LauraBeing very careful not to wake the small humans, Laura slipped off the couch. She gently put Ivy's head on a pillow and tucked her in while Ethan did the same for Dallas. When they were done, they both headed into the kitchen to wash their hands. Laura had them do it twice, just to be on the safe side.While she was microwaving their food, Ethan went to the bag of DVDs and pulled out something. She wasn't sure what it was until she turned around and found that he had a little candle on the center of the table. It flickered and cast a warm light on the small wooden table.“You didn't have to clear the table,” she said gently, bringing the food over. It was still in the paper take-out containers, but she didn't want to do dishes.“Yeah, but where else would we eat?” he asked. She could see he'd neatly stacked all the bills, homework, and art projects on one of the empty chairs. “Next time, I really do want to bring you someplace nice, but for now, would you join me for a candlelig

EthanEthan walked toward the familiar barn with both excitement and a little apprehension. He was excited because he was going to see Laura, and after last night she was the only thing he was able to think of. She had filled his dreams, and he had woken up needing a cold shower. He couldn't wait to see her.However, horses were not his thing. He liked dogs and cats. Horses were too big and unpredictable. He had never been riding and had this terrible prediction that he was going to make a fool of himself.He should have asked if they could go climbing. Or dancing. Or anything else besides horseback riding. He sighed and coughed as he took in a big mouthful of manure-smelling air. Laura loved horses. If he wanted to be with her, he was going to have to get comfortable around them.She was worth it, so he stood up a little straighter and put a smile on his face as he entered the barn.The smells of sunlight-warmed hay and horses, with the metallic tang of metal and leather for accent,

LauraIt must have been loud enough for Ethan to hear because he leaned in as soon as she had finished speaking. His lips touched hers as he gently pressed toward her. A soft moan eased up and out of Laura’s throat while a fire ignited inside of her.It wasn't their first time kissing, but this was ten times better than the first. Something about it was more intense, more meaningful. There was more to it this time.The kiss started out beautiful and slow, with Ethan teasing his lips against hers. It was a perfect and meticulous dance. Laura would pull away just a bit, causing Ethan to lean into her. Then the roles would reverse, and he'd do the same to her. Soon, their tongues were darting in and out of each other's mouths, twisting and wrestling while their hands drifted all over one another.Laura couldn't get enough of him. Now that the ice had been broken, she wanted to dive in head first. Whatever had made them want each other a year and a half before was there again, and back in

LauraLaura stood in front of the bathroom mirror. She brought her hands down her sides, smoothing out the silky material of her white dress. She'd been standing there for at least ten minutes, just double checking that her hair and makeup was as flawless as possible. It was important to her that she look her absolute best. She was getting ready for a date with Ethan and had a feeling that wherever he took her, it was going to be pretty extravagant. Or at least a little more extravagant than horseback riding and lunch on hay bales.Butterflies continued to bounce around inside her belly as she stepped out of the bathroom. There was something special about Ethan. He wasn't like regular guys she'd dated, and she knew that it had nothing to do with his money. There was just something about him that got her excited. It made her light up inside and put a spring in her step that she didn't think still existed.After pacing the room a couple of times, she glanced down at her watch.“Oh, God,

LauraThe front door opened and an elegant man in a dark tux opened the door. Laura was sure this was what butlers must look like. “Good evening, sir. Ma'am.”He held the door open and then carefully closed it behind them before escorting them through the home. Laura glanced around, surprised by how beautiful the interior was. It was fully furnished, with beautiful and extravagant paintings covering every wall.“Whose house is this?” she whispered to Ethan.He just glanced over and smirked, without saying a word. She shook her head. Him and his secrets.“Right this way, sir,” The Butler said, approaching a door at the very back of the house.Ethan and Laura walked through and onto the screened porch. There were two heat lamps, one on each side of the deck, which made the area entirely comfortable despite the fresh mountain air outside. Situated in the center, was a small white table and two chairs. There was a beautiful flower bouquet in the center, surrounded by candles, which flicke