Happy Birthday Lizzie

Part 8

"Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. It won't be long but if you doze off that's cool. We'll get checked in then the fun can start." I smiled over at Lizzie. I love surprises.

I settled in the seat and did what he told me to do. True to form, I did doze off for most of the trip. I had a nice dream about spending time with him, though.

The little BnB I had chosen was well out of the way in a small town. It looked like a small St. Louis Mansion. I woke Lizzie as I approached it so she could see the house and the old architecture of it. "Lizzie, Sweetie. We are at our home away from home." I was a little nervous about the whole trip, which probably contributed to my stress the day before, but I was very excited. I loved this place and was very happy I was able to book it for the next couple of days. I had plans within plans and hoped like hell they all worked out. "Lizzie?"

I woke to the sound of my name. The place I opened my eyes to was gorgeous. I gasped. "This is beautiful." I sat up straight and turned to face him. "You always find the best places."

I just smiled as I navigated the car into the garage. "I love it here. You should see the backyard. It's fenced, lush, and beautiful." I parked and got out of the car so I could open her door for her. It was early afternoon. We still had plenty of time before dinner, but not enough before the first event I had planned. "Let's unload and look around. Our appointment is 15 minutes away and at three."

"Oooh. Getting started already?" I reached for my bag to help him unload. I figured we would have to get checked in first. "Do I get a hint?"

"You'll figure it out I'm sure by the time we get there. After we are going to dinner. Did you want to go to a movie tonight?" I unloaded my bag, guitar and the slender box I had for her from the trunk then led the way to the door. The lock was electronic. I entered the code I was given and opened the door. The interior of the house was every bit as beautiful as the outside, well decorated in a warm and welcoming manner. The floor plan was mostly open with only the downstairs bedroom and bathroom having a door. The office area was just an archway between two rooms. The kitchen, which I didn't plan on using for cooking, was spacious and modern. The whole place was done in soft greys and blues with white accents, leather seating, and a fabulous dining table we would not eat on and large windows that allowed for plenty of natural light. "I just love it."

It was absolutely stunning on the inside too. I took a minute to absorb it all. "I don't even know what's in theaters right now." He had a knack for finding these places. I could see him cooking in the kitchen and moving about the space easily. "Where will we be sleeping?"

I set my guitar in a safe place and took her bags. "Up those stairs and around the corner. C'mon. I'll show you." The master bedroom was magnificent. A large king bed set against the wall with a sleigh head and footboard. It was piled with decorative pillows and made with a classic duvet cover with charcoal undertones. "Nice. The bathroom is this way." I set our bags down, left the box on the bed, and headed to the bathroom. The glassed-in shower with multiple showerheads and a rain plate would blow her mind and the tub that was more like a small jacuzzi would floor her, or at least I hoped it would. I nearly lost it when I saw it. "What do you think?"

I sat on the edge of the bed and eyed the box he set on it. "We could definitely have some fun here." I played with the edging on one of the pillows. The bed was soft and looked so inviting. "Do we have to go out?" I was only half-joking.

I watched her and smiled. She hadn't made it past the bed. It figured. It was a nice looking bed and I was really tempted to mess it up with her. I swallowed. "No time for even a quick one." I watched her hands and her eyes. "That is for your birthday tomorrow evening. You're gonna have to wait on both accounts. Do you need to go to the bathroom before we go?"

I nodded and stood up to go in there. I gasped when I stepped into the room. I was very much hoping we would get a chance to use both the shower and the tub. I took care of business and stepped back into the bedroom. "I hope you have some plans for that tub." I winked at him. "Ready whenever you are."

I just flashed her one of those smiles, "I sure do," And offered her my hand. We went out and got in the car and headed off to the little shopping mall in town. I pulled into the empty space in front of the salon. "You ready to relax and get our hands and feet pampered a bit before dinner?"

I clapped my hands together. "Ooh yes. That will be lovely." He knew I loved mani/pedis. "Are you getting yours done too?"

I smirked. "Of course." I got out of the car and opened her door for her. "This will be fun."

"Very much so. You get to pick my color." I let him lead me to the door and smiled when we went in. I loved the smell and the atmosphere of the place. We were the only customers in the salon.

"That is easy. Hello. Michaels for 3, please." The lady that greeted us was very nice. She led us to our chairs so we could get our nails done first. I looked at Lizzie and smiled. "French manicure with silver tips." When they asked if I wanted my nails evened out between my hands I told them no and got the strangest expression I have ever seen on anyone's face. "Leave the right long except my thumb. The left needs to be trimmed back." I got the 'customer is always right look', laughed, and decided to explain. "I am right-handed and I play guitar. If my fingernails are long on my left hand they will damage my guitar, if my fingernails are short on my right the sound is not what I want it to be because I can't use them on the strings." The look on the lady's face was priceless. It took all of my strength not to fall out laughing. "I guess you don't get guitar players in often."

"You are the first Mr. Michaels." I smiled trying to refrain from laughing but did not correct her. I just looked at Lizzie and raised my brows. I enjoy anonymity.

I giggled and accepted the sparkling water they offered me. I had never gotten a manicure with him before, and it was interesting to listen to his explanation. My natural nails were long enough that they just needed to be trimmed and shaped. I loved his choice of design and got lost in the process. I got an amazing hand massage and the conversation was light and easy. I looked at Avi. "Silver on my toes too?"

"Top should match, yes?"

"Usually." I winked at him and let the girl finish. My nails looked amazing and I could tell he was loving his hand massage. "Have you ever had a manicure before?"

"I usually go about once a month just to make sure my nails are strong and taken care of. It's usually just me though and just a manicure. This is amazing."

"Wait until they do your feet." I giggled and waited for him to be done so we could get moved over. I was happy that this was something we got to do together.

"Oh. I hope it doesn't tickle."

"It might, a little, but trust me, it's amazing."

I smiled and settled in. They finished with our hands and moved on to our feet. She was right. It tickled but only a little. I fell asleep in the chair and had a wonderful little dream.

I looked over and he had fallen asleep in the chair. I smiled and relaxed as the girl finished by applying the polish to my toes. It was a perfect little pampering session and I couldn't wait to see what else he had planned, or what was in that box.