"What did you get your wife for Christmas?"
"It's a secret." Smiling, Anthony fingered the black paper gift bag at his feet. "How about you?"
"Oh, I got Tanya a new computer." John shrugged. "It's what she wanted."
Shifting in his seat, Anthony tried to remain patient as John wove in and out of heavy commuter traffic, trying to get back to their Santa Rosa homes as quickly as possible. It was Christmas Eve and both wanted to be with their wives. Jamie's blue eyes, blonde hair and slender legs came to mind. After five years of marriage, she was still the sexiest woman he'd ever seen.
"I think Jamie will like what I got her." Anthony relaxed against the car seat.
"You guys have been married for what--five years?"
"Yeah, next month." Five years and the last year was the hardest.
"Did you tell her about the promotion yet?" John sent him a side glance as he maneuvered the car, passing several other drivers.
"No." He sighed with relief. "I'm going to surprise her tonight. No more business trips. No more long hours."
"You worked hard for it."
A frown pulled at Anthony's face. "I hope it's not too late." He said it more to himself than John.
His friend nodded. "Jamie has been pretty understanding, but it must have been difficult."
"It has." In more ways than one.
"You're not worried, are you?"
"I am, but I'm not giving up. A woman like Jamie doesn't come around every day. I have a lot to make up for."
)
