The wind whipped my hair around as we moved faster and faster, Alex riding Spirit and me riding Beeswax through the snowy field. We'd been out there for nearly two hours, freezing our asses off, but having an exhilarating time. Watching Alex ride was one of the most flawless, picturesque sights I'd ever witnessed.

Somewhere off in the distance, near the house, Ruby was barking for us and attempting to run through the foot-deep snow while Mrs. Stephens stood on the porch, watching in amusement. She waved for us to come back to the house and our horses skidded to a stop on the hill just above the pasture.

I looked out over the vast snowy landscape and sighed in happiness. It mimicked a painting by Currier and Ives. I looked to my side where Alex sat atop his horse. He was smiling at me with those twinkling eyes.

"What?" I giggled, admiring the way the wind tossed his wavy hair.

His grin widened and he patted Spirit. "Nothing. I just love you is all."

Alex pulled his sleeve back and he eyed the time on his watch. I knew it was almost time for us to get ready.

Per Mandy's demands, we were attending the always eventful Satisfaction Magazine Christmas Party at the glamourous St. Regis, which was sure to be decked out in garland, twinkle lights, and stunning poinsettia arrangements. None of that glitz and glam could compare to my handsome date, though. I was going to be the happiest woman there!

"'Bout time we get back to the house," Alex said. "Don't want to be late. Mandy might string me up."

"Don't worry. I'll protect you," I laughed. "Seriously, though, her bark is much worse than her bite."

"Still, I'd hate to see what her bite is like," he chuckled and gave Spirit a slap on the rear to start moving again.

I followed suit and we hopped down from the horses once we reached the stable, and walked them into their stalls. Alex made sure they had plenty of food and water before locking up the barn for the night.

We walked back to the house to get ready, hand-in-hand. Ruby was waiting patiently beside Mrs. Stephens when we reached the porch.

"You two better hurry up. You know how that traffic is, and with it being Christmas Eve, it's going to be even harder to get into the city, Alex," she lectured him, waving her pointer finger.

"Yes, ma'am," he groaned with a smile and lead me inside.

"I'm sorry, Ruby. You can't go," I said, looking down at her happy face, her tail thumping against the floor.

Alex and I went upstairs to freshen up and get changed into our eveningwear. I'd brought my dress with me when he'd brought me home with him earlier in the day.

A few minutes later, Alex emerged from his bathroom in a tux that looked even more drool-worthy than the one he'd worn to the New York Times dinner.

Speaking of the Times, they'd called earlier in the morning and offered both of us positions. It turned out, I wasn't the only writer Mandy had recommended to them, but they said it was our ability to write so well together that had really impressed them.

"You look... Well, damn, I'd like to undress you right now," I giggled shamelessly, eyeing the man standing before me.

Alex smirked and his eyes trailed slowly down my body. I gathered that he liked my shimmering gold dress.

"I could say the same for you," he said in a low, seductive voice that caressed my ears and made me almost want to skip the party altogether.

"Is that so?" I teased, invading his bubble and running a finger down the row of buttons on his shirt.

He nodded, that smirk never fading. "Yes, it is. And I intend to do just that later tonight. That's why I have a room booked at the St. Regis."

I rolled my eyes and pulled him in for a quick kiss. "I love you. You know that?"

Those little gold flecks danced in his eyes and he nodded. "I love you, too, Kate."

We made our way down the stairs and Mrs. Stephens made it a point to stop us so she could take pictures before we left. She proceeded to lecture Alex on being gentlemanly and wished us a good time as we headed out the door to his truck.

"So..." Alex said once we were inside the vehicle, warming up. "You think anybody will bring a dildo to the party this year?"

Face-palm.