“I fondle the last two charms: a letter C- oh yes, I was his first girlfriend to use his first name. I smile at the thought. And finally, there's a key."To my heart and soul," he whispers.”

“Unwrapping the paper carefully so it doesn’t tear, I find a beautiful red leatherbox. Cartier. It’s familiar, thanks to my second-chance earrings and my watch.Cautiously, I open the box to discover a delicate charm bracelet of silver, or platinumor white gold—I don’t know, but it’s absolutely enchanting. Attached to itare several charms: the Eiffel Tower, a London black cab, a helicopter—CharlieTango, a glider—the soaring, a catamaran—The Grace, a bed, and an ice creamcone? I look up at him, bemused.“Vanilla?” He shrugs apologetically, and I can’t help but laugh. Of course.“Christian, this is beautiful. Thank you. It’s yar.” He grins.My favorite is the heart. It’s a locket.“You can put a picture or whatever in that.”“A picture of you.” I glance at him through my lashes. “Always in my heart.”He smiles his lovely, heartbreakingly shy smile.I fondle the last two charms: a letter C—oh yes, I was his first girlfriend touse his first name. I smile at the thought. And finally, there’s a key.“To my heart and soul,” he whispers.”

“He does, and his eyes shoot to mine, wide and gray, alive with wonder and joy. His lip part in disbelief. The word YES flashes on and off on the key ring. "Happy birthday", I whispered.”

“You love strapping me in, don’t you?” “In any form,” he says, a wicked grin playing on his lips. “You are a pervert.” “I know.” He raises his eyebrows and his grin broadens. “My pervert,” I whisper. “Yes, yours.”

“Do you have a girlfriend?" I blurt out. Holy crap--I just said that out loud?His lips quirk up in a half-smile, and he looks down at me."No, Anastasia. I don't do the girlfriend thing," he says softly.”

“The first dance will be with me, okay? And it won't be on the dance floor," he murmurs lasciviously into my ear. My giggles subside as anticipation fans the flames of my need. Oh, yes! My inner goddess performs a perfect triple Salchow in her ice skates."I look forward to it." I lean over and plant a soft, chaste kiss on his mouth. Glancing around, I realize that our fellow guests at the table are astonished.”

“I love you,” I murmur, and he smiles his heart-achingly shy smile, and I melt. “I will always love you, Christian.”“And I you,” he says softly.“In spite of my disobedience?” I raise my eyebrow.“Because of your disobedience, Anastasia.” He grins.”