Page 96 of A Change Of Heart

Chapter Twenty-Five

Jason couldn't remember his heart being this full.And yet, he was terrified.He loved this woman but didn't know how to keep her.She needed her independence and to prove that she could do this alone, fly free for the first time.Yet, how could he let her go?

Pushing those thoughts behind, he made sure they enjoyed the ride.Stephanie was tucked in beside him as they went round and around, her head on his shoulder, her mouth only a turn of the head away.Flashes of last night and this morning fed his hunger.

After three rides, she stretched and stood up."I'm okay to go now, but let's order in rather than go out again?"

"Works for me."Like a typical young male, all he could think about was the wasted hours he'd slept.And the way he could make up for it now.

They headed toward the path that led them out of the park.By now the stars were twinkling in the sky, and flashing LEDs danced through the evergreens that lined their path, creating a vibrant, festive glow."It's small but beautiful."Stephanie squeezed his arm."Right?"

"It sure is."He loved the way her eyes sparkled like a young child tiptoeing down the stairs to scout out presents under the tree.As accomplished and smart as Steph was, little things brought her joy.He hoped her innocence would always be there, and that her excitement in what most people took for granted would continue to grow.She was an extraordinary woman, unafraid to pour her heart into her books—and hopefully soon, her life.

Like a couple of kids, they stopped to kiss several times on the short walk back and up her back stairs.When the door was open, Stephanie threw her arms around his neck and with his thighs he step-walked her to the unmade bed.

Laughing, they tumbled side by side to the lumpy mattress.Stephanie quickly rolled over and was on him like glue.He attempted to get his jacket and boots off, and finally she eased off long enough for them to strip the outer layers before she pounced again.

He understood her needs and excitement, her eagerness for his touch, her hunger for kisses.So many years had passed as she wrote passionate love scenes, never experiencing it herself, or meeting a man that she could trust with her heart.

They loved fiercely, impatient, like two lonely people who wanted to meld into one.Finally, they collapsed in each other's arms.They stayed there for some time until a growling of their stomachs made them realize they hadn't eaten dinner.

"Your turn to order," she called to his back as she entered the bathroom and turned on the shower.

She was scrubbing her face when she felt him behind.Turning slowly, her mouth captured his and they made love sweetly once more.Happy and fulfilled, they'd dressed with as few clothes as possible while waiting for the Thai food to be delivered.

It didn't take long.They sat on the bed cross-legged and enjoyed the food as much as each other.Jason was giving her all the tenderness she'd missed, and more material for romantic scenes for her next book.

Jason struggled out of bed the next morning, trying to break free of the arms and legs holding him tight."Don't go!"Stephanie giggled, pushing him back down.

He flipped her over, gave her a sound kiss and promised to be back after his shift."Have a great day," he told her."And dress nice this evening.We'll get fancy for a celebration dinner, and nothing will keep me away."

"Promise?"

"With all my heart unless someone is dying.Besidesmedying to be back in your arms."He chuckled."I'll make it, don't worry."

"What are we going to celebrate?"

"Just wait and see."He kissed her once more and she ran to the window to see him enter a cab, and wave to her before stepping in.

Steph hugged herself and danced a little in the small space she had.Then, feeling as bright as a new shiny penny, she got dressed and opened the shop right at nine -thirty on the dot.

The day flew by.Stephanie felt like she was floating on a cloud.Her heroines had often experienced this but the last time she had, she’d been eighteen years old.Sure she dated a little and almost became engaged, but it was never like this.

Having loved deeply and the loss of that love had influenced her writing, allowing her to create that feeling in her romance novels.Over the years, perhaps it had been her heart and soul that instinctively knew what she needed and had yearned for.

Jason had texted her three times with love and little hearts.And to make everything perfect, he’d showed up on time.He tramped through the fine snow and up the back steps to knock on her door.

They kissed and laughed with pure joy, wanting this moment to last forever.

"You ready?"he asked.

"I've been ready all day," she told him with a saucy grin.

He pulled her back in his arms and hugged her tight.When he finally released her, Steph threw her coat on and stepped into black pumps, then took Jason’s arm as they went down the stairs and across the street.Fluffy flakes of snow drifted down on them, creating the perfect setting for what she believed would be the best day of her life.

Luke, the bartender greeted them as they entered the cozy, dimly lit Bistro."Hello Stephanie and Jason—is that right?'At his nod, Luke added, "Glad to see you back." Stephanie noticed the place was half empty, and they had a choice of tables.She was pleased that they would be able to speak without being overheard by others.

"Can I take your coat, hon?"Jason had his off already and waited for her.

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