"I've finally found it," I said with a big smile.

Salvatore looked confused and asked, "What?"

"Your flaw. You don't like Diet c.o.ke. Such a shame."

He began laughing and we walked into the theater, which was very full and took two seats in the middle of the theater and in the middle of the row so we could get the best movie screen experience.

"It's like they knew we were coming," Salvatore said. "I always try to get a spot right here when I go to a movie if possible."

"Why?"

"The speakers and screen are set up to focus on this part of the theater. It makes for a better experience-unless you get trapped next to a stinky person or something like that."

I lifted up arm up and pretended to smell my arm pit. "Whew!" We both burst out into laughter, but quickly quieted down because the lights dimmed, indicating the show was about to begin.

The two hour movie was amazing, making both Salvatore and I laugh and gasp at the same parts. We were so wrapped up into everything that neither of us would notice the other reaching for the popcorn at the same time. When our hands touched in the bin I could feel a spark that was so intense and hard to ignore. Salvatore looked at me and mouthed, "After you." Just the way he said it with those full luscious lips made me ache to feel them on mine, kissing me softly and making me feel as fantastic as his words made me feel.

As the lights came up in the theater, Salvatore and I immediately began to talk about the movie and what we enjoyed best about it as everyone else filed out. There was no point in getting up only to stand in line and file out of the theater like we were part of a cattle train.

"So, what was your favorite part?" I asked.

"I loved it when Simon went on that rant in the department store. It was so funny and the expressions of everyone were so realistic. I think that's how I'd act if I saw something like that," Salvatore said.

"That was great, and then there was the part where Macy went to..."

"Simon and tricked him with the triplets story."

We both laughed, seeing how easily we could complete each other's thoughts and sentences. It was like we'd known each other for years and as we realized we were the only ones left in the theater and the manager was coughing not-so-subtly to give us the hint to leave. Once again, we found ourselves laughing, and then walked out of the theater. It had been an amazing night and the only thing that would make it better was if Salvatore kissed me. I knew that I wouldn't say no or turn a cheek. I didn't care if our parents were business a.s.sociates and I didn't care if I had a boyfriend. Something was switching inside of me and I didn't care to explore what that might possibly be that night. It had been too perfect and despite myself, I was not going to mess it up.

The drive back home was quick because there was little traffic on the interstate. When we got home and into the garage we both walked into the house. Salvatore held the door open for me and as I walked by our arms brushed, sending a jolt through me that made my hairs all stand on edge. It was an undeniable chemistry.

Once in the kitchen, I looked at Salvatore and said, "I had a great night with you."

"And I with you," he whispered.

I was aching for him to kiss me and our bodies were so close. I don't think I could have taken a step back even if I wanted to.

"So..." I said.

"So, I guess this is where we say goodnight. Thank you, Taylor."

Then Salvatore walked out of the back kitchen door toward the guest cottage and I couldn't move until he was out of sight. I noticed that he looked back one time, seeing me staring at him and I didn't care that I'd been busted. He smiled and gave a little nod before turning around and finis.h.i.+ng his walk to his temporary home.

I sighed, leaning on the center island of the kitchen. Eventually, I walked to my room and got ready for bed. It was hard to fall asleep because I couldn't wipe the smile off my face from the fantastic date I'd had that evening.

Then my heart skipped a beat and I began repeating that it wasn't a date in my mind. I could not forget that.

Chapter 9.

I'd checked my cell phone and saw that I'd missed a bunch of text messages from Chase. He was casual about it, but definitely playing the role of boyfriend police. Honestly, my thoughts that evening had given him every right to do that even though he didn't realize it.

Chase: Weekend at the cabin with you...can't wait.

Me: It'll be fun.

Chase: No need to pack a lot (if you know what I mean).

Me: I catch your drift.

Chase: You're MINE all weekend...got it?

Me: Got it. Tired now. Goodnight. See you in the morning.

Morning came and I got my suitcase ready, waiting for Chase to come get me. I can honestly say that I hoped that I wouldn't see Salvatore before leaving. The thought of it made me feel so guilty. I couldn't stand it. It shouldn't, but it did.

