He picked up the bag and walked with her around the front of the building just as a silver sedan pulled up to the curb. Her boss Mike pulled up to the curb. He got out of the car and asked, “Are you ready to make friends with some pandas?”
“Totally,” she said.
He eyed Evan for a moment until she said, “Oh. Jesus. Sorry. This is my boyfriend, Evan. Evan, my boss, Mike.”
They shook hands and Mike said, “She’s a smart one. We were lucky she wanted to stay in Los Angeles. You, too, I guess.”
“Yeah,” he agreed as Mike popped the trunk. He handed the bag over to Mike who grunted and said, “Christ, Michaels. What the hell did you pack in here?”
Evan laughed and said, “Bricks.”
She shot a dirty look at Evan and said, “Bye.”
He grinned and pulled her into his arms. “Not so fast,” he said, as he leaned in.
By the time he backed away, she was light headed. She was absolutely certain that she had never ever been kissed like that before.
She said, “I’ll call you tonight,” as she slid into the car with a wave.
When she closed the door and put on her seat belt, Mike immediately said, “Seriously. Did you pack bricks in that bag?”
She laughed, and just like that, the ice was broken.
They hit a little bit of traffic and they didn’t make it to the zoo until almost ten, but when they did, she was overwhelmed by the size. The San Diego Zoo was gigantic.
Mike must have noticed her shock because he asked, “Have you never been here?”
“Nope,” she said. “First time I’ve been this far outside of Los Angeles.”
“Oh, sheltered child,” he said. “The fellowships are all yours for the next little bit. Everyone else hates them anyway, and you need to see the world. Los Angeles is mostly smoggy and overpopulated.”
“I will one day. I’m still adapting to not being a poor college kid. I’ll work up to travel one day,” she said.
“How’s your foot holding up? There’s gonna be a lot of walking the next couple of days,” he asked.
“Fine, now. Bastard elephant.”
Mike laughed and said, “Yeah. I’m just glad it wasn’t worse. I didn’t think she’d be that overprotective. I still feel bad about that.”
“Totally my fault. I was off my game. I think I may have still been in a turkey coma,” she said.
“I’m so over turkey. We had a huge to-do at my house this year. Made a couple turkeys. We’ve been eating nothing but leftovers since. At this rate I won’t be able to stomach turkey until next year,” Mike said, a mild look of disgust on his face.
“We went to Evan’s Mom’s house. She sent us home with some leftovers but we went through them really fast,” she said mournfully. “I think she brined it. Whatever she did, it was awesome.”
“I love my wife but ours were awesomely dry,” he said with a laugh. He immediately pokered up and said, “Don’t you dare tell her I said that.”
Taryn laughed and said, “Gee, Doris. Sorry to hear about your turkey being so dry. It’s all Mike has talked about for days!”
“And now you’re back to shoveling rhino poop, Michaels. Amazing how quickly that happened!”
“Abuse of power,” she said sadly.
A moment later they both started laughing as they continued to walk toward the executive offices. Taryn had a feeling that this week was going to be terrific. She couldn’t wait to see a real live panda.
By the time they checked into their hotel that evening, Taryn was exhausted. She had walked for what felt like a million miles. She bid Mike farewell in the lobby and dragged her bag toward the lobby elevator.
Using her keycard, she swiped into her room and immediately flopped down on to the bed. She returned several texts from Cora, who was demanding panda pictures immediately, and one from Evan who told her that he missed her.
When her phone buzzed a few minutes later, she saw that Evan was calling.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Princess,” he said. “How are the pandas?”
“Adorably vicious. I didn’t realize how long their freaking claws were. They had one sedated earlier today to do some dental work.”
“Holy shit. Are you telling me had your hand in a bear’s mouth?” he asked.
“Yep,” she said. “Wouldn’t be the first time, either.”
“I never really thought about the particulars of what you do. I mean, I know you work with animals, but wow. You live on the edge, baby. I just play with flowers all day,” he said. “That’s actually a little bit emasculating.”
“I think both you and I know there’s nothing about your manhood that’s the least bit in question,” she said drily.
“I know,” he agreed. “Just wanted to hear you say it.”
“Oh Jesus,” she said, laughing.
“So, other than your brush with death, how was it?” he asked.
“The zoo is huge,” she said. “I feel like I walked a million miles today. I didn’t think it would be this big. It’s like a small city.”
“Have you never been there before?”
“Nope,” she said easily. “My boss seemed shocked, too, but you know how I grew up. My parents were a little, shall we say, self-absorbed. After everything happened, there weren’t exactly any family vacations.”
“Hmm,” he said, pausing for a minute. “Clearly we need to travel.”
“Mike said the same thing. The next few fellowships are mine, apparently,” she said.
“Mmm,” he grumbled again, clearly not pleased with the idea of her being gone.
She yawned and said, “You seem grumpy. Rough day?”
“Tired, baby. Just tired. It was a long day. Great sales, though. You sound whipped,” he commented.
She stretched and settled back into the pillows, then said, “Someone kept me up all night.”
He said, “I didn’t hear any complaints.”
She could hear that damn smug grin right through the phone.
