Chapter 79 Bronson

I look around aimlessly as my feet stomp out tracks across the pathetic attempt at the winter wonderland. Fake snow blows around from a large machine making enough noise to carry its own steering wheel, and the workers are walking around in small elf suits with matching red jingle belled shoes.
What in the living hell did I just step into?
“Hey, did you find one yet?” Nikki clings to my arm, and I suddenly feel loads better. I don’t understand how she has the power to bring me down from anger and annoyance, to gratitude, but I’m grateful each and every time her skin touches mine.
It’s been two days since we made love. Cassandra leaving, Clara coming by surprise, my new attitude at work, it all came through extremely fast, but nothing makes me happier than Nikki. I feel whole around her, complete, and I never want that feeling to go away.
We had spent the last two days in bed, and although I wanted today to be the same, the moment Nikki woke in my arms this morning, she had an epiphany. Christmas was in a few short days and I had nothing to show for it back at the penthouse.
So, here we were at some Christmas tree lot looking for the perfect tree. I found one over an hour ago, but Nikki told me it wasn’t perfect enough. It’s cold and windy out, but when I watch her bright smile light up at all things mushy and Christmassy, I hold back my discomfort and let her have this.
“I don’t think you’re going to be able to get too picky babe, there aren’t many left here and there is no way we are going somewhere else in the city to look for a tree.” Her eyes warm when I use that endearment on her. The first time I said it, her cheeks became rosy and she told me she liked it.
I had no plans of changing that now.
“I know, I guess I just wanted the perfect tree. It’s the first time I’ll really be able to enjoy a Christmas in a long time. I want everything to be perfect.” Her eyes dance around the lot but mine stay fixated on her. It’s my first time as well and I agree with her, I want it to be perfect. Meaning I was going to give this woman anything she desired.
“Alright, what about that one?” I ask pointing to one that was clearly missing most of its branches.
“Uh, are you serious Bronson?” I shrug and watch her look back at the tree with disgust. “If Charlie Brown was here, he’d take it back home and throw a single ornament on it.” I throw my head back and laugh, causing a few people to look our way.
Standing in front of Nikki, I settle, and grab hold of her hands, smiling down at her.
“Babe, it’s perfect because it’s imperfect. No one else is going to take this tree, and it’s not like we have some major Christmas party planned at home. We should take it, once we decorate it, it won’t look any different than any other tree.”
She stares up at me with a look I’ve become to obsess over. Her eyes sparkle as she turns back at the tree in question then runs over to the six-foot-tall elf, located on the other side of the fence. Moments later, she returns with the young man and points at the tree. He nods his head, then leans in and says something to her that makes her giggle.
My fist clench at this f*cker getting too close to my girl. We haven’t been together more than three days and here I am ready to destroy someone for simply breathing near her. I’ve never felt this with any other woman, only bringing me to the conclusion that what I feel for Nikki is real.
“He’s just trying to get a commission.” Jim states from behind me. He steps in front of me, knowing I am about to rip this kid’s head off and speaks with the elf. Nikki finds her way back to me, leaning up and kissing my jaw.
Damn, if I could take this woman here and now, I would.
“Easy tiger.” She whispers and I feel instant relief. How this woman knows me this well is beyond me, but I have no plans of changing anything.
“Landen and Jim are getting the tree; I was thinking now would be a good chance to go and do our shopping.”
“Shopping?” I ask. I was hoping we could go back home and play doctor.
“Yes. You told me this morning that you normally just send a check to an organization each year to help children that have no presents. I was thinking we could go and get the presents ourselves. The we can bring them over to the shelter.” The hopeful look in her eyes has me giving in immediately.
“Fine. I’ll have Rand bring the other SUV and take us to FAO while Landen and Jim take the tree home.”
She leans up and kisses my cheek once again smiling brightly. “Thank you. It’s going to be so much fun.”