Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(79)

Dad doesn’t even blink. I’m so not used to talking to him like that. But my father has his moments, and I can imagine he probably spent the entire night in shock.

“Do you really love him, Petra?” he asks icily.

I raise my eyebrows. After all, it’s the very first time we’re seriously discussing a boy—or in this case, a man. I sigh, thinking about the immensity of my love for Alex, but decide to keep it short. “Yes, I do.”

He turns the page and continues to read. Nothing more comes out of his mouth.

“Does it mean you intend to spend the rest of your life with him?”

I feel my cheeks flushing. Does he really want to hear this? “Yes. I… I intend to.”

All of a sudden, Dad closes his paper.

His eyes finally meet mine. He doesn’t look okay, to say the least. “If I give you that week off for your birthday, do you promise to get focused on your exams afterward? I don’t want to be disappointed, Petra. You’ve always been the best student in your class. I hope it stays that way.”

“Dad, I’ve been focused since my first day at Columbia, you know that. Missing six days of school won’t have any impact. My classmates will send me their class notes.”

He stands up from the sofa, takes his coat, the WSJ folded under his arm, and exhales loudly. “Very well. I’ve got to go. Hope you have a great day.”

And just like that, he leaves.

No kiss, no hug, nothing. He’s still visibly mad at me. Maybe at Alex too. But nevertheless, I smile radiantly. Dad has just given me that week off!

I take a deep breath and lean against the back of the sofa for a moment. Afterward, I happily get up, head back to my bedroom, and grab my iPhone to let Alex know about the good news. But he’s already texted. Good morning, Ms. Van Gatt. Hope you slept well. Meet me at the NoMad Bar at 5:30 p.m. I miss you! Wishing you a great day ahead, Alex.

I smile while reading his text. Even the way he writes is formal and old-school.

I decide to copy his tone. After all, no one texts me on WhatsApp like that. Hey! Good morning, Mr. Van Dieren. Many thanks for your note. Will be there on time. Wishing you a great day, Petra. Oh, I forgot the most important thing! P.S. I miss you too. I know he’ll like it.

“Ms. Van Gatt, breakfast is served!”

“Coming, Janine!”





As I step into the NoMad Bar, I understand why he’s chosen this place. The bar is set in a nineteenth-century library with two floors connected by a spiral staircase. He’s already seated, reading, an espresso on the table, still wearing a suit and tie from the office. My heart always beats faster when he is around.

“I’ve never been here before,” I say, sitting beside him, my eyes joyful and a smile on my lips.

He closes his book, puts it on the table, and gives me an unexpected, lingering kiss. My cheeks flush as I feel his warm lips pressed against mine. He’s never kissed me in a public space before.

“I love you,” he whispers, looking in my eyes.

I smile and kiss him again. “I love you.”

“We’re going somewhere for your birthday,” he declares simply, taking a sip of his coffee. “We’ll leave the evening of the fifth.”

My heart explodes like fireworks. “Going where?”

“It’s a surprise, Ms. Van Gatt.” He gives me a charming smile, his gaze devouring mine. “It’s outside the state of New York. That’s all you need to know.”

I instantly picture that moment in Rio where he told me, Next time we’re in bed, I’ll cum inside you. Holy moly! I try to remain calm, but I start feeling myself get dangerously wet. I blush looking down at my lap, and tuck some hair behind my ear. Meanwhile, Alex keeps staring intently at my face with a sly smile. Jeez! I bet he knows what I’m thinking.

My phone rings. It’s Emma. But I’m not sure if I can pick up the call right now.

“Go ahead, Ms. Van Gatt.”

“You’ve got to stop reading my mind.” He chuckles as I put my iPhone to my ear. “Hi, Ms. Hasenfratz. How are you doing?” I immediately glow, hearing her voice. Alex reaches down for my other hand, shuts his eyes, and starts placing wet kisses on my knuckles. “I’m so happy. Finally, you are coming back. Of course, I’ll meet you as soon as you land,” I reply, my eyes glued on his lips now rubbing against my fingers. I can feel his warm breath while he’s kissing them, and the pleasure he is having while doing so. I sigh loudly. This man drives me crazy. “You land tomorrow morning, right? Perfect, I’ll meet you at your house then. Indeed. So much to catch up on. See you tomorrow.”

I hang up with a big grin, my eyes sparkling, and I instantly embrace him. “Emma is on her way back to New York.” I clap my hands. “I’m so happy! She kept her word. She promised me she’d come for my birthday.” I think something through. “What time do we leave New York?”

“At ten p.m.” He seems to be studying me with his stare. “You may have a birthday dinner at her house, if you want.”

How did he know what I had in mind?

I stand up, floating on cloud nine. “I need to find a dress for my birthday, then.”

“May I join you?”

I gasp at his question and raise an eyebrow. “You want to join me at a vintage shop?”