Christmas with a Bad Boy (Feuding Hearts Christmas)

12. Merry Christmas

TWELVE

MERRY CHRISTMAS

ZALE

I wake with a start, my heart racing. The room is dark, save for the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For a moment, I'm disoriented, unsure of where I am. Then I feel her warm body pressed against mine, and everything comes rushing back.

Saraiyah.

I turn my head, drinking in the sight of her sleeping form. Her curls are splayed across the pillow, her face peaceful in slumber. My chest tightens with an emotion I'm still getting used to. Love. Raw, all-consuming love.

I glance at the clock on the nightstand. 3:47 AM. In a few hours, I'll give Saraiyah the surprise I've been planning for weeks. The thought sends a jolt of nervous energy through me.

Careful not to wake her, I slip out of bed and pad to the kitchen. I pour myself a glass of water, trying to calm my racing thoughts. What if she doesn't like it? What if it's too much, too soon?

I shake my head, forcing the doubts away. This is Saraiyah. The woman who saw through my walls, who challenged me to be better. She deserves this and so much more.

Returning to the bedroom, I slide back under the covers. Saraiyah stirs, her eyes fluttering open.

"Zale?" she murmurs, voice thick with sleep. "Everything okay?"

I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Everything's perfect," I whisper. "Go back to sleep, love."

She snuggles into my chest, her breathing evening out almost immediately. I hold her, marveling at how right this feels. How complete.

As dawn breaks, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, I'm still wide awake. My mind races with plans and possibilities. I want to give Saraiyah the world, to support her dreams the way she's supported mine.

When her alarm goes off, Saraiyah groans, burrowing deeper into the blankets. I chuckle, running my hand down her back.

"Rise and shine, beautiful," I say, my voice gravelly from lack of sleep.

She lifts her head, fixing me with a sleepy glare that's more adorable than intimidating. "You're far too chipper before your first cup of coffee," she grumbles.

I lean in, capturing her lips in a soft kiss. "I have good reason to be," I murmur against her mouth.

Saraiyah pulls back, eyeing me suspiciously. "What are you up to, Zale Fulton?"

I grin, climbing out of bed. "You'll find out soon enough. Now, don't you have a coffee shop to open?"

She throws a pillow at me, but there's a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Tease," she accuses.

As Saraiyah gets ready for work, I make us breakfast.

"I'll pick you up after closing," I tell her as she's heading out the door. "Wear something nice."

She raises an eyebrow. "How nice are we talking?"

I smirk, pulling her in for one last kiss. "Surprise me."

The day crawls by at an agonizing pace. I throw myself into work, finalizing details for tonight and tying up loose ends at the office. By the time evening rolls around, I'm a bundle of nervous energy.

I change into a charcoal suit, Saraiyah's favorite. As I adjust my tie, I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I barely recognize the man staring back at me. Gone is the cold, calculating businessman driven by revenge. In his place is someone softer, more open. Someone worthy of Saraiyah's love.

The drive to Ruth's Brew feels endless. When I finally pull up in front of the shop, my breath catches. Saraiyah is locking up, looking stunning in a deep cream sweater dress that hugs her curves in all the right places.

I step out of the car, drinking in the sight of her. "Ready?" I ask, offering my arm.

She slips her hand into the crook of my elbow, a small smile playing at her lips. "As I'll ever be."

The car ride is quiet, charged with anticipation. I can feel Saraiyah's curiosity radiating off her in waves. When we pull up in front of the building in SoHo, her brow furrows in confusion.

"Zale, what is this place?"

I guide her inside, my hand on the small of her back. "You'll see," I promise.

In the elevator, I struggle to keep my composure. My heart is pounding so hard I'm sure Saraiyah can hear it. When the doors open to the loft, I hear her sharp intake of breath.

"Zale," she breathes, taking in the exposed brick, the table set for two. "What is this place?"

I lead her further into the room, my eyes never leaving her face. I want to memorize every detail of this moment. "This," I say, gesturing around us, "is your new office."

Saraiyah blinks, her mouth falling open in shock. "My what?"

I take both of her hands in mine, willing her to understand the depth of what I'm offering. "Saraiyah, I know how much Ruth's Brew means to you. But I also know you have bigger dreams. Dreams of helping other Black women entrepreneurs succeed."

Her eyes widen as I continue. "This space is yours. To use as a headquarters for whatever venture you want to pursue. Whether it's mentoring, networking events, or starting your own investment fund. The sky's the limit."

I see tears forming in her eyes, and for a moment, I panic. Have I overstepped? But then I see the joy radiating from her face, and relief washes over me.

"Zale, I... I don't know what to say," she whispers.

I squeeze her hands gently. "Say you'll accept it. Say you'll let me support your dream."

Saraiyah looks up at me, her gaze searching. I hold my breath, waiting for her response. Then, in a move that takes me by surprise, she rises up on her toes and presses her lips to mine.

The kiss is electric, filled with gratitude and love and promise. When we break apart, I look down at her, desire coursing through my veins.

"Is that a yes?" I ask, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice.

Saraiyah laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "Yes, Zale. It's a yes to everything. The office, the future... us."

