Kate's POV
My heart slammed against my ribs so hard I was sure he could hear it.
The closet door was already cracked open—just an inch, but an inch was enough.
My brain short-circuited through a dozen terrible options before landing on the lingerie set I'd impulse-ordered during a late-night livestream. I grabbed Ronald's arm, and I have no idea how I managed to sound calm—coy, even—when every cell in my body was screaming.
"Let me keep your birthday surprise a secret, babe." I tugged him back gently, forcing a bashful smile. "I think the perfume the seller sprayed on it was too strong—that's probably what set Mochi off."
Ronald turned to me, his eyes lighting up. "Wait—is it the kind of surprise I'm thinking of?"
He'd hinted at it enough times. Wear something bold for me, baby. Some
