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Possibly. Cannot confirm or deny.

She laughed and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Seriously, thank you for doing this. I’m pretty sure half our friends collapsed with shock when they received their first party invitation fromtheVuk Markovic.”

I snorted.First and last.

Until…well, that was another type of occasion for another time.

“Oh, come on. You’re telling me you’re not enjoying yourself?” Ayana unlooped one of her arms and pinched her thumb and forefinger together. “Not even aliiittle?”

Define enjoy.I lowered my head so only she could hear me. “I enjoy spending time with you,” I said. “I enjoy seeing you happy. That’s what I enjoy.”

Her expression softened. “It’s Shadow’s birthday, not mine,” she said with a smile in her voice. “One year to the day you found him.”

“I got him a sweet potato cake. That’s enough.” Though I supposed it was nice to see him so energetic. Maybe if Maya kept him busy, he would stop scratching the shit out of priceless furniture. “Can we kick everyone out now? It’s been an hour.”

Ayana grinned. “I recommend giving it another two hours or so. They did trek all this way for our cat’s birthday party.”

“Most of them live less than ten minutes away.”

“Vuk.”

“Fine,” I said. “Two more hours. You should be glad I love you so much.”

“I am.” She pressed a light kiss to my lips. “Don’t worry. I’ll show you just how glad I am later.”

My body sparked to life. “If that’s supposed to make me want people around more, it’s having the opposite effect.”

“The anticipation enhances the fun,” she said with a wink. “Now, come on. Let’s see if we can’t win some money off Xavier and Sloane.”

We rejoined the rest of the party. Despite my grumbles, I did enjoy myself, especially after I beat Xavier at poker.

Most importantly, Ayana was enjoying herself, and I would do anything to make her smile—including hosting andstayingat a feline birthday party.

And hours later, after everyone had left and it was only us in our bedroom, she made good on her promise to show me exactly how glad she was.

She’d been right—the anticipation did enhance the fun.

* * *

AYANA

TWO MONTHS LATER

“I’m not sure those shoes are a good idea.”

I planted my hands on my hips. “You should know better than to underestimate my ability to walk in impractical footwear.”

Vuk arched an eyebrow at the high-heeled, weatherproof boots, which I’d bought specifically for this trip.

“We’re walking through snow,srce,” he said. “Your feet are going to freeze.”

“They’re snow boots.”

“I’ve never seen snow boots with heels.”

“You also think ecru and beige are the same color, so as much as I love you, I will have to respectfully decline your opinions on fashion.”

He shook his head with a laugh. “Fine. It’s your toes.”