There was a knock at the door and I went to open it. "Hey honey, you ready for our weekend together?" Chase was talking so loud and I wondered what the heck was wrong with him. Then I realized what he was doing...he was marking his territory in case Salvatore was around. Well, he wasn't so that was lucky for me, even if it denied Chase the pleasure of being a b.u.t.t-head to him.

"I'm the only one here. You don't need to talk so loud," I offered, pretending I didn't know what he was doing.

"Oh," he said. Then he leaned in and planted a huge kiss on me, sliding his hands around my waist and then landing them on my a.s.s. "We are going to have an amazing weekend."

"I just have to get my suitcase. It's in my bedroom," I said. I turned around.

"You just wait here, Taylor. I'll get it for you," Chase said.

"Thanks," I said. That was a very unusual gesture for Chase, particularly with no parents around. How sweet.

He came back out with my bag and then we walked out to his car. He quickly ran ahead of me, opening the pa.s.senger door for me. Then he put the suitcase in the trunk and walked around to the driver's side and got in.

"We are going to have such a fun weekend," he said again.

"I'm excited. Glad the weather is nice, too, so I can lie out and get some sun."

We got to the lake house and Chase began to unpack the car, telling me to just go inside and wait, he'd do everything. He was such a gentleman and so attentive to every detail. I was impressed and for the first time I could understand how a little bit of jealousy on a guy's part about another guy could be beneficial. It was a shallow thought, but I saw it working effectively firsthand. Maybe Salvatore had been just what Chase needed to turn things around and be the guy who I'd initially fell for in high school. The thought made me happy.

We went out swimming and when it was time to come in, Chase wrapped my towel around me, grabbed my hand, and guided me up the wooden stairs that led to the cabin, which sat on a tall ridge. He talked casually, laughing and being playfully flirty, making me relax and smile.

Then it was time for a snack and he pulled out one of my most favorite indulgences-chocolate covered strawberries. They were large, beautiful, and juicy. He hadn't spared any expense and when he hand fed me one the gesture that seemed like it might be tacky was actually endearing and so sweet.

By the end of the first night at the cabin, I felt like I was Chase's queen, his one and only. He'd captivated me with his mannerisms, words, and actions. When we made love that night it was so intense and I couldn't recall it ever feeling more intimate. He'd captured my heart in those moments, making me think, Salvatore who?

"Should we go down to the boardwalk in town and check some of the shops out?" Chase asked.

"Sure, that'd be great. I can look for an anniversary present for my parents," I said.

"Sounds perfect."

Walking hand in hand through the quaint little resort town, Chase and I browsed in windows and went into a few stores. I ended up finding a perfect gift for my parents a small carved wooden heart with two hands wrapped around it, holding it together. It was so unique and as I admired it greatly, wis.h.i.+ng that I had that type of talent.

One of the stores that we browsed in had some of the most unique and fascinating jewelry in it. I looked in the window, commenting on how beautiful this one silver chain with a contemporary silver charm on it with small emeralds in various aspects of it was.

Finally, it was time for us to eat and we sat down in a restaurant that overlooked the lake, setting an atmosphere that was magical. Towering pines were in the distance, accentuated by the mountains that stood majestically behind them. The sun was s.h.i.+ning brightly and dancing off the peaks of everything, making it look so wonderful something that couldn't be experienced in any painting. Oddly enough, that was the first thought I'd had of Salvatore the entire time, remembering what he said about experiencing the world and not just living through art. This scene made a convincing case for his argument.

Chase had excused himself to use the restroom and I was enjoying watching the scenery and occasionally looking at happy families eating, involved in conversation, and making the most of their time together-memories in the making.

"I'm back," Chase said. He was smiling so brightly and I smiled back at him, thinking it was so great to see him in such a good and relaxed mood.

"This is so beautiful. I've never had more fun at your parent's lake home," I commented.

"Me either," he said, putting his pointer finger on the top of my hand and tracing a heart on it. "I got you a little something," he said.

"You did?"

I watched as Chase pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket and handed it toward me. My heart started to race, not knowing if it was what often came in such a box. I didn't even know what to think and I hesitated. He sensed my hesitation and smiled, slowly opening up the box that I couldn't due to my fingers being suddenly frozen.