“Cause I was too busy moaning your name. I know, I know,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Yeah, you were,” he said, amusement lacing his voice.
They talked for a few minutes more until he finally said, “I’m gonna let you go though. Call me tomorrow with more panda-related adventures.”
“Will do,” she said. “I miss you.”
“Miss you, too, baby. Bye.”
“Bye,” she said.
Taryn lay there after she’d disconnected the line, deeply considering going to sleep right now. She decided she needed to eat and shower. Not in that order, though. Shower first.
Feeling somewhat revived after her shower, she turned on the television and perused the room service menu. She called downstairs and ordered a ham and swiss on rye with chips and a coke. Not exactly the dinner of champions, but it would have to do. Her feet weren’t leaving this room until morning.
The remainder of the week was spent treating small wounds, performing physical exams, giving shots and dental cleanings to the pandas. Mid-week, they had been joined by a few doctors from the Miami Zoo. Together they had been able to take care of the entire annual healthcare regimen for the animals.
She’d been thrilled to assist in an exam for their currently pregnant panda, too. It was hard to tell if the baby would come to full term. Typically, they didn’t. Having a baby panda born in captivity was an incredibly rare thing. To be a part of that, though, was still pretty amazing.
The staff had taken her out a couple of nights, and she’d been able to sight see a little bit. Even with all of the excitement, she missed Evan. They had talked every night, and had even had a very sexy video chat. It wasn’t the same, though.
* * * *
When she heard the knock on the door Monday, she bounced with excitement. She’d been tracking the orchid delivery all day. Evan would be off work soon. She wanted to have it out of the box by then.
She opened the door, taking the box marked as fra
gile carefully from the delivery man. She set it inside and signed. Saying a quick prayer that it had made it through transit, she peeled back the tape and peeked inside.
“Yes!” she shouted. The bloom was still attached. The woman she’d purchased it from assured her that she’d shipped them before without an issue, but she’d been antsy all day. God, she really hoped Evan liked it.
Pulling the plant out of the box, she read the note and plant care tips. She’d toss the note but pass along the care tips. Seeing as Evan knew so much about plants, it was hard to imagine he’d have any issue caring for it. Weren’t most orchids the same anyway?
Oh, Jesus, she thought, pressing a hand to her stomach. She was a little nervous. What if he didn’t like it?
Her phone buzzed. Evan had been nagging her all day, when he realized she had stayed home for a delivery. He had correctly deduced it was his gift. Mostly because she was incapable of lying well.
She picked it up and read, “I see something has been delivered to you. C’mon. Just tell meeeeee.”
“Very well,” she typed. “I feel that under the circumstances, this gift is better in your custody anyway. You can have it early.”
“See you in a minute,” he responded. “Victory!”
To be fair, she had been building it up over the last two weeks. She really hoped he wasn’t disappointed. Shit. She hoped he knew what it was. He was always spouting off the scientific names when he talked to her about the greenhouse.
She heard the knock on the door and laughed. Someone had closed up early it seemed.
She opened the door a crack and asked, “Can I help you?”
“Taryn, baby. You’ve been driving me insane with this all week. I’m dying. I’m literally dying. Let me in.”
“Okay,” she said, smiling. “I hope you like it.”
“I’ll love it,” he assured.
She stepped back to let him in the door and said, “I really hope you like it.”
He walked through the door, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on the plant sitting on the counter. His eyes wide, he asked, “Holy shit. Is that a phragmipedium kovachii?”
“Yep,” she said.
“How did you even get one? Aren’t they illegal to import?” he asked as he examined it.
“I know a guy. Well…a lady,” she said. “She has a permit to legally import them. One of the botanists from work set me up with her.”
“Oh my god,” he said. “I’ve only seen pictures. These only grow in the most remote part of Peru. Holy shit, baby.”
He turned around and walked over to her. He cupped her face in his hands and said, “That is the best gift that anyone has ever gotten me. Thank you.”
He pressed several kisses against her mouth and thanked her about four more times before she finally stopped him by placing a finger against his lips.
She asked, “So I take it that you like it, then?”
“Very, very much,” he said, as he hugged her close again.
She let herself relax against his chest for a moment and said, “I was worried.”
He gave a short laugh and said, “You’re the best gift giver of all time, Princess. You totally nailed the gift for me and also the thing for my mom.”
“Good,” she said. “I try to think of things that people wouldn’t normally get for themselves.”
“Speaking of gifts,” he said, pulling back. “I want to go put that in the green house. Then I’m giving you your gift.”
Together, they went up to the roof and he cleared a spot for the orchid.
“Jesus,” he said. “I can’t believe you got me this!”
“I’m glad you like it,” Taryn said, unable to stop the smile that stretched across her face. “The lady who sold it to me left care instructions and her email address. If you have questions, you can ask her. I get the impression she’s mostly wholesale, so you might be able to get other exotics from her, too.”
“Have I mentioned that you’re fantastic?” he asked.
She pursed her lips as she thought back. Finally she said, “Ehh, I don’t think you have, actually.”
“Not even once?” he asked.
“Not that I can recall.”
