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it there. “Even
though I knew there was no danger of Kieran linking with you yesterday Alex, I
was still terrified. When you two disappeared into the forest, I felt like I
was reliving that awful day four years ago when the Ray-pacs robbed Shannon of
her life. I couldn’t handle that again, especially not with you.”
    My
heart reeled. “That’s exactly how I feel about you.”
    “That’s
what I’m afraid of.”
    Later,
we walked back to the house where he grilled a couple mean steaks and some
veggies while I put together a salad. We ate outside and stuck to a
light-hearted discussion as we watched the sunset. After we cleaned up the
kitchen and did the dishes he said, “So, hot tub or a movie?”
    As
much as I would have enjoyed seeing him in nothing but swim trunks, I didn’t
think my heart could take an evening in the Jacuzzi where thoughts of romance
bubbled around me in the hot water. “Movie,” I said with resolve.
    He
frowned slightly, seemingly surprised by my choice. “Okay, I’ll meet you in the
movie room. There’s cabinets full of blu-rays, all alphabetical by title. Pick
one out, and I’ll be there in a minute.”
    The
home theatre room was a good size, probably about 25 feet deep with a large
movie screen about eight feet across. There were four rows of theatre style
seating, each with five cocoa-colored plush chairs in a row. The recessed
lights let off a dim glow, offering a subtle ambiance to the room, and the
carpets and walls were done in neutral tones of beige, ivory, and burgundy. I’d
just chosen a movie when Jason appeared and looked down at my choice.
    He
stopped short, raised his eyebrows, and grinned. “I never took you for an
action-flick sort of girl.”
    “Oh
really,” I slapped the movie into his hand. “What kind of girl did you take me
for?”
    “Maybe
mysterious with a deep plot. Or,” he tapped the movie against his head,
“romantic with a hint of comedy.”
    “I can
be those kinds of girls too.” I placed a hand on my hip. “But really, at heart
I love action, speed, and loud music. Fast & Furious is one of my
favorites. The opening scene with the oil tankers rocks – lets you experience
the danger without actually living it.” I paused and bit my finger. “After
yesterday, I can definitely say I’ve lived it. I don’t know about you, but I’m
ready to just watch it. Besides,” I winked, “I’ll watch any movie with Paul
Walker more than once.”
    “You’ve
got to be kidding.” His face scrunched together in disgust.
    “Oh
no. Paul Walker is a hottie.”
    He
frowned, “No, I meant…oh, never mind. If this is the one you want to watch,
I’ll put it in.”
    As he
fiddled around with the projector system, I said smoothly, “Ya know, you kind
of remind me of Paul Walker. Blonde, tall, pretty boy face,” I giggled, because
he was blushing profusely. “And how strange, you both have the same last name.”
When he turned around with arched eyebrows, his eyes penetrated straight
through to my soul. I clasped my hands nervously behind my back but refused to
look away. “Personally though, I think your aqua-marine eyes are more
incredible than his baby blues.”
    He
moved impossibly fast and stopped before me. “You shouldn’t say those things.”
He closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose.
    “Why?”
I prompted.
    “You
know why.” His voice was deep and his breathing ragged and his eyes were still
closed.
    “No, I
don’t, where there is a will there is a way. So, make me understand.”
    His eyes
popped open, and he snapped his fingers. “Popcorn. Come with me.”
    Popcorn?
Seriously? He wasn’t ready yet, but I could see I was affecting him. I’d just
have to keep working on him. Shaking off the feelings, I followed him to the
kitchen where we used an air-popper instead of microwave popcorn. My heart
melted. “Now, if we only had licorice,” I said wistfully.
    “Ask
and you shall receive.” He opened the cupboard door. “Red or