Zaria DeLuca is ready to leave the past behind as she starts her freshman year of college. Growing up as a Black and Italian girl who never quite fit in, she endured years of torment from her privileged, mean-girl ex-bully, Alessia Valentini. But Za...
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It had been a whole week since I got busted for sneaking off to Nashville with Zolani, and Lorenzo was still holding it over my head.
Every chance he got, he'd smirk and remind me how I owed him for that little "incident."
And honestly? He wasn't wrong.
So, when it was time to celebrate his birthday, I knew I had to go all out.
Instead of a wild, crazy trip, I planned something romantic, peaceful, and intimate.
A luxury cabin stay in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Arrival at the Cabin
I couldn't stop staring out the window as the car pulled up the winding road.
The view was insane.
The cabin sat nestled between tall pine trees, with a breathtaking view of the mountains stretching far into the distance. The air smelled crisp and clean, and the silence was soothing compared to the city noise we were used to.
"Damn, baby, you really did this?" Lorenzo asked, impressed as we pulled into the driveway.
I grinned. "Of course. Only the best for my man."
Lorenzo smirked and pulled me close. "Keep talking like that, and we might not even leave this cabin."
I giggled but pushed him playfully. "Let's get inside first, birthday boy."
We stepped inside the cabin, and it was even better than the pictures.
A huge fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, a private hot tub, and even a game room with a pool table and arcade machines.
"Damn, this place is nice," Lorenzo muttered, taking it all in.
I bit my lip, watching him. "You like it?"
Lorenzo turned, pulling me into his arms. "Baby, I love it."
Mission accomplished.
Birthday Surprises
After unpacking, I set up her first surprise.
I had decorated the master bedroom before they arrived—balloons, candles, and a trail of rose petals leading to the bed.
On the bed sat a box wrapped in sleek black wrapping paper.
Lorenzo raised a brow. "What's this?"
"Your first birthday gift," I said, biting my lip excitedly.
Lorenzo unwrapped the box, lifting the lid to reveal a custom Rolex with his initials engraved on the back.
His eyes widened. "Zaria..."
"You like it?" I asked nervously.
"Baby, this is crazy," he murmured, turning it over in his hands. "You didn't have to do all this."
"But I wanted to," I said softly. "You do so much for me, Lorenzo. I just wanted to spoil you the way you spoil me."
Lorenzo pulled me into a deep kiss. "You're too good to me, baby."
I smirked. "Oh, I'm just getting started."
Romantic Dinner & Private Hot Tub
That evening, I cooked dinner—a full steak and lobster meal with all his favorite sides.
We ate at the dining table near the fireplace, sipping wine and talking about everything and nothing at the same time.
"This is officially my best birthday ever," Lorenzo admitted.
"And we still got one more surprise left," I said with a mischievous grin.
I led him outside to the private hot tub, which was already warm and bubbling, surrounded by candles.
Lorenzo smirked. "Oh, so you planned everything?"
"Every single detail."
We slid into the steamy water, and as soon as I was nestled against him, Lorenzo tilted my chin up, kissing me deeply.
"I gotta admit," he murmured. "I kinda like you making it up to me like this."
I laughed against his lips. "I bet you do."
Needless to say, the night ended in the best way possible.