Joy surges through me. I pull her close, one hand cupping her face as the other slides around her waist. "I love you, Saraiyah," I murmur. "More than I ever thought possible."

Her eyes shine with unshed tears. "I love you too, Zale," she whispers back. "Thank you for showing me that I can have it all—my dreams, my independence, and love."

As we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms with the twinkling lights of New York spread out before us, I feel a sense of peace I've never known before. This is just the beginning of our story. Whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together.

Because with Saraiyah by my side, anything is possible.

The moment stretches on, perfect and unbroken. But eventually, reality intrudes. Saraiyah's stomach growls loudly, breaking the spell. We both burst out laughing.

"I guess all this excitement worked up an appetite," she says, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

I press a kiss to her forehead. "Good thing I planned for that."

I lead her to the table, pulling out her chair. As we sit down to eat, I can't take my eyes off her. The candlelight flickers across her face, highlighting the joy in her eyes.

"So," Saraiyah says, taking a sip of wine. "Tell me more about this office. How long have you been planning this?"

I lean back in my chair, a smile playing at my lips. "Since that night you told me about your dreams. Remember? When we were walking back from the bar, and you mentioned wanting to create opportunities for other Black women entrepreneurs?"

She nods, her eyes widening. "That was weeks ago. You've been working on this all that time?"

"I wanted it to be perfect," I admit. "You deserve nothing less."

Saraiyah reaches across the table, taking my hand. "Zale, this is... it's beyond anything I could have imagined. But you know you didn't have to do all this, right? I love you for who you are, not what you can give me."

Her words warm me from the inside out. "I know," I say softly. "But I want to give you the world, Saraiyah. You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Supporting your dreams is the least I can do."

We talk late into the night, discussing her plans for the space, brainstorming ideas for programs and events. Watching Saraiyah's excitement grow with each passing moment, I know I've made the right decision.

As the candles burn low, Saraiyah stands, holding out her hand. "Dance with me?"

I raise an eyebrow. "There's no music."

She grins, pulling out her phone. Soft jazz fills the room. "Now there is."

I take her in my arms, swaying gently to the music. Saraiyah rests her head on my chest, and I breathe in the scent of her hair. Vanilla and cinnamon, with a hint of coffee. The scent of home.

"Thank you," she murmurs. "Not just for this, but for everything. For seeing me, all of me."

I tilt her chin up, meeting her gaze. "Thank you for letting me in," I say. "For giving me a chance, even when I didn't deserve it."

Saraiyah rises up on her toes, pressing her lips to mine. The kiss is soft, tender, full of promise. When we break apart, I rest my forehead against hers.

"Move in with me," I blurt out.

She pulls back, surprise written across her face. "What?"

I take a deep breath, suddenly nervous. "Move in with me," I repeat. "I know it's fast, but I love waking up next to you. I love our quiet mornings and late-night talks. I want that every day."

Saraiyah is quiet for a long moment, and I feel my heart rate pick up. Have I pushed too far, too fast?

But then she smiles, and it's like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. "Yes," she says simply.

Relief and joy wash over me. I lift her off her feet, spinning her around. Her laughter echoes through the loft, and I join in, feeling lighter than I have in years.

As I set her down, Saraiyah's expression turns serious. "But Zale, I need you to understand something."

I nod, bracing myself. "Anything."

"I'm not giving up Ruth's Brew," she says firmly. "It's still a part of me, a part of my family's legacy. This new venture is amazing, and I'm beyond grateful. But I won't abandon what my grandmother built."

I cup her face in my hands, looking deep into her eyes. "I would never ask you to," I assure her. "Ruth's Brew is a part of who you are, and I love every part of you. We'll make it work, I promise."

Saraiyah's eyes fill with tears, but she's smiling. "How did I get so lucky?" she whispers.

I shake my head, pulling her close. "I'm the lucky one," I murmur into her hair.

We stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, as the city hums to life outside. The future stretches out before us, full of possibilities and challenges. But for the first time in my life, I'm not afraid of what's to come.

Because with Saraiyah by my side, I can face anything.

As the night wears on, we reluctantly decide it's time to head home. But as we're gathering our things, Saraiyah pauses, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"You know," she says slowly, "we haven't properly christened my new office yet."

Heat pools in my stomach at her words. "Is that so?" I ask, my voice low.

Saraiyah nods, stepping closer. "It would be a shame to leave without thoroughly inspecting every inch of the place, don't you think?"

I growl, pulling her flush against me. "I couldn't agree more."

Our lips crash together, all the pent-up desire of the evening finally breaking free. I lift Saraiyah onto the desk, my hands roaming her body as she wraps her legs around my waist.

"Zale," she gasps as I trail kisses down her neck. "I need you."

Those three words ignite a fire in me. I capture her lips again, pouring all my love and passion into the kiss. We make love right there on the desk, christening Saraiyah's new office in the most intimate way possible.

Afterward, as we lie tangled together on the plush rug, I can't help but chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Saraiyah asks, propping herself up on an elbow.

I brush a stray curl from her face. "Just thinking about how far we've come," I say. "From that first night at the bar to here. It's been quite a journey."

She smiles, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my lips. "And it's only just beginning," she murmurs.

"Merry Christmas, my love."

"Merry Christmas to you too."