We hadn't walked very far when Evan pulled me between two hedges that lined the bordering property.
"Evan, where are we going?" I demanded in a panic, fearing we were trespassing and about to get caught.
"They're not home," he assured me, our feet crunching in the glistening layer of untouched snow. I looked up to find a tall mansion with dramatic peaks. The windows were dark.
"But I'm sure they have an alarm system or something," I argued, looking around nervously, anticipating the arrival of flashing lights. I continued after him, faltering on the collapsing surface. I was forced to lift my layers out of the ankle deep snow to keep from tripping.
"Stop worrying," he laughed, supporting me by my elbow. "My mother knows the people who live here and even invited them to the party tonight. They're in Brazil. I spoke with them myself about what I wanted to do, and they couldn't care less. We're not going in their house or anything."
"Really?" I questioned, slightly doubtful.
"Really," Evan confirmed again with a smile. "Trust me."
We walked beneath the long shadows of the mansion to the back terrace. I stopped in my tracks at the sight of a flickering light. "I thought you said no one was home."
Evan laughed again, amused by my overly panicked state. "They're not. This is for us. I paid the limo driver to start the fire and bring over our bags."
"Oh."
It was a charming setting, with two Adirondack chairs set before a fireplace on the stone terrace, sheltered by an overhang. A portable Bose system and my gift were set on a small table off to the side. "I like this," I beamed up at him.
We walked over to the small fireplace and stood in front of the crackling fire, absorbing its warmth. Evan stepped behind me and slid his arms around my waist, holding me against him. I turned to face him with a ridiculous smile spread across my face. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too." Evan bent down to find me. His nose was cold against my cheek, but his breath on my lips instantly warmed my entire body. He pressed his firm mouth softly against mine, and lingered there just long enough for me to lose my breath before pulling away. My eyes remained closed, savoring the buzz on my lips.
"I'm glad you came tonight," he said, hovering inches away. "I know it was hard for you. But it meant a lot to my mother."
"I'm glad I came too. I wouldn't have wanted to miss hearing all that was said about Vivian. She's amazing; I had no idea."
Evan leaned over and kissed me, running his hand down the side of my face.
"Do you want your present?" Evan asked when he pulled back. I began to smile, but faltered. Confusion flashed across his face. "You don't?"
All I could hear were Stuart Mathews' disapproving words, and I wasn't so sure I was excited to give him my gift any longer. "Can we wait?" I requested awkwardly.
"Uh, no," Evan responded with his brows pulled together, retrieving the small rectangular box from the table. "But, you can open yours first if it makes you feel better."
I took it from his hands nervously.
"Go on, open it," he encouraged impatiently. I tore the silver paper to find a long rectangular box that looked expensive. I held my breath when I opened it. A gleaming smile spread across my face when I pulled out two concert tickets.
"Evan!" I jumped up to wrap my arms around his neck. "Yes! This is the perfect gift. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Evan replied, hugging me back. "I wanted to be the one to take you to your first concert."
"When is it?" I inspected the ticket for the date. "The end of the month. Great. I won't have to wait too long."
"I almost bought a third one for Sara because I know how much she loves the band, but I decided this was just for us."
I laughed, already hearing Sara's groan in my head when I showed her the tickets to the sold out show she'd been dying to see.
I put the tickets back in the box and tucked it into the inside pocket of my coat. Evan looked at me in anticipation. I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to make up some reason not to give him his gift―but I knew I had to.
"So, I hope you like it." I removed the shiny green wrapped box from the bag and handed it to him, holding my breath as he opened it. He took off the lid and looked from what was inside to me, then back down again.
"Does this mean?" His eyes lit up and his mouth curled into a stunning smile as he set the box on the chair. Despite my reservations, I couldn't help but smile back―his excitement was too contagious. "You got in!" He swept his arms around my waist and picked me up. I yelled out in surprise, laughing. "Em, I'm so happy for you." He kissed and hugged me again.