Emotional and close to teary-eyed, a soft sigh escaped Abby’s lips. She repeated the toast and clinked his glass, not leaving his gaze.
Andrew was the first to turn away. “I almost forgot,” he said, undoing his seatbelt. He walked over to a large drawer at the bottom of the bar, and pulled something out from his hand luggage. He came back and stood in the aisle beside her, holding a small case. Abby looked at the grin on his face, and the loving look in his eyes.
He took her hand to help her stand, and held out the case toward her. “This is for you. I think it goes well with your dress.”
“What is it?” she asked, trying to guess from its size and shape.
Andrew opened the case slowly. Abby’s jaw dropped. Inside was a pink diamond necklace, with matching pink diamond drop earrings. They were perfectly matched to the trim in her dress, and absolutely stunning. Andrew took the necklace gently in his hands and moved behind her. He fastened it around her neck, and passed the case to her so she could put on the earrings.
“Come take a look,” he said, leading her to the mirror in the plane’s bathroom.
Abby gazed at her reflection, with Andrew standing behind her.
“This is…so…I don’t have any words, Andrew,” she said, turning to him, trying to hold back the tears she felt, ready and waiting to mess up her makeup.
“It’s beautiful, but nowhere near as beautiful as you,” he whispered in her ear, pulling her close. “Let go have a seat.”
***
ANDREW looked through the airplane porthole windows. They landed at a private air strip to avoid the usual chaotic rush at LAX. Another limousine rolled up after the doors opened.
“Ready?” he asked, helping her down the steps.
“I hope so.”
“You look fantastic.”
He could barely take his eyes off her as they sat in the waiting limo. He held her as they drove closer to the city center, admiring the sunset. It cast an indescribable glow on the buildings they passed, making their trip all the more surreal. Abby seemed just as mesmerized, staring out her window.
“Did my dad tell you?”
“Did he tell me what?”
“He’s hosting the all-shifter gathering at the farm next month.”
“Nice.”
“He’s expecting over one hundred to come. They plan to discuss Theriona and take a vote on whether to start looking for her.”
“Interesting. Well, you know where I stand on it.”
“Yes. Dad agrees too. It’s only worth a discussion if everyone agrees not to harm her.”
“Good, because if she had the power to cause our shift, we should be cautious. I mean, there’s no information on what else she’s capable of.”
“True. Enough of that, in any case.”
“Agreed. Do you know what I’m looking forward to?” he asked her softly in her ear.
“When I see the surprise?” Abby asked, looking over at him.
“No. Getting back home and curling up in bed with you.”
“Me too, Drew-bear.” She nuzzled into his chin.
The limo came to a stop at their destination. “We’re here.”
Andrew put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close before the limo driver opened their door closest to the sidewalk. He climbed out first, and helped her step out. Abby looked up at the sign at the top of the ornate building.
“What’s El Capitan?” she asked.
“A theater.”
“So we’re going to a musical? Or is it the opera?”
“Not quite. It’s one of the most memorable ways to see the movies.”
“Nice. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the movies.”
“Then you’ll love it,” he told her, leading her inside. “This is one of Hollywood’s legends. It’s like stepping into the past. This theater put on its first showing in the roaring twenties—my guess is it was a silent film. They’ve tried to preserve the best of the old Spanish colonial exterior, and the indoor playhouse stages, and have also fused it with new technology. The place has Disney screens, surround sound and digital projection.”
“It’s gorgeous,” she said, looking around. “I’m glad we dressed up.”
“Me too.”
She rested a hand on his tucks jacket. “So what are we seeing?”
“Whatever you want to.”
“Really? Won’t that upset the other ticketholders?”
“It’s just you and me,” he answered.
He showed her the empty halls as they walked through the second set of entry doors into the elegant lobby.
“You booked this whole place…for us?”
“Of course. I want tonight to be memorable.”
“Awww. That’s so sweet. Thank you, Andrew.”
An usher greeted them, and led them through the hallways. Just as he said, the sprawling place was completely empty. Abby’s eyes widened when they walked past a stylishly lit fountain, surrounded by cupid statues.
They entered theatre one.
“Where are we sitting?” she asked.
“Anywhere you’d like,” the usher answered. “Might I recommend the VIP orchestra center seating, sir and madam? It’s the perfect distance from the screen and sound. It will be an excellent movie experience.”
Andrew looked over at Abby, who seemed keen to try the recommended seating. When they took their seats, the usher passed a thick program guide to each of them.
“Feel free to choose any movie you see in the listings,” he said. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be right over there.”
“Thank you,” Andrew replied.
Abby flipped through the guide. There were hundreds to choose from. “Anything catch your eye?” she asked Andrew.
“No, no. Tonight is for you. What are your favorite types of movies? Romance? Dramas? Comedy? Action? Choose anything at all.”
“How about one of the nature movies?”
Andrew threw his head back and laughed. “Really?”
“Yes. I think I want to know more about bears.”
He laughed and signaled to get the usher’s attention. “Sure.”
“Good. Let’s get wild,” she teased.
Andrew told the usher her selection and leaned back in his seat. The lights dimmed. He put his arms around her and smiled. Abby reached up and gently caressed his face. He took her hand and kissed her palm. Soon the curtains opened and revealed the screen. Lights from the screen danced on Abby’s awestruck face. She turned to him, stood up, and moved to sit in his lap. Andrew lifted the cup-holder for more room, slowly slid a hand up her inner thighs, and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.
She moaned. “Make love to me, baby. Right here.”
The music was raised slowly, and soon Abby and Andrew were lost in the future…together.
THE END
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Cabin Bear Heat Box Set: A Paranormal Fantasy Bear Shifter Romance (A Bear Shifter Romance Retelling of the Billionaire Redemption Series Book 2) Page 40
