I wasn’t really happy with the tone of the text, but I hit Send anyway. His reply was equally stilted.

“I’m working. Obviously like you are. You’re welcome to stay at my place anytime.”

I wanted to call Griffin. I wanted to hear his voice. I waited a full ten minutes before I sent him yet another text: “I certainly wish I had one of your sidecars to ring in the New Year!”

His response came back: “Bae, they are yours anytime.”

I smiled. It was so easy to right the ship with Griffin. The doorbell rang, and I turned my attention to Chinese takeout and waiting for my Englishman to get up so we could celebrate the New Year.

While eating alone, I allowed my eyes to wander around and put my own spin on an Architectural Digest before and after. Only this time, it was his versus his. Which condo was the best? The condo that Penny decorated for Elliott or the one I designed for Griffin? I pondered it, but only for a moment. Yes, I would have to agree that Elliott’s was grander, but in terms of matching the style to the man, I think I won hands down. I had captured the essence of Griffin and even explored a side that only a few of us saw. It brought me contentment and happiness as I tiptoed into a brandnew year.

Elliott was still asleep when the ball dropped, and the sound of fireworks exploded in the distance. I watched him sleep peacefully, free from pain and worry. I kissed his cheek before turning the lights out and going to bed myself.

The next morning, I felt the gentle nudge next to me. He looked remarkably wide awake. And so handsome.

“Good morning, my love,” he said. So sweet. So dear. He smothered me in kisses. He touched every inch of my body. “This separation damn near killed me. I don’t like being apart. I’ve missed you desperately.” And with that, the words, along with our clothes, fell away.

Afterward, we lay together. Neither of us was in a hurry for anything except for each other. “I love you so much, Bailey. You are the most important thing in the world to me. And by the way, Happy New Year, baby.” He reached under the bed and handed me a beautifully wrapped present. I put it on the nightstand next to me.

“Later.” I turned back to Elliott to make up for lost time. After we finished, we did not linger.

“My God, you’re going to wear me out. I haven’t eaten anything in two days. Let me go whip up a breakfast for us.”

“I didn’t hear you complaining a little while ago. It’s like you’re on Viagra or something.” I watched him walk away from me. I had missed watching his naked form.