My heart sank. Damn. For one shining moment, I’d grabbed on to that fantasy of quitting my stupid job sooner than later. I’d still be able to quit—it would just be after I’d locked down something else. However long that took in this economy. Which meant I was probably still in for post-Christmas returns, January inventory, Valentine’s Day bullshit, the godawful Presidents’ Day sale, and—
“What if you didn’t have to worry about that?”
I met Austin’s eyes. “Huh?”
“What if you had benefits from somewhere else? And you didn’t have to worry about losing them while you were changing jobs?”
“Like…where?”
He actually blushed. “Like my job?”
“Your job? But I don’t qualify for those unless—” My teeth snapped shut.
Austin smiled. “There’s a pretty simple solution for that.”
I stared at him. “Are… Are you suggesting…”
He took my hand and gestured for me to get up. When I did, he led me into the living room, and I followed with my heart thumping against my ribs.
“I was saving this for Christmas morning, but…” He pulled a box out from behind a picture frame on the mantel, and when our eyes met again, he whispered, “I think now’s the right time.”
I was speechless. I knew what he was getting at. What was in the box. What he was going to ask. Where this was going.
But I was still stunned when he opened the lid and turned it to me, revealing a simple gold band.
“Marry me,” he said.
I laughed, the sound almost masking how close I was to tears. “Only a Dom would phrase that as an order, not a question.”
He laughed too. “It wasn’t an order. I just…” He swallowed, and some uncharacteristic nervousness filled his expression. “Please, Sam. Marry me.”
“Of course I will.” My voice was shaky, but not with nerves. Just emotion. So, so much emotion. “Yes. Of course.”
He broke into a smile and tugged the ring free from the box. Neither of us was particularly steady, but between us, we managed to get the ring onto my third finger. It was a perfect fit. Of course it was.
“I’m not just proposing so things will be smooth when you’re changing jobs.” He touched my face and looked right in my eyes. “I’ve been thinking about—well, I’ve been thinking about both things for a long time. And I want both of them because I love you. But…you know what I mean.”
“I do.” I lifted my chin for a kiss, and he gave me a long, tender one that weakened my knees all over again. When we separated, I said, “Even if I wasn’t thinking about changing jobs, I’d say yes. I want to be with you. As your submissive and your husband.”
The warmth in his smile made me want to kneel and cry and just hold on to him because I couldn’t believe this man was mine. I couldn’t believe I was his.
“I love you,” I whispered unsteadily.
“I love you too.” He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my temple. “Merry Christmas, baby.”
And I just closed my eyes and held on to my Dom, my best friend, the love of my life.
My fiancé.
Maybe the holiday season wasn’t so bad after all.
Don’t miss Naughty or Nice!
Naughty or Nice on Amazon
Sometimes you’re in the mood for something naughty, and sometimes you’re in the mood for something nice! Whatever your mood, L.A. Witt and her sweet romance alter ego, Ann Gallagher, have got you covered!
Candy Caning (Something Quick & Kinky by L.A. Witt)
Nate is dreading the annual Christmas visit with his family, during which they will ignore or insult his partner and Dominant. Stephen tries hard to take Nate’s mind off the trip with the promise—and threat—of a three-foot-long candy cane. It’s a race to see if Nate’s resolve or the candy cane will shatter first. (9,000 words)
A Little White Lie For Christmas (Something Short & Sweet by Ann Gallagher)
Steve hates Christmas, and he’s pretty sure everyone else is just faking it. After all, his family can’t be the only one who seasons their get-togethers with fighting, judgment, and guilt.
Eric—his coworker and secret crush—has tried to convince him not to go for another round of family drama this year, but to no avail. It’s Christmas. Steve can’t just not go home.
But when Eric tells a little white lie, Steve’s Christmases may never be the same again. (8,500 words)
Both of these short stories have been previously published and are available individually.
Naughty or Nice on Amazon
About the Author
L.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters. Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Website: www.gallagherwitt.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GallagherWitt