He moved to stand in front of her, pulled her into his arms then brushed his mouth against hers. “Fantastic,” he said.
She smiled and said, “You’re pretty fabulous, yourself.”
He nodded in agreement, which made her smile. Then said, “Now it’s time for your present,” as he tugged at her hand.
They walked into his apartment and said, “Wait here.”
He disappeared into his bedroom then came out a minute later holding a huge box wrapped in shiny red paper.
“The gift wrapping wasn’t me,” he said. “I hope you’ll overlook the fact that the gift is a little self-serving.”
She shot him a glance and asked, “Self-serving?”
He rolled his eyes and said, “Just open it.”
Taryn pulled the ribbon away from the box gently and then tore into the paper. Her eyes widened as the picture on the side of the box came into view.
“Holy shit! You got me a KitchenAid!” she said. “And it’s pink!”
She scurried over to where he stood, and threw herself into his arms. She gave him a smacking kiss and said, “This is awesome! Thank you!”
He cleared his throat and said, “You’re banned from getting any attachments until after Christmas. Don’t ask me why.”
She grinned and said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. And you’re right. This is a little self-serving. Under the circumstances, that’s totally okay though.”
She’d been eying a stand mixer for the past month or so. She wanted to experiment with baking, maybe get the sausage-making attachment. And the pasta-making attachment!
* * * *
Later that night, as he slept next to her, thoughts were swirling around her overactive mind. Things had moved along at warp speed since they’d started dating. It had only been two months, and she’d fallen headlong into love with him. It had only been two months, yet he could see inside her and had given her so much.
The pragmatist in her knew it was only a matter of time before it would end. Inevitably, he’d leave. Anyone she had ever loved, had eventually left.
Even as she thought it, she felt a sharp pang in her chest. She let out a shaky sigh and shifted. As if he knew what was going through her mind, even in his sleep, he shifted and pulled her back against him.
Jeez. He really did know her.
Chapter 16
They walked through the door lugging a ton of gifts and their overnight bags. It was tradition. They’d celebrate Christmas tonight, then wake up early and have a huge breakfast. Then head home.
Taryn shifted her bag and said, “It’s eerily quiet in here.”
“Mom!” Evan called.
A moment later his mother hurried downstairs and said, “Merry Christmas,” as she pulled them both into a simultaneous hug.
Taryn laughed and hugged her back, saying “Merry Christmas!”
He gave his mother a squeeze and said, “Merry Christmas, Mom.”
She pulled back and eyeballed the presents. Greed in her eyes, she asked, “So are either one of those mine?”
Evan laughed and said, “Not unless you’re interested in a new titanium putter or some children’s toys.”
His mother then turned to hone in on Taryn and asked, “Well?”
She winced and said, “Yes.”
“Probably for the best you didn’t even try to lie. Her radar is ridiculous,” Evan said.
“I’m also a crappy liar. That’s why I was so glad you didn’t guess your own gift. It would’ve been all over my face,” she said, a smile playing on her lips.
His mother gasped and said, “You gave it to him early! Did he nag you endlessly?”
“Yes,” Taryn said with a laugh. “Endlessly. But I was also afraid I would kill it before Christmas.”
She tilted h
er head and said, “Oh. You got him a plant?”
Taryn nodded.
“Not just a plant, Mom. A phragmipedium kovachii. It’s an orchid from Peru. There are only a couple people licensed to import them into the country. Not just a plant,” he said almost reverently.
“I’m sure your dad would have known what the heck you were talking about,” she said, “But I’m glad you’re happy with it, baby.”
He grinned and said, “Best gift ever,” as he pressed a kiss to the top of Taryn’s head.
His mother looked at Taryn and said, “And you, young lady. What did you get?”
“A Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. I can’t wait to start binge-buying all of the attachments!” she said, grinning.
“Clearly that was a winner, too, then,” she said. After a pause, she said, “You guys are too cute. Go put your stuff away and come sit in the kitchen. Have a cup of coffee before madness descends.”
His mother reached in and made a grab for the gift Taryn was holding. He watched in amusement as Taryn pulled it back with a grin and said, “No touching!”
When his mother made a pouty face, Taryn laughed and said, “I see where you get that look from, too, Evan.”
“Tree’s in the living room then,” she said, disappointment lacing her voice.
He laughed as he brought her upstairs. They stepped into his old room. It had long since been redecorated, but there was something so strange about the thought of sleeping in his childhood bedroom with Taryn.
She set her bags down and slid her arms around his waist. She peered up at him and asked, “What’s on your mind? You looked a little lost there for a second.”
“I had a strange sense of deja vu for a second there. It’s weird, us being here in my old childhood room.” He gave her a grin and said, “Especially considering what I’ve got planned for you later.”
She stretched up on her toes and pressed her mouth against his, then asked, “Oh really?”
“Yeah,” he said. “I thought we might—”
“Don’t tell me,” she said, her hands sliding down to squeeze his ass. “You know how I love surprises.”
“No, no. Don’t do that,” he said. “I can’t go talk to my mom with a raging hard on.”
In Full Bloom [Second Chances 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 18
