Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“It’s a surprise; I’m taking you away for the weekend.”

“Where? Is this about last night?”

“No, this has been planned for weeks. This was supposed to be a romantic surprise for our first Valentine’s together as well as a reprieve for how hard we’ve both been working. But now that you found another note, I’m not so sure I want us leaving the hotel room.”

“You’re not going to tell me where we’re going?”

“You’ll find out when we get to the gate in an hour. For now, have a beer with me and tell me about your day.”

I give in and tell him about my exam schedule. Then I switch topics and tell him about the upcoming project I promised my mom I would help her with. It’s a scholarship program that’s set up to help high school seniors afford college. It’s offered to all Tennessee students that want to attend a state college and have lost a parent in the service. I’ll be helping with putting packets together for all those who applied.

Declan thinks it’s a wonderful idea and then he switches the conversation over to him. He tells me how he told everyone including my parents and our friends about this trip and how they all kept it a secret. He canceled the show for tomorrow night at The Steamroom because the whole band was tired and wanted a weekend to themselves. Management was okay with it because of the added revenue that they brought in over the last six weeks.

We finish our drinks and he pays the bill. He laces his fingers through mine and leads us to the gate.

“Oh my God! We’re going to New Orleans?” I squeal as I read the Southwest Airlines departure sign at the loading gate.

“Yep, we come back Sunday night. You and me alone. Bars, music, dancing, shopping- whatever you want to do. The hotel has Wi-Fi if you need to do any schoolwork. But otherwise, no distractions.”

I grab our tickets and we get in the designated spot for boarding. When we get on the plane, I give Declan the seat that borders the exit aisle so he can be comfortable with his long legs. There are two beautiful flight attendants eyeing him, but I don’t get jealous. I just grin and take the middle seat. I take out my e-reader and get comfortable. Declan joins me, reading over my shoulder. Every time there’s a juicy scene, the sexual tension between us intensifies and Declan massages my neck tighter and tighter until it’s over.

As we’re getting ready to land, one of the flight attendants comes by to pick up trash. Declan hands her our garbage and she slips him a napkin with her number on it. I hold back my laugh as he balls it up and leaves it in the pocket on the back of the seat in front of him.

After we deplane, I make a spectacle of rubbing my ass against him so the stupid attendant knows she will never get the call. He laughs at me and heads toward the taxis.

Our hotel is a quaint little place near Bourbon Street. We sign in and head to our room. He unpacks our bags and I notice the black zip up garment bag that contains my red dress.

“Declan, who packed my bags?”

“My sisters. You should have everything you need. But if not, we can go to the store.”

I shake my head and take my toiletry bag to unpack in the bathroom. He joins me a minute later and turns on the shower.

“We have an hour before our dinner reservations so we should shower together to save time.”

He gives me look that says he has more than a shower in mind. Lucky for me, I washed my hair this morning and I don’t need to shave. I undress and join him in the shower. We take turns washing and rinsing each other.

I walk into the living room of the small suite and Declan whistles. Abbi had done very well when she packed my strappy silver sandals to pair with the red slip dress.

Declan looks gorgeous in his gray slacks and black button down shirt. He rolls up the sleeves a little and unbuttons the second button on his shirt to reveal some of his tattoo.

When we’re both ready to go, he guides me downstairs to a cab and gives the name of a restaurant to the driver. I recognize the name.

“You got us a reservation at one of the Emeril Lagasse restaurants?”

“That I did. I know you love him.”

“I really love you.”

“Good to know babe,” He whispers in my ear seductively.

I shiver with anticipation, but I can wait until after dinner. I take out my phone and quickly text my parents and roommates to let them know we’ve made it here safe and I’ll call or see them Sunday night. Then I shut my phone off.

Our night is perfect, except for the blatant attempts by the hostess and waitress to get Declan’s attention. He’s polite to them, but shows no interest. After the fifth interruption from the flirty waitress, I ask sweetly if Declan needs anything mimicking her. He grins and shakes his head.

“Ma’am, he appreciates the attention. But we’re just fine.” I make a point to flash my engagement ring so she can’t miss it. She gives me the dirty eye and heads back to the kitchen.

“You do realize they’ll probably spit in our food now?”