Chapter 51

Derek had opened the bottle and was pouring the sparkling liquid into the flutes. Once he was finished, he offered one to Chelsea. He wore a cotton red buttoned down shirt and black slacks. The diamond in his ear shimmered.

“Thank you,” she said softly with a shy smile.

“The last time I texted you had said Constance had invited you over to her penthouse for New Year’s Eve.”

“She did. And I went. It was a small get together. But while I was there I found myself thinking that I would like . . . spending this holiday with my husband,” she answered with a bashful smile. It was true. She had been missing him and couldn’t stay away. So, Chelsea had sucked up her pride, made her apologies to her sister and the rest of her family, and left. She caught a cab to The Oasis. She knew he would be there since it was his last time being owner of The Oasis on New Year’s Eve.

“Well, I am honored and privileged,” Derek took her elbow. He began