In the middle of the silent night, Jeff is holding JoAnna in his arms. Both of them have satisfied grins on their faces.
"What do you think about the present?" Jeff knows he did good and wants to hear JoAnna praising him.
"Mmm... it's the best present I ever received." JoAnna smiled, entertained by the thought that Jeff is shamelessly asking for compliments. But she is happy to indulge him.
Jeff grinned, "I am a man of my words. Satisfaction guaranteed."
JoAnna laughed. "I can't deny the satisfaction part... but a man of your words? You said I need to sign to receive it... or was this a trial?"
"Yes. As a VIP you get sixty days trial." He responded in a business-like manner.
"Sixty days? That is generous... does that mean that I have sixty days to make an exchange if I'm not satisfied?" JoAnna teased him.
Jeff's expression changed to serious. He didn't like the implication that she wants to exchange him for someone else. "No... it means that within next sixty days you need to sign."
JoAnna can see that he is not joking, and she froze. 'He said that I need to sign marriage license... does he mean that he wants us to get married in next two months? That is too fast!' Until recently she didn't even have a romantic interest. And now she is engaged and about to get married in next two months?!! Everything is happening too fast. JoAnna felt her head spin. She wanted to change the topic.
"How did that appear in the closet?" JoAnna pointed at the large red bow on the floor. It's so large, there is no way she missed it that morning when she was getting ready.
"I got Steve to drop it off." Jeff was not happy that she changed the topic. He wanted to talk about them getting married.
JoAnna frowned. "You know it's Friday. And he has a girlfriend. You probably interrupted his date."
Internally Jeff screamed: 'Who cares about Steve?! Let's get married!!!' But he can't say that at loud, not in front of JoAnna. He needs to answer politely. "His dates are not in the employment contract. But as my assistant, he needs to be available. That is part of his contract."
JoAnna still didn't approve. "It's not easy to work for you... and there was no need for a bow." She looked at him with a sly smile, "Just you naked is plenty."
Jeff looked JoAnna in the eyes with a serious expression, "I wanted you to see that I am voluntarily giving myself to you. All of me. Without any reservations and with nothing to hide. I am honored that you accepted me, and that you are willing to spend your life with me." He kissed her hand.
JoAnna was moved by his words. And as much as she didn't want to talk about his hint that they are getting married within two months, he mentioned spending lives together. She needs to clarify. "Uhm... about sixty days... what do you mean by that?"
He was happy that she went back on the topic of them getting married. "In sixty days, starting from yesterday, I want you to be Mrs. Jeffrey White." Jeff observed her stunned face and gave her time to compose herself.
JoAnna took few deep breaths, "I need some time to process this."
Jeff was happy that she didn't reject that. He kissed back of her palm and started talking. "Take your time... while you think about that, we should increase security, and we can't do that in this penthouse. We will get a house." Jeff paused for a second. "I will get a realtor to work with you, and when you pick few houses, let me know and we can go together to check them out. Or will you rather build a new house? That takes time... We can get one which is already built and live there until we build a new one. I don't mind either way, so I will leave that up to you. Also, about the location..."
JoAnna's mind was spinning. Too much information. She kissed him.
Jeff smiled. "I will take this as a confirmation that you like what I said so far."
JoAnna rolled her eyes, 'This man can be too much!'
She did her best to sound calm. "You should take it as a signal to slow down. It's too much for me right now."
She composed herself and continued. "Jeff, I love you. And I want to spend my life with you. But you need to slow down. Since we met, I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster ride without any breaks installed."
Jeff was confused. "You don't want to marry me? Or is it the house?"
JoAnna caressed his cheek and spoke gently. "Of course, I want, both. And after we settle down in the house, we can talk about having kids, maybe even pets, and whatever else you want to talk about... but slow down. Let me enjoy this moment without worrying what comes next. I want to enjoy being your fiancée. Fiancée of all powerful Jeffrey White, man who captured my heart and monopolizes my thoughts, and can please me in every way imaginable."
Jeff liked this last part. He gave a small nod of understanding. "How long?"
"What?" JoAnna was not sure she heard him right. She was all romantic and he switched to business mode suddenly.
"How much time you need before you start thinking of other things?" Jeff was ready to negotiate, hoping that she does not ask for too much time.
JoAnna understood his intentions. He wants things to be clarified, like in deals he makes daily at work. She helplessly shook her head and smiled. "At least a week."
"A week it is." Jeff confirmed with a smile.
"And no more than one thing at a time." JoAnna hastily added. "A week from now you get to bring up one topic: marriage or house."
"Deal." He pulled her close to him and kissed her passionately.