Beyond the Book - In Her Own Time

Patrick raced up the stairs of the building to his loft. This had been the third time this month the elevator was out of order, but it didn't matter.
If he'd waited it, he would've been late anyway.
Out of breath, he did his best to stand up straight and unlock the door.
"Val?" he called out. "I'm sorry. I got stuck in traffic..." he trailed off as their was no sign of her anywhere.
"Valerie?"
"Upstairs. Hurry, you're going to miss it."
He smiled widely regaining his energy as he bound up the short flight to their room.
Upon getting to the landing, he took in the entire picture.
She was as radiant as ever with a mixture of the moon and candlelight bouncing off her skin.
Her curls laid effortlessly past her shoulders. A small smile settled on his lips knowing it had to take her forever to get it to lay that way.
She wore a sheer robe that went to the floor. Underneath, a lace bodice.
He licked his lips in anticipation.
She smiled warmly, holding out a glace of champagne.
"Two minutes left."
Patrick sauntered over to her.
"You look stunning." he whispered.
"Thought we could bring in the new year with a bang."
He stared at her until they both broke out in laughter at her joke.
His blue eyes danced over her face taking in every freckle, the lushness of her lips, her soft long lashes, and flush cheeks.
"I'm sorry I was late."
"She looked over his shoulder at the clock. "We still have 30 seconds."
He circled behind her to watch the time with her. His hands wrapped around her small waist, making his way into her robe.
her perfume was intoxicating. He couldn't stop himself from kissing her neck. "What do you want this year?" he asked.
"I have everything I want right here."
She placed her hand over his.
He turned her around to face him slightly confused. "Are you...?"
She chuckled softly. "No, but maybe someday. The point is, all possibilities are right here with you. Happy New Year Patrick."
He leaned down and kissed her. Softly at first, then with more vigor.
He couldn't imagine being more in love with someone than he already was with Valerie Cain, but knowing that she wanted the same things, that she could now speak them with a smile on her face...
Whatever the new year was going to bring for them, he was more than ready as long as she was by his side.
He pulled back slightly. "Happy New Year my love."