Page 28 of Love on the Line

“Come on, beautiful, let’s get you fixedup.” Kayli took AJ’s hand and led her back upstairs. After redoing her hair andmakeup, AJ figured her outfit still looked decent and she really wanted to wearit. “You really do look great, AJ. Think Mathias will still be in his Thor outfit?”She giggled.

“I have no idea, but I wouldn’t hate it ifhe was.” She winked at her friend.

“You’re really okay with this, right?” Kayligently stroked AJ’s arm. “I mean, like Jen said, it wasn’t the smartest way togo about this, but there’s potential, right?”

AJ held Kayli’s hand and gave it asqueeze. “Yes, there’s definitely potential. I won’t make him beg too badly.”

Kayli laughed as the two made their wayback downstairs to join Jen, who was holding AJ’s phone out to her with a bigsmile on her face.

AJ just smiled in return as she took thephone, deciding to text:So have Imissed the balloons? Because I’ll be really mad if I have, and you’ll have someserious making up to do.

Within seconds, Mathias answered:Balloonsare still here, and I’ll beg, plead, grovel ... whatever it takes.

Findme at the park and we’ll see what I decide. 15 minutes.

Yesma’am.

AJ grinned, and when she looked up at herfriends, they were grinning, too. “All right, let’s go.” AJ didn’t bother withthe coat, as the day had warmed up nicely. Once again they piled into Kayli’scar and headed for the park.

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Ten minutes later the ladies walked intothe heart of the park. Only a few balloons remained on the ground, or they hadcompleted their flight and landed already. AJ looked up to see so much color asthe balloons dotted the sky, it was spectacular. There was still quite a crowd,although she suspected many of the spectators had moved on to other activities.

“How is he going to find you?” Kayliasked.

“Determination,” AJ answered. She, Kayli,and Jen strolled leisurely around the park, admiring the balloons and glancingat the vendors. AJ’s stomach growled, realizing she hadn’t had anything to eatfor six hours, and the smell from the food carts was utterly enticing. “Let’sgrab a bite, I’m starving.”

“Shall it be pizza, burgers, or icecream?” Mathias’s husky voice in her ear sent shivers through her. She felt hiswarmth at her backside as he moved in closer and continued to whisper. “Or areyou watching your gorgeous figure?”

AJ closed her eyes and sighed.Oh, that voice.She opened her eyes andturned to face him, a shot of adrenaline flowing through her at his impressivesight. He was still dressed as Thor, earning appreciative glances from not onlyJen and Kayli, but many passersby. They stared at each other, somehow silentlycommunicating as smiles began to grace both their faces.

Mathias’s eyes roamed her body from headto toe, and when he looked into her eyes again, AJ could’ve sworn they were brighter.He groaned and brought his hand to his heart while going down on one knee. “Bythe Gods of Valhalla, your beauty and your spirit will be my undoing. I humblyask for your forgiveness, milady, and by granting that, I will forever be underyour command.”

AJ couldn’t help but melt just a littleand smile even bigger as she framed his face and spoke softly. “All isforgiven, Mighty Thor. Rise and join me for a day of adventure, the likes ofwhich you may never see again.”

Mathias rose slowly, never taking his eyesfrom hers. And when AJ began to withdraw her hands, he caught one and kissedher knuckles. “I pray that won’t be the case, as I look forward to manyadventures with you.”

AJ bowed her head in a regal fashion, andkeeping their hands joined, introduced Mathias to Jen and Kayli. “I know youknow Jen, our matchmaker, and this is Kayli.”

“Jen,” Mathias nodded his head beforeturning to Kayli. “And nice to meet you, Kayli.”

“S-so nice to meet you,” she replied, abit breathlessly.

AJ couldn’t help but grin at the way Kayliwas fawning over Mathias, considering the gal had recently figured out she wasinto women.

Smile still plastered to his face, Mathiasturned to AJ. “I believe you said you were starving?”

“Indeed I did. I’m in the mood for BBQ. Whatabout you? Jen? Kayli?” She glanced at each person, awaiting their answer.

“Why don’t we go find some burgers andfried elephant ears, Kayli?” Jen responded. “We’ll catch up with you twolater.” She winked at AJ before looping her arm with Kayli’s and walking away.

Mathias chuckled. “Guess they wanted me tohave some privacy while I beg your forgiveness.”

AJ stopped and faced him. “There’s noneed, Mathias, I forgive you.”

“Just like that? So easily?”

“Yes. It’s useless to deny what I feel foryou.”

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