A Very Reckless Christmas

Maya

"What do you want to do tomorrow?"

Nick yawned as we laid in bed after our shower. He'd changed into a pair of pajama pants, while I remained in the Ainsworth Deluxe bathrobe. My bags sat on the floor at the head of the bed and it would take no time for me to pull out a t-shirt and put it on but it wouldn't compare to the softness of this robe. It felt like I was wrapped in a cloud.

I wonder if they would mind if I took it home.

"Well, I need to get a souvenir for Tasha and Nia," Lavender said if she got one more New York City mug or sweatshirt she was going to scream. "And I want to go to The Central Park Zoo."

"The zoo?" he asked. He was exhausted he could barely keep his eyes open. I was hungry so I ordered a pizza from room service that came remarkably fast.

"Yes, I've never been there," I corrected him, taking a bite of my cheese pizza.

"Isn't it a little overrated?"

"Maybe for you, Mr.Ainsworth, but I think it will be a lot of fun," I corrected him. "Plus its part of the New York City experience."

"Okay," he sighed, curling up into my side. I ran my fingers through his hair.

"What do you want to do?" I don't want to be selfish, I'm not on this trip by myself.

"The zoo is fine," he sighed, closing his eyes. "I like the penguins."

I smiled putting my plate to the side. Nick was snoring before I even turned around.

I don't know how I got so lucky.

He's so generous and kind. He made the long six-hour drive only for us to get to that disaster of an Airbnb that I booked. He selflessly called in a favor from his father's hotel so we could have a place to stay. I brushed a piece of hair out of his face as he slept. I wish I could take care of him as well as he takes care of me.

Nick tightened his grip around my waist forcing me to be the little spoon. Cuddling is Nick's thing, and I always get stuck being the little spoon. But I especially appreciate it this time of year, because he's always so warm. Like my own personal heater. Touching the base of the lamp, I turned off the light.

I lay in the darkness, hoping that if I tried hard enough, sleep would come to me. But a few minutes went by and I was still wide awake. Carefully, I maneuvered my way out of Nick's arms. I stuffed a pillow in his arms, so he wouldn't miss me.

I tiptoed out of the room. I hate to admit it but that bastard Ryan Ainsworth has some serious taste. I padded through the huge suite, I still couldn't believe how beautiful it was. Out of everything in this suite I was most attracted to the large window that overlooked the city. Sitting in front of the window, I gazed out at the city below.

We were so high up that everything was just a blur of lights and motion. I was hypnotized by the beauty of it. I couldn't wait to go out and explore tomorrow.

I was awoken with a shake. "Maya, baby, wake up."

Nick squatted next to the sofa where I must have fallen asleep sometime during the night.

"You left me."

"I'm sorry," I yawned. "I couldn't sleep so I came in here, I didn't mean to fall asleep on the couch."

"It's okay." He gave me a kiss on the forehead. "I thought maybe my snoring had chased you off."

"Oh, if that were the case I would have stopped sleeping next to you a month ago."

"You said my snoring was cute."

"It is." It's like white noise for me now. "But there are lots of other things about you that are cute."

He chuckled. "Oh, really, like what?"

I thought for a second. "Like you're always up early, and you never leave your dirty clothes in the middle of the bathroom floor," I squeezed his face. His facial hair made him look so handsome. "And you're so helpful and generous."

"Oh, stop you're going to make me blush. I ordered us some breakfast it should be here in a few minutes."

I smiled at him. "Can I tell you one more thing?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Go ahead."

"I think it's so cute how you're always two steps ahead."

"I think you're just trying to hype me up, but I appreciate it."

"So it's working?" I asked coyly.

He ran a hand through his messy blonde hair."Yes, you've boosted my ego to the one-hundredth degree. Now if you want to go get ready I'll have breakfast set up for you when you're done."

I kissed him forcefully. "I love you so much."

"I love you more," he said running his hands up and down my arms. He chuckled, "What's up with you and this robe?"

"This is the best thing I've ever worn in my life," I answered honestly. I clutched the soft fabric to my chest. "Where do they get these? And how can I get one for myself?"

"Just take that one," he told me. "I'm sure they won't even notice it's missing."

"Are you sure?"

"As a member of the Ainsworth family, I say so." His face scrunched up after he said it. "Though I'm not sure I'd call us much of a family."

"But we are."

"Yes, we are. Me, you, and Nubs."

I pushed him. "Don't call him that."

"What?" he laughed, "That's his name."

I stood. He knows how much I hate it, he's making fun of him."Only because you insisted we name him that, but it's horrible."

"It defines him perfectly!" he called from behind me.

"Well, then I guess I'm going to start calling you chainsaw because that's what you sound like when you snore!"

"I think lawn mower has a much better ring to it."

Putting my bag on the bed, I began rifling through it searching for the right amount of layers to keep me warm. I had expected there to be snow on the ground when we got here, but it was nothing but dirty slush.

I pulled out a turtleneck sweater, leggings, jeans, and the thickest socks I own. I was almost shaking with excitement. Today was going to be amazing I could feel it.