The Start of Time

Chapter 41

"Okay, so what's on the itinerary for today?"

"Well, I figured we'd do some shopping, catch some Italian food since it's your favorite, and then go ice skating." He wraps his hands around my waist, pulling me close so I have to tilt my head up to see him. "Is that good enough for you?"

"Mmm, I think so."

My heels float off the ground to softly peck his lips. I think we're both still in this weird little starstruck, love confession phase. Either that or this little New York getaway has officially gotten to our heads. Even the little spats make me smile bigger than usual.

"Let's go then." He drags me and my heavy winter coat out the door laughing.

"Where to first?" I ask.

"At Christmastime, they have all these little market places all over, so I figured we'd start there. Then maybe browse 5th avenue or something. We could get you a Louis Vuitton that matches my belt."

"Declan, you can't just buy—"

"I know." He interrupts to make fun of me. "You don't like it when I spend crazy amounts of money, especially on you, but this is just what I do, okay?"

"It's not just about the money. You'd be putting a target on my chest. Do I really look like the kind of girl who could pull off wearing Gucci or Louis Vuitton?"

"Woman, you're screwed up in the head. You look exactly like the kind of girl who deserves Gucci and Louis Vuitton."

"Whatever." I just shrug my shoulders and roll my eyes as we walk into the first little market place covered in icicle lights with red and green decorations everywhere. It genuinely looks like a scene from one of those extremely predictable Hallmark movies.

The little vendors range from some very expensive looking jewelry to food trucks to clothes and random trinkets. And something must have candles because it even smells like the holidays.

There's this one little store that is hammering out customizations on those dainty little gold bar necklaces, and I spend a little too much time intently watching their precision. I feel like a kid running free in a toy shop or candy store.

Most of our time is spent browsing through stuff we don't really need or even want, and we just can't stay away from the massive cinnamon roll and hot chocolate. Talking him into sharing may not have been the best idea, though. His bites are a hell of a lot bigger than mine.

"Hey, I'll be right back. Don't move and watch your back."

It's very uncharacteristic of him to leave in this crowded place, but I can't blame him for his tiny man bladder. Plus, it gives me time to make up for him eating half of my food in twenty seconds.

"Where to next, princess?" He whispers in my ear, and I accidentally elbow him in the side of his abdomen.

"Oh, shit! Declan, I am so sorry! Are you okay?"

"I don't guess I should be that worried about you taking care of yourself anymore." He groans, plopping down on the bench next to me.

"Self defense classes really do work."

"I can tell," he says motioning to the middle of his torso.

"You need me to kiss it and make it all better?" I tease.

"I think I'd rather you kiss me a little bit lower." He doesn't even lower his voice.

I can feel the blush warm my cold, red cheeks as my eyes widen at the audacity he has to say such things in front of strangers.