrite how?”
“Well, look at us. All cosied up together, far too close for just friends.”
“I don’t think—”
“And then, there’s the way our relationship has developed over the past few months. We grow closer and closer with each passing day and the lines between friendship and… something else begin to blur.