I looked down and saw the necklace that I'd stared at in the store window. "Oh my gosh, Chase, how did you know I liked this?"

"You don't think I pay attention, but I saw the way you were looking at it. You had such an appreciative look in your eyes and could immediately see how beautiful it would look on you."

"But I didn't even say a word."

"You didn't need to. Your face said it for you," he said softly.

"Thank you," I said. I leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips, not caring that I was doing a PDA.

"I just want you to have all the beautiful things you want. I want you to be happy more than anything else, Tay."

I smiled. "Will you put it on me?"

Chase nodded and reached his hands around my neck, clasping the necklace together behind me. He carefully lifted my hair up and tucked the chain under. "You look absolutely beautiful," he said.

"Thank you."

The rest of the meal was a blur to me. I was so happy and relaxed, truly feeling like I was reconnecting to Chase in a way that I hadn't for so long, even if I'd refused to admit it. There was nothing I wanted more than to get back home and relax in his arms, feeling the positivity of this rejuvenated connection. I saw him as more of a man than a high school aged guy.

"Why don't we get back to the cabin?" I suggested.

"There's nothing else you need to do in town?" he asked, looking at me kindly.

"No, nothing else to do in town," I said.

"Well, okay then, Taylor. Whatever you want."

We walked to the car and as he opened the door for me he casually commented, "I love you, you know."

"I know. I love you, too."

When we got back to the cabin I didn't hesitate to take Chase to the bedroom, where I undressed him and kissed his body pa.s.sionately and aggressively. In return, he did the same thing to me and we had so much built-up tension in our bodies that when we released I felt like that cabin might just slide off its foundation.

Afterward, sweaty and content, we were in each other's arms, casually caressing the other as our naked bodies remained pressed tightly together. Chase traced my tan lines, casually joking that we should do something about them tomorrow before heading back home.

"You know, Taylor, I have missed you so much this past year. It's been maddening. Do you think that you'd consider going to Harvard next year? That way we could be closer and I wouldn't have to be without you. The distance is driving me crazy."

"Do you mean to live together?" I asked. I didn't know how to phrase it any other way then directly.

"Well, if you weren't ready to I would wait, but at least we could be close to each other. Doesn't that sound great? We are meant to be together."

"That's a lot to think about, Chase. Sure, I've had a fantastic weekend with you," I said. I didn't want to tell him that one weekend hardly rea.s.sured me that he'd dropped his less desirable qualities and had fully turned a new leaf. I'd need a bit more time before I could ever say such a thing.

"I just love you so much and I was a bit scared before, but I know that it's time to take our relations.h.i.+p to the next level. It just feels right."

"I'm just not sure about Boston. I think I need to be closer to Dad."

"I asked your father about this earlier. He wants you to be happy and would never expect you to stay close to home if you'd be happier elsewhere," Chase said.

I couldn't believe that Chase had gone and talked to Dad about that. What was my Dad supposed to say? Honestly, I was not at all convinced that one great weekend with Chase was an indicator that I was set to live with him, and it certainly didn't indicate that I was ready for marriage. I knew my dad would never stand in the way of my happiness and that wasn't truly an issue, as much as it was a power play on Chase's part with my emotions. However, I couldn't get mad about it. Chase was wonderful, telling me to think about it. He realized that he'd surprised me and didn't expect me to answer right away.

That night I couldn't sleep and my mind kept milling over everything that Chase had said. I heard my cell phone go off. I reached over for it and looked down. It was a picture of Allison and Salvatore. What?

Me: Where are you?

Allison: I got home and went to surprise you, but Salvatore was the only one around.

Me: OMG. I wish I'd known.

Allison: No biggie. We had fun.

Me: That's great.

Allison: Tell Chase I owe him one. He was right.

Me: Okay.

Allison: PS: The Italian is clearly captivated by you. Wink. You know me better than to listen to a word that Chase says, right?

Me: LOL-yes, I think I do.

So, Chase had sent Allison over there to see if she could distract Salvatore. Interesting. It was kind of sweet, but kind of annoying also. He either didn't trust me or was just that protective of his revitalized feelings for me...and our